On the 19th of January, the world held its breath as TikTok was briefly banned in the US. Despite being restored just 12 hours later, the TikTok ban was arguably the most dramatic event moment for influencers in 2025. However, the saga still isn’t over; keeping TikTok active in the US is dependent on its sale to a company in the US itself.
Trump is allegedly “dealing” with four prospective buyers, all eager to claim the app for themselves. So, what do we know about these four groups, and who is most likely to win TikTok for good?
Who are the four groups trying to buy TikTok?
Trump answers questions about TikTok sale on Air Force One
On Sunday, Trump claimed that the US was dealing with four different groups who were interested in buying TikTok. When he was asked if there would be a deal approaching soon, he teased that “it could be.”
One of the companies in the running is actually an initiative called “The People’s Bid for TikTok,” headed by sports and real estate tycoon Frank McCourt’s Project Liberty initiative.
Microsoft and Oracle are also in talks, as well as a group that includes YouTube star and multi-millionaire MrBeast, whose actual name is Jimmy Donaldson.
However, Trump didn’t indicate a preference towards any of the potential buyers when he was asked, so it’s still all up in the air. Although, he did note that “all four are good.”
How much is TikTok really worth?
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives told The Economic Times that the popular social media app is worth “well north of $100 billion” but could be closer to $200 billion in a “best case scenario.” It’s a hefty purchase for the lucky buyer, whoever it might be.
How does the current CEO of TikTok feel about it all?
While Trump seems eager to sell the app to a US company, that doesn’t mean the current CEO is too pleased. The current CEO of Bytedance, TikTok’s parent company, Shou Zi Chew, claimed that TikTok will not be sold, and that the company will challenge the law in court.
Despite Trump’s motivation to sell the app, it was actually President Biden who signed the bill that would force it to be sold back in April 2024. Since then, it’s had many prospective buyers - including Elon Musk.
TikTok quickly shut down the idea of Musk owning the platform, and told BBC News, “We can’t be expected to comment on such fiction.”
The Biden administration had previously argued that without a sale of the app, TikTok could potentially be used by China as a way of spying or manipulating US public opinion.
However, the company has consistently denied any influence by the Chinese Communist Party and has said the law banning the app infringes on the First Amendment right for free speech.
