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TikTok’s future in the U.S. is on shaky ground once again, and if things go a certain way, it could end up with a brand-new owner. With lawmakers pushing for a ban or forced sale due to national security concerns, speculation is heating up over who might swoop in and take control of one of the world’s most popular social media platforms.
Several individuals and companies have expressed interest in TikTok, with Trump himself suggesting he’d like to see a “bidding war” and even hinting that the U.S. government should hold a stake in the company. But what an actual deal might look like remains uncertain.
As of March 9, Trump stated that his administration was in discussions with “four different groups” regarding a potential sale—though he didn’t reveal who they were. His executive order originally gave TikTok 75 days to finalize a deal, but he has since suggested he would “probably” extend the deadline beyond April 5 if needed.
Here’s what we know so far about the potential buyers.
1. Microsoft – A Second Shot at TikTok?
Remember when Microsoft tried to buy TikTok back in 2020? That deal didn’t pan out, but the tech giant could be ready to give it another go. With its deep pockets and experience running LinkedIn, Microsoft has the infrastructure to handle a massive platform like TikTok. Plus, integrating TikTok into its AI-powered ecosystem could be a game-changer. Trump seemingly confirmed this. When asked directly if Microsoft was interested in buying TikTok, Trump responded “I would say yes.”
2. Meta – Would It Dare?
Meta (formerly Facebook) is already the king of social media, so acquiring TikTok would make it virtually unstoppable. But given its history with antitrust concerns, regulators might not be too keen on Mark Zuckerberg adding TikTok to his collection. Still, Meta has the resources and the motivation—after all, it’s been trying (and struggling) to compete with TikTok through Instagram Reels.
3. Google – A YouTube Takeover?
Google owns YouTube, which is TikTok’s biggest competitor in the short-form video space. If Google were to buy TikTok, it could supercharge its video empire and strengthen its advertising business. But just like Meta, this deal would likely raise antitrust red flags. Would Google even risk it?
4. Apple – A Wild Card Pick
Apple doesn’t usually dabble in social media, but what if it decided to shake things up? Owning TikTok could give Apple a direct line into the social media world, integrating it with its hardware and software ecosystem. However, the company tends to avoid controversial acquisitions, so this one seems like a long shot.
5. Oracle – A Familiar Face
In 2020, Oracle partnered with Walmart in a bid to buy TikTok’s U.S. operations. While that deal fizzled out, Oracle still has a deep relationship with TikTok, as it currently provides the platform with cloud services. If TikTok is forced to sell, Oracle could step up as a logical buyer—especially with Walmart potentially rejoining the mix.
Back in January, NPR reported that Oracle was working with Trump officials on a plan to take control of TikTok’s global operations, with ByteDance keeping a minority stake. Oracle would oversee the app’s algorithm, data collection, and software updates—a big deal for a company already handling TikTok’s U.S. user data under the now-defunct Project Texas.
Oracle’s Larry Ellison, a known Trump ally, has been in the mix before. In 2020, Trump even approved a deal for Oracle and Walmart to buy 20% of TikTok, though that never happened. Now? Trump says Oracle isn’t among the buyers he’s talking to—but Ellison has been spotted at the White House alongside Trump and OpenAI’s Sam Altman for the Stargate Project announcement. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not.
6. Elon Musk – Because, Why Not?
Would Elon Musk add TikTok to his collection alongside X (formerly Twitter)? He certainly has the money, and he’s no stranger to shaking up the social media world. However, TikTok’s user base and business model are vastly different from X, and it’s unclear how he would integrate it into his vision for an “everything app.” Still, it’s Musk—we can’t rule anything out.
So, What’s Next?
Right now, TikTok’s future is still uncertain. A sale isn’t guaranteed, and legal battles could stretch on for months (or even years). But if a forced sale does happen, expect a fierce bidding war from tech giants eager to control the app’s millions of users and huge advertising potential. Whether it’s Microsoft, Oracle, or a surprise buyer, TikTok’s next chapter could be just as dramatic as the last.
Who do you think should buy TikTok? 🤔
