The app’s future is still very much uncertain.
TikTok may have bounced back online, but its future in the United States remains in jeopardy. The app, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has been at the center of political and business debates, with its fate hanging in the balance. While a temporary delay in enforcement has kept the app operational, the need for a long-term solution is more urgent than ever.
In recent years, ByteDance has resisted selling TikTok’s U.S. business. However, shifting political tides, particularly under the Trump administration, have increased the likelihood of a deal. ByteDance investors and even officials in China have suggested they are open to negotiations, signaling that an acquisition may be on the horizon.
But who might be willing—or able—to buy TikTok? Several major players and high-profile individuals have expressed interest in acquiring or controlling the platform. From tech giants to billionaire entrepreneurs, the potential buyers are as diverse as they are ambitious. Here’s a look at the most notable names in the mix and what their involvement could mean for TikTok’s future.
Oracle: A Longstanding Contender
Oracle has long been tied to TikTok’s U.S. operations. The cloud computing company, led by Trump ally Larry Ellison, has been in talks to take control of TikTok’s global operations alongside a group of investors. NPR reported that Oracle’s plan would involve ByteDance retaining a minority stake while Oracle would oversee the app’s algorithm, data collection, and software updates.
Oracle already has a history with TikTok, as it currently hosts the platform’s U.S. user data. Back in 2020, Oracle and Walmart nearly acquired a 20% stake in TikTok, but the deal fell through after the political landscape shifted. Now, with TikTok once again facing an uncertain future, Oracle appears to be back in the running. However, despite Ellison’s recent presence at the White House, Trump has claimed that Oracle isn’t among the companies he’s directly spoken with about the deal.
Microsoft: A Renewed Interest
Microsoft is another company reportedly eyeing TikTok. The tech giant was involved in acquisition talks back in 2020 but ultimately walked away. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella later described the experience as “the strangest thing I’ve ever worked on.”
Now, Microsoft appears to be back in the conversation. NPR recently reported that Microsoft is among a group of potential investors engaging with Oracle in discussions about TikTok’s future. Trump himself confirmed that Microsoft is interested, though the details of its involvement remain unclear.
Given Microsoft’s strong AI capabilities and enterprise expertise, an acquisition could push TikTok in new directions, potentially integrating it with Microsoft’s cloud services or AI-powered tools. Whether this would preserve TikTok’s identity or transform it into something new is another question entirely.
Perplexity AI and a Potential Government Stake
One of the most unconventional offers has come from Perplexity AI, which initially proposed a deal combining itself, TikTok U.S., and New Capital Partners into a single entity. However, the proposal has since evolved into something even more ambitious.
According to the Associated Press, Perplexity AI is now advocating for a structure that would allow the U.S. government to own up to 50% of TikTok’s U.S. operations following an initial public offering of at least $300 billion. Under this arrangement, ByteDance would retain a minority stake, but TikTok’s U.S. version would operate without the proprietary algorithm that drives its popular For You page.
While this proposal might align with concerns about national security and data privacy, it raises legal and logistical questions. Would such a deal comply with Supreme Court rulings and legislative constraints? Moreover, would TikTok remain the same without the algorithm that has made it so addictive and influential?
MrBeast and the Billionaire Takeover Bid
YouTuber and internet personality MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) initially joked about buying TikTok, tweeting, “Okay fine, I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned.” However, the idea quickly gained traction. He later revealed that multiple billionaires had approached him about making a serious offer.
A consortium led by Jesse Tinsley, the founder of employer.com, has reportedly included MrBeast in an effort to put together an all-cash offer. Other backers include Roblox CEO David Baszucki, and Bloomberg has reported that their combined bid exceeds $20 billion. However, it remains unclear how seriously their offer is being considered.
Could a content creator like MrBeast bring a new vision to TikTok? While an influencer-led acquisition would be unconventional, it would also ensure the platform remains in the hands of those who understand its audience best. But the question remains—do they have the financial and strategic backing to pull it off?
Project Liberty: Another Investor Group Steps In
Another group throwing its hat in the ring is Project Liberty, led by investor Frank McCourt and featuring Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary. Initially proposed before TikTok’s brief shutdown, their bid remains somewhat ambiguous.
O’Leary has raised concerns about government involvement in a TikTok sale, arguing that deals involving federal ownership may not comply with legal precedents. He has also suggested that the sale must be carefully structured to align with congressional rulings.
While Project Liberty has yet to make a fully publicized offer, O’Leary’s recent comments suggest that negotiations remain fluid. “This deal changes by the hour,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), implying that ongoing discussions could shift in unpredictable directions.
What’s Next for TikTok?
For now, TikTok remains in limbo. The app is still unavailable for new downloads from Apple and Google’s app stores, and unless an agreement is reached, another shutdown remains a possibility.
Despite the uncertainty, both ByteDance and U.S. officials seem more open to negotiations than in previous years. The sheer number of interested buyers—ranging from tech giants to investors and influencers—suggests that TikTok’s future will be determined in the coming weeks. However, whether any deal will satisfy regulatory, national security, and business concerns remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: TikTok is too big to simply disappear. Whether through a sale, restructuring, or continued legal battles, the fight for control of one of the world’s most influential social media platforms is far from over.
Stay tuned, as this saga is only getting started.
