Content creator Jimmy Donaldson, known on the Internet as MrBeast, has made it clear he is interested in buying TikTok. Donaldson has the most subscribers of any user on YouTube— over 340 million—and boasts over 113 million TikTok followers.
Jimmy Donaldson - aka MrBeast - was jubilant as he told his tens of millions of TikTok followers about his bid to buy the platform. "I might become you guys' new CEO! I'm super excited!" Donaldson said from a private jet. He then proceeded to promise $10,000 to five random new followers.
TikTok’s time will expire on Jan. 19 if no buyer is found or the Supreme Court rules in the app’s favor. Here’s what to know.
As TikTok faces a potential ban, various bidders, including Elon Musk and Larry Ellison, are key contenders to buy the platform. Meanwhile, Netflix remains a possible option among streaming giants, though the company has not historically pursued major acquisitions.
TikTok was only offline for 12 hours in the US before incoming president Donald Trump signalled that he would delay the nationwide ban of the Chinese-owned app. Trump gave a 75 day reprieve for TikTok and its 170 million users after signing an executive order on his first day in office on Monday,
Social media influencer MrBeast says he'd buy TikTok to keep it from being banned. Elon Musk reportedly is interested in buying the app as well.
Will TikTok find a U.S. buyer to remain legal? After Trump vowed to make a deal to save the app, MrBeast has emerged as part of a joint bid.
The media personality himself is also a controversial figure. MrBeast, real name James Stephen “Jimmy” Donaldson, has faced accusations of fostering a difficult working environment, bullying employees, rigging contests, misleading fans, and knowingly employing a registered sex offender.
It’s not clear if TikTok’s owner ByteDance has seriously considered the offer, Bloomberg reported. Others floated as potential buyers include Elon Musk, Amazon, Oracle, and a syndicate headed by billionaire Frank McCourt.
The app, which was set to be banned, now has a bit more time to find a home and address national security issues
Elon Musk is being eyed by Chinese authorities as a potential buyer of TikTok. Newsweek's live blog is closed.
He previously floated a joint venture, saying that the US should be entitled to half of the app.