TikTok Is Launching a New App That Probably No One Will Use

Credit: TikTok / Apple App Store

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TikTok users in the U.S. now have yet another way to engage with the TikTok ecosystem—this time through a new standalone app focused on live entertainment and "cultural milestones." TikTok Pro Events is centered on fan culture for events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, encouraging users to search for trending hashtags, visit the event hub, and share related content. Doing so earns you rewards—called Stars—which can be redeemed in-app for official merch, TikTok Shop coupons, or TikTok-funded charitable donations.

The new app is now available to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, though exclusively for those in the U.S. If you don't want to download a separate app, you can still access World Cup event hubs in the main TikTok app by searching "FIFA World Cup," which raises the question of why this new app is necessary—and whether any U.S.-based TikTokkers will actually bother to use it in favor of the main TikTok app.

New under TikTok's new owners

Of course, it doesn't seem like the app is really for TikTok users as much as for the benefit of TikTok's new U.S. owners. As TechCrunch notes, TikTok Pro Events offers revenue opportunities for TikTok USDS Joint Venture, the new owner of the platform's U.S. operations arm, with sponsorships, partnerships, and advertising.

While this is the first standalone app introduced under TikTok's new ownership, it's not the first launch targeted at U.S. users. Local Feed, a feature designed to show you content from your immediate geographic area, rolled out to the main TikTok app in February (though exclusively in the U.S.). It's worth noting that Local Feed has opt-in GPS data sharing, which allows TikTok to see your precise location in order to deliver more specific content. If you don't enable this setting, the app will use "coarse location" data based on your IP address, network, and posting activity to customize your local feed.

In May, TikTok USDS JV also introduced TikTok GO, a travel-focused feature (similar to TikTok Shop) that helps users discover hotels, attractions, and tours, check availability, and complete their booking—all within the app. While the feature relies on partnerships with third-party engines like Booking.com, Expedia, and Viator, it does not require users to leave TikTok to complete their transaction.