TikTok Is Launching a New App That Probably No One Will Use.
TikTok users in the US now have another way to engage with the TikTok ecosystem—this time through a new standalone app focused on live streaming and “cultural events.” TikTok Pro Events is dedicated to fan culture around events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, encouraging users to search for popular hashtags, visit the events section, and share relevant content. Doing so earns rewards called “Stars,” which can be redeemed in the app for official merchandise, TikTok Shop coupons, or TikTok-funded charitable donations.
The new app is now available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, albeit exclusively for US users. If you don’t want to download a separate app, you can still access the World Cup-related sections of the main TikTok app by searching for “FIFA World Cup,” which raises questions about the necessity of this new app—and whether US TikTok users will even use it instead of the main TikTok app.
A new app under TikTok’s new owners
Of course, the app appears to be aimed less at TikTok users than at the platform’s new American owners. As TechCrunch notes , TikTok Pro Events provides revenue opportunities for TikTok USDS Joint Venture, the new owner of the platform’s American division, through sponsorships, partnerships, and advertising.
While this is the first standalone app launched under TikTok’s new leadership, it’s not the first launch targeting US users. The “Local Feed” feature, designed to display content from your immediate geographic region, debuted in the main TikTok app in February (albeit exclusively in the US). It’s worth noting that the “Local Feed” has an opt-in option to share GPS data, allowing TikTok to see your precise location to deliver more targeted content. If you don’t enable this setting, the app will use “approximate location” data based on your IP address, network, and post activity to personalize your local feed.
In May, TikTok’s USDS joint venture also introduced TikTok GO , a travel-focused feature (similar to TikTok Shop) that helps users find hotels, attractions, and tours, check availability, and complete bookings—all within the app. While this feature is based on partnerships with third-party search engines like Booking.com, Expedia, and Viator, users don’t need to leave TikTok to complete the transaction.