Who could buy TikTok in the US? Top 3 contenders

TikTok is up for grabs in the United States after President Donald Trump stepped in as its savior and delayed a law that could have forced it to cease operations on January 19^th.

He now wants a US investor to take a major stake in the renowned platform for short videos and end its misery once and for all.

Here are the top 3 contenders that could potentially buy TikTok by the end of March 2025.

MrBeast

Jimmy Donaldson – a social media celebrity that’s known more broadly as “MrBeast” is reportedly interested in buying TikTok.

The internet personality has been in talks with billionaires and even has an official offer ready, according to videos he’s recently posted on the platform.

“Several potential buyers are in ongoing discussions with Jimmy, but he has no exclusive agreements with any of them,” his spokesperson Matthew Hiltzik told CNBC in an interview this week.

Note that MrBeast has more than 100 million followers currently on TikTok. He’s estimated to be worth around $1.0 billion at writing.

Larry Ellison

One of the names that President Trump himself has hinted could buy TikTok is Larry Ellison – the chairman of Oracle Corp.

The multinational computer technology company is currently working with ByteDance as its cloud infrastructure provider in the United States.

So, it’s “directly invested in TikTok’s success in the region,” according to Scotiabank analyst Nat Schindler.

Note that Larry Ellison was among notable names that showed interest in buying TikTok the first time the US tried to ban the short-video platform. That’s why Wedbush Securities also expects him or Oracle to “play a pivotal role in any deal” concerning TikTok.

Elon Musk

Another prominent name from within Trump’s inner circle that could emerge as a potential buyer of TikTok in the US is billionaire Elon Musk.

Musk has been vocal against the ruling that aimed at banning the app and has business tied with Beijing as well.

There have even been reports suggesting the Chinese government itself is interested in Musk buying the US operations of TikTok.

“Elon Musk continues to be front and center as a potential bidder for TikTok, which likely includes some tech partners/outside investors to get a deal done.

Musk would be handpicked by Beijing and his ironclad relationship with Trump would make this a very logical choice,” according to Wedbush analysts.

Additionally, Musk’s $44 billion buyout of Twitter (now X.com) shows he’s interest in owning social media platforms and has experience on that front as well.

However, “the perception that he’s using X to promote certain political ideas, his involvement in TikTok could draw additional fire and antitrust scrutiny,” argues Scotiabank’s Schindler.

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