The race to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations just got a whole lot more exciting—YouTube megastar MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, has thrown his hat into the ring with a cash-only offer. The 26-year-old internet sensation, known for his jaw-dropping giveaways and viral stunts, has teamed up with tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley to bid for the American arm of the wildly popular social media platform.
But MrBeast isn’t the only high-profile name eyeing TikTok. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted that tech moguls Elon Musk and Larry Ellison could also be interested in taking over the app, valued at a staggering $1 trillion (£811 billion). The battle for TikTok is heating up, and the competition is fierce!
MrBeast’s Bid: From Viral Videos to Billion-Dollar Deals
MrBeast, who boasts an eye-popping 346 million YouTube subscribers, is no stranger to ambitious moves. From giving away islands to launching his own food chain, he’s always looking for the next big thing. Now, he's set his sights on TikTok, telling fans on social media:
"I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned."
Teaming up with Jesse Tinsley, the founder of online HR platform Employer.com, Donaldson’s bid is backed by an undisclosed group of investors. While the exact amount of their offer remains a mystery, it's clear MrBeast is serious about stepping into the business world in a whole new way.
Trump’s Billionaire Wishlist: Musk and Ellison Enter the Chat
During a press conference, Donald Trump threw out a couple of familiar names as potential TikTok buyers:
- Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX
- Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle and the fourth wealthiest person on the planet
When asked about the possibility of Musk stepping in, Trump responded, “I would be, if he wanted to buy it. I’d like Larry [Ellison] to buy it too.”
Ellison, present at the press event, even chimed in, calling TikTok a "good deal"—but whether he’ll actually place a bid remains to be seen.
Related: MrBeast: The Rise of a YouTube Titan and His Path to Billionaire Status
Related: Trump Delays TikTok Ban: U.S. Users Back Online Amid Political Drama
Why Is TikTok Up for Sale?
TikTok's U.S. future has been in limbo for months, with the app facing a potential ban unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests its American operations. The deadline was set for January 19, but Trump has temporarily halted the enforcement of the law, giving the platform a lifeline—for now.
However, lawmakers are already raising eyebrows at Trump’s move, questioning its legality and warning that companies involved in TikTok’s operations could face major financial consequences if they don’t comply. Apple and Google had not reinstated the app on their app stores as of Tuesday, keeping TikTok fans on edge.
Who Else Might Bid?
With a trillion-dollar valuation and over 150 million U.S. users, TikTok is a goldmine, and several big players could still enter the fray, including major tech companies like Microsoft, Meta, or even Amazon.
For now, though, MrBeast remains the most unexpected—and intriguing—candidate to buy the app. Can the king of YouTube take on the world of social media ownership? Only time will tell.
The Verdict: Will TikTok Get a New Owner?
The battle for TikTok is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle with billionaires, politicians, and internet stars all in the mix. Whether it’s MrBeast, Musk, or Ellison, one thing is certain—TikTok’s future in the U.S. is far from settled, and the drama is only just beginning.
