TikTok is preparing to launch a standalone app for US users that is expected to operate on a separate algorithm and data system from its global app, laying the groundwork for a potential sale orchestrated by US President Donald Trump, according to people familiar with the matter.

TikTok's owner, ByteDance, has plans to move Americans to a US-specific version of CapCut as it looks to meet requirements for a divest-or-ban law.

The TikTok US-only app strategy centers on creating an independent recommendation system that would operate entirely apart from ByteDance’s global infrastructure. The new app is expected to use only data from US users to train its recommendation algorithms, further distancing it from TikTok’s global systems, according to the SCMP report.

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok and CapCut, is planning to launch U.S.-specific version of the popular apps.

TikTok is developing a U.S.-only app with a separate algorithm and data system to comply with U.S. law and facilitate a potential sale amid political and trade tensions with China.