YouTube sensation and TikTok star Jimmy Donaldson, famously known as MrBeast, has officially joined a group of investors bidding to acquire TikTok. This development comes as the social media platform faces a looming 75-day deadline to find a non-Chinese owner or risk being permanently banned in the United States.
MrBeast’s Bold Move
On January 13, MrBeast tweeted humorously, “Okay fine, I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned.” While the tweet sounded playful, his intentions are genuine, according to his lawyer. Donaldson, the world’s most-subscribed YouTuber, and a top TikTok creator posted a follow-up video on TikTok, stating, “I just got out of a meeting with a bunch of billionaires. TikTok, we mean business.”
In the video, he introduced his lawyer and confirmed that a formal offer to buy TikTok was in place.
Investor Group and Bid Details
The investor group, led by Jesse Tinsley, CEO of Employer.com, includes institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals committed to preserving TikTok for its 170 million American users. Tinsley’s statement emphasized that the proposal would ensure TikTok’s continuity while addressing national security concerns.
While the exact amount of the bid remains undisclosed, the group’s approach aims to secure TikTok’s US operations without disrupting its user base or operations.
TikTok’s Turbulent Journey
TikTok’s future in the US has been uncertain since 2020, when then-President Trump signed an executive order to ban the app unless ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, sold it to a US-based entity. The Supreme Court recently upheld the federal law supporting this decision, amplifying pressure on ByteDance.
Last week, TikTok briefly went offline, displaying a message that the app was unavailable due to the enacted law. The platform was restored after President Trump delayed the ban by signing an executive order, granting a 75-day extension.
Competing Bids for TikTok
MrBeast’s consortium is not the only group vying for TikTok. “The People’s Bid for TikTok,” Supported by Kevin O’Leary, Frank McCourt, and Tim Berners-Lee, it has joined the race. This group, supported by Guggenheim Securities, values TikTok’s US assets—excluding its algorithm—between $40 billion and $50 billion.
Challenges Ahead
TikTok’s algorithm, considered the core of its success, adds complexity to valuing the platform. While ByteDance has stated it has no intention of selling, the law leaves the company with limited options. The 75-day delay provides a temporary reprieve but no permanent solution, raising the stakes for all involved parties.
Conclusion
With MrBeast and other high-profile investors stepping into the fray, TikTok’s uncertain fate has become a heated battle involving billionaires, lawmakers, and tech enthusiasts. Whether the platform finds a new home or faces a nationwide ban, the next few weeks will be pivotal for its future in the US.
