The takeover of TikTok is causing a stir in the United States. Find out who are the investors ready to save the app and what this means for its future.
Visit buyout of TikTok has become one of the hottest topics of the moment. While the app continues to captivate millions of users in the United States, its future remains suspended due to a threat of a ban imposed by the American government. Between political pressure and colossal financial stakes, several investors and companies are ready to position themselves to take over one of the most influential social networks in the world. But who are these actors and what are their intentions?
Why should TikTok be sold?
Visit buyout of TikTok comes amid growing concerns about the security of US user data. Since 2020, tensions between the US and ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, have been growing. The Trump administration had previously tried to ban the app, citing risks of cyber espionage and political influence.
Under the Biden administration, the pressure has intensified. In April 2024, a law was signed requiring TikTok to be sold to a U.S. company or face a ban. The move sent a tidal wave through the tech world, attracting the attention of major investors.
The main candidates for the TikTok takeover
With a valuation of over $60 billion, the buyout of TikTok is stirring up interest. Several groups and influential figures are positioning themselves to acquire the application and thus guarantee its presence on American soil.
The People's Bid: A project to bring TikTok back to users
The most ambitious offers include The People's Bid, a consortium led by Frank McCourt, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and founder of Project Liberty. Its goal is to transform TikTok into a more transparent and privacy-friendly platform by adopting an open-source management model.
Tech figures have joined this project, including:
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Alexis Ohanianco-founder of Reddit, as a strategic advisor.
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Kevin O'Leary, famous investor and Shark Tank contestant.
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Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, who advocates for greater control of user data.
This offer stands out for its desire to reinvent TikTok while guaranteeing its independence from large technology companies.
A consortium of American investors
Led by Employer.com CEO Jesse Tinsley, the group has proposed a $30 billion cash buyout for TikTok. Key investors include:
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David Baszuckico-founder and CEO of Roblox.
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Nathan McCauleyfounder of crypto platform Anchorage Digital.
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Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), famous YouTube influencer.
This project aims to keep TikTok in the hands of purely American interests, with an approach focused on entertainment and innovation.
Oracle and Walmart: a comeback
Oracle and Walmart are two players who had already expressed interest in the buyout of TikTok in 2020. Now, they're back in the race. Oracle, led by Larry Ellison, is leveraging its cloud computing expertise to keep user data secure. For its part, Walmart sees TikTok as a unique opportunity to integrate a direct sales channel into social commerce.
Other interested parties in the running
In addition to these behemoths, other figures from the business world are also looking to position themselves:
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Bobby Kotick, former CEO of Activision, who sees TikTok as a future interactive media.
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Steven Mnuchin, a former U.S. Treasury secretary, who wants to put together an investor group for the purchase.
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Microsoft, who expressed renewed interest in the app.
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Rumble, an alternative to YouTube, which wants to transform TikTok into a space for freedom of expression.
What are the consequences for users?
Visit buyout of TikTok could lead to major changes for millions of American users. Several scenarios are possible:
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A redesign of the algorithm system, according to the buyer, for better data protection.
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A change in the economic model, with a potential increase in advertising or the addition of paid services.
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A data migration to the United States, ensuring that ByteDance no longer has access to US users' information.
What you need to remember
Visit buyout of TikTok is much more than just a financial transaction. It reflects major geopolitical, economic and technological issues. Between American investor groups, large companies and open-source projects, TikTok's future remains uncertain. One thing is certain: the fate of the application will be decided in the coming months.
The team of ValueYourNetwork, an influencer marketing expert since 2016, has been closely following this development and supporting brands with their strategies on TikTok and other platforms. Stay tuned to learn more about the future of social media and its impact on the digital marketing !