“Why would they name it M2?”: Netizens react as TikTok reportedly develops new U.S.-only app

TikTok may soon be getting a major makeover but not in the way fans were hoping for. According to a report by The Information, the social media giant is reportedly working on a new app internally dubbed “M2,” designed exclusively for users in the United States. This app is expected to launch in September 2025.

Here’s the kicker: TikTok as we know it could be gone for U.S. users by March 2026. If users want to keep accessing the platform, they’ll need to download M2. The move has left the internet confused, curious, and mostly clowning the name choice.

One user commented: “Why would they name it M2 though.”

TikTok rebrand sparks memes, mockery, and mixed feelings

News of the app's potential U.S.-only replacement quickly began circulating online. The timing lines up with ByteDance's ongoing legal battles in the United States, where a new law requires the China-based parent company to divest from the app or face a ban. Many speculate that M2 is TikTok’s way of complying by rolling out a new, separate version of the app just for Americans.

But while the reasoning behind it might be strategic, the name itself is getting dragged.

One user said: “How exactly is the USA a free country?”

The confusion wasn’t just about the name. The idea of splitting the platform into two apps and asking users to redownload everything feels unnecessary to many.

A user joked about the growing trend of rebranding platforms: “Between X & M2, we still calling it Twitter & TikTok 😂”

The situation instantly reminded users of Twitter's rebrand to “X,” which also faced backlash and widespread refusal to adopt the new name.

Another user summed up the general vibe: “Dang, another TikTok rebrand? This name sucks ngl.”

One user simply said: “We don’t want it.”

While another added with no further explanation: “Ok..”

Whether the reactions were sarcastic, critical, or just downright confused, one thing’s clear Tik Tok’s reported M2 rollout isn’t off to the warmest start in the court of public opinion.

ByteDance has yet to make any official announcements. For now, M2 remains an internal codename, but that hasn’t stopped people from spiraling into memes, think pieces, and name-bashing tweets.

If Tik Tok does launch M2 in the U.S., it could mark a major shift in how the app functions and is perceived stateside. But with fans already skeptical of the name, and weary of forced changes, the rebrand could be a tough sell. Whether it's M2 or “Tik Tok 2.0,” users are making one thing very clear: they're not ready to let go of the original that easily.

And judging by the reactions so far, ByteDance might want to rethink that name.

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