MrBeast Joins the Billionaire Race to Save TikTok Ahead of US Ban

A race against time and money unfolds as TikTok’s future in America hangs in the balance.

Fez – With TikTok’s US operations hanging by a thread, YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, famously known as MrBeast, has made a bold move by throwing his name into the mix of billionaires vying to purchase the app.

The content creator’s unexpected announcement has added a surprising twist to the high-stakes saga surrounding the platform’s future.

The federal ban on TikTok is set to go into effect on Sunday, January 19, unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells its US assets to an American entity.

As the deadline looms, MrBeast took to TikTok on Wednesday, pleading for a chance to save the app.

“Just got out of a meeting with a bunch of billionaires,” Donaldson said in a video posted to his account. “TikTok, we mean business… we have an offer ready for you, we want to buy the platform. America deserves TikTok. Give me a seat at the table.”

MrBeast’s announcement follows a tweet earlier in the week, where he first expressed his intent to purchase TikTok.

Known for his extravagant giveaways and record-breaking stunts, the YouTuber has built a massive following and an empire that reportedly generates $700 million annually, according to Fortune.

While his involvement in talks with investors adds a layer of intrigue, it remains unclear whether he has the financial firepower to lead such a deal independently.

He isn’t the only high-profile figure eyeing TikTok. Billionaire Kevin O’Leary, known for his role on Shark Tank, has also reportedly teamed up with investors to make an offer.

Speculation even briefly surrounded Elon Musk, though ByteDance has denied his involvement.

TikTok’s value has been the subject of much debate, with figures ranging from $20 billion to estimates significantly higher.

Frank McCourt, former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his investor group are reportedly preparing a $20 billion bid to take over the app’s US operations according to The Daily Beast.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court could still keep the ban from happening, though reports suggest the justices are leaning toward upholding the federal law in question.

For Americans, the potential shutdown of TikTok marks a turning point in the country’s relationship with Chinese-owned social media platforms.

Users are scrambling to find alternatives, including apps like Red Note, which is also Chinese and mimics TikTok’s interface.

While MrBeast’s bid to buy TikTok is met with a mix of skepticism and curiosity, his involvement displays the cultural significance of the platform.

Whether his efforts will influence the app’s fate remains to be seen, but his plea has sparked a conversation about who should control the future of one of the world’s most popular apps.