Tiktok’s future in the United States becomes more and more uncertain with the approach of the deadline of April 5, 2025, a deadline imposed by the American government at Bytedance to transfer the ownership of the popular social media. The platform has become a powerful search engine for the Z generation, influencing the way the brands consider the public discovery and engagement. Tiktok has also transformed the search mode, offering an improved and more entertaining search experience compared to traditional social media platforms and search engines. The growing concerns relating to links with Chinese property and potential vulnerability in terms of privacy of user data have intensified the investigations by US legislators, opening the way to a potential battle for the acquisition of Tiktok following the Ban of the US government.
In this scenario of high uncertainty, Several subjects have expressed a concrete or potential interest in the acquisition of Tiktok, outlining a complex and dynamic competitive panorama.
Amazon: the e-commerce giant recently formalized an offer for the acquisition of Tiktok, By sending a formal proposal to key figures such as Vice President JD Vance and the Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. Although no official public statements have been issued by the company, the reaction of the stock market was immediate and positive, with an increase of about 2% of the value of Amazon shares. Investors seem to glimpse a strategic opportunity in this acquisition to expand Amazon’s presence in the social media sector, exploiting synergies with platforms previously acquired such as Twitch and Goodreadsand pursuing a wider positioning in the digital panorama. Previously, Amazon had explored a format similar to Tiktok called Inspire, then abandoned. Experts in the sector speculate that The acquisition of Tiktok could offer Amazon more opportunities to attract a younger consumers’ range, integrating the functionality of social media with its online shopping platform.
Microsoft: already the protagonist of an attempt to acquire Tiktok in 2020, Microsoft is again indicated as one of the main contenders. His solid reputation and his advanced technological skills in the artificial intelligence and cloud computing sectors make it an attractive potential buyer. Microsoft’s interest could be motivated by the desire to strengthen its presence in the digital advertising market, going beyond its current LinkedIn professional platform. Donald Trump has publicly confirmed Microsoft’s interestfurther fueling speculations.
Oracle: driven by Larry Ellison, Oracle has already established a significant partnership with Tiktok, acting as a trusted supplier for the filing of US user data data. This pre -existing report and Oracle’s competence in the infrastructure data place it as another serious contender for the acquisition. However, some rumors had previously denied ongoing negotiations for the global acquisition of the platform. Despite that, Trump declared himself open to the possibility that Ellison becomes the owner of Tiktok.
Elon Musk: despite not publicly expressed a formal interest, The figure of Elon Musk has often been combined with a potential acquisition of Tiktok. This speculation is fueled by its recent Twitter acquisition (now X) and its close relationship with the Trump administration. The same platform Tiktok has denied the possibility of its direct involvement in the purchase. Nonetheless, Trump has also shown himself to be a possible acquisition by Musk.
Project Liberty: this initiative, led by Frank McCourt, He launched a proposal called “The People’s Bid for TikTok“. The distinctive approach of this offer lies in Attempt to finance the acquisition through a crowdfunding, allowing individuals and small businesses to acquire a participation in the future of Tiktok. The offer is distinguished by its commitment to American technology and transparency in the management of user data. Perplexity Ai also presented a formal offer.
MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson): the well -known personalities of the Internet explored the idea of presenting a cash offer for the acquisition of Tiktok, With the aim of dealing with the concerns relating to national security expressed by the US government.
Steven Mnuchin: The former Treasury of the United States Treasury is actively collecting investors to present an offer for Tiktok. Although the bytedance negotiations had previously been suspended, Mnuchin considers essential that Tiktok’s property remains in American hands.
In addition to the prominent names, Also the founder of Onlyfans, Tim Stokelywith its investment fund, e The Oracle and Blackstone investment companies, competing with a third consortium, have expressed an interest in the acquisition of the US operations of Tiktok. This intense competition underlines the significant risks at stake, given the firm position of the US government regarding concerns for national security and privacy of data related to the Chinese property of Tiktok.
Donald Trump’s declaration of welcoming a “war of offers” for Tiktok, explicitly mentioning Microsoft among the companies concerned, adds a further element of uncertainty and competitiveness to the story. His preference for auctions, motivated by the possibility of obtaining the best agreement, suggests that the battle for Tiktok could last and involve further actors in the near future.