With ByteDance under mounting pressure to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, the focus has shifted to potential buyers who could take over the wildly popular social media platform. National security concerns have driven this move, as U.S. officials remain wary of ByteDance’s Chinese ownership and possible access to American user data by Beijing. While the deadline looms, several U.S.-based companies and prominent figures have emerged as likely contenders for acquiring TikTok.

Microsoft: Expanding Its Influence in Social Media

Microsoft stands out as one of the top contenders. The tech giant is no stranger to large-scale acquisitions, having successfully integrated LinkedIn into its ecosystem. Buying TikTok would mark Microsoft’s first step into mainstream social media, giving it access to millions of young users.
Microsoft’s expertise in data management and security makes it a favorable candidate to handle TikTok’s U.S. user data responsibly, potentially alleviating U.S. government concerns about data privacy.

Oracle: A Focus on Data Security

Oracle has long been rumored as a potential buyer for TikTok. Known for its strength in cloud infrastructure and database solutions, Oracle could provide the security assurances the U.S. government is seeking.
In 2020, Oracle was nearly selected to partner with TikTok, forming an arrangement that would allow it to manage user data for U.S. operations. That experience and Oracle’s close ties with Washington make it a strong contender this time around.

Frank McCourt: The Privacy-First Visionary

Billionaire Frank McCourt has also expressed interest in acquiring TikTok through his Project Liberty initiative. Unlike traditional buyers, McCourt aims to transform social media by prioritizing user autonomy and privacy.
If successful, McCourt’s plan could shift TikTok’s operations toward a more decentralized model, empowering users and promoting transparency in data handling.

Steven Mnuchin and the Investor Consortium

Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is reportedly leading a group of investors keen on acquiring TikTok. His involvement brings both financial clout and political connections, which could smooth regulatory hurdles.
Mnuchin’s vision centers on ensuring that TikTok’s operations remain under American control, eliminating risks tied to foreign ownership while preserving the platform’s vibrant community.

U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund: An Unconventional Approach

In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to explore the creation of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, which could potentially buy a stake in TikTok. This strategy aims to bring TikTok under partial U.S. government control to ensure its compliance with national security requirements.
While unconventional, this approach could guarantee that U.S. user data remains within the country, mitigating the most significant concerns about foreign influence.

Perplexity AI: Merging AI and Social Media

Perplexity AI, a California-based company known for its advanced AI-driven search tools, has emerged as an unexpected bidder. Acquiring TikTok would allow the firm to blend cutting-edge AI with social media, creating new user experiences and strengthening its foothold in the tech sector.
Though smaller compared to other contenders, Perplexity AI’s focus on innovation could give TikTok a competitive edge in the evolving social media landscape.

Could Elon Musk Enter the Picture?

Despite speculation, Elon Musk has publicly stated that he is not interested in acquiring TikTok. Known for his bold ventures into tech and media, Musk’s recent acquisition of Twitter has already consumed significant resources and attention. While some believe his expertise and vision could revamp TikTok, others argue that integrating a platform like TikTok into his portfolio would be a stretch given his current focus on SpaceX, Tesla, and Twitter. Musk’s rejection of the idea has left the field open for other buyers to step up.

What’s at Stake?

The next few months will be crucial in determining TikTok’s fate in the U.S. While ByteDance scrambles to meet the deadline, these potential buyers are preparing their bids, each offering a unique approach to managing TikTok’s operations.
Beyond data security, the sale represents a rare opportunity for U.S. companies to acquire a highly influential platform with an engaged user base. Whoever wins the bid will not only inherit a social media powerhouse but will also be tasked with navigating the complex regulatory and political landscape surrounding TikTok.

Saiful Haque is a recent graduate student interested in AI and business development.