Last-Minute TikTok Bidders Include Amazon And OnlyFans Founder; AppLovin, Oracle, And Blackstone Also In Talks

​As the April 5 deadline approaches for ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a ban, several entities have submitted bids to acquire the popular social media platform:​

• Amazon: The tech giant has made a last-minute offer to purchase TikTok. However, officials involved in the negotiations are reportedly not taking this bid seriously. ​AP News

• AppLovin: This mobile technology company has also entered the fray, expressing interest in acquiring TikTok. ​Adweek+1WSJ+1

• Zoop and The HBAR Foundation: Tim Stokely, founder of OnlyFans, through his new startup Zoop, in collaboration with The HBAR Foundation, has submitted a bid. Their proposal emphasizes a “creator-first” approach, aiming to implement a more equitable revenue-sharing model that benefits content creators and users. ​99Bitcoins+3WIRED+3Reuters+3

The U.S. government has mandated that ByteDance sell TikTok’s U.S. operations by April 5, citing national security concerns. If a sale does not occur by this deadline, TikTok faces a potential ban in the United States. ​

The outcome of these bids remains uncertain, and it is unclear which, if any, will be accepted before the impending deadline.

The fate of TikTok’s U.S. operations remains uncertain as the April 5 deadline for ByteDance to divest the platform approaches. Congress passed a law last year requiring TikTok to be sold to a U.S.-based buyer or face a nationwide ban due to national security concerns over potential Chinese government influence.

In recent days, new bidders have entered the negotiations. Amazon, AppLovin, and Zoop, a company co-founded by OnlyFans founder Tim Stokely, have reportedly made offers to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations. Meanwhile, discussions have emerged around a proposal that would allow ByteDance to lease TikTok’s recommendation algorithm to a U.S. buyer while retaining a minority stake.

Tech giant Oracle and private equity firm Blackstone have also expressed interest in investing in or acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations. However, it remains unclear whether the U.S. government or Chinese regulators would approve a deal that allows ByteDance to retain control over TikTok’s core algorithm. With the deadline fast approaching, the final outcome will depend on negotiations between U.S. officials, ByteDance, and potential buyers.