While people across the world are strapped to the edge of their seats post TikTok’s announcement of a potential shutdown. A platform boasting as many as 1.5 billion users, as of January 2025, the news of the shutdown led to a lot of potential buyers prying for it. The latest of them all is MrBeast. YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson who goes by the name of MrBeast has hinted at a potential move to acquire TikTok in order to prevent the social media app from being banned in the United States. On Sunday, it was announced that the Chinese parent company of TikTok, ByteDance, has until 19 January 2025, to sell its US operations or face a possible ban. Amid growing pressure, MrBeast, whose influence spans millions of followers on multiple platforms, has expressed his interest in stepping in to keep TikTok alive for American users.
MrBeast took to social media to share that he had been approached by a number of billionaires who are eager to assist him in making the purchase. In a tweet, he cheekily wrote, “Okay fine, I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned,” prompting a flurry of excitement from his fanbase. Just days later, he shared a video on TikTok itself, where he revealed that he was in talks with potential investors, ready to present an offer to ByteDance. “America deserves TikTok. Give me a seat at the table,” he urged in the clip, sparking widespread speculation about the future of the platform in the U.S.
Can MrBeast buy TikTok?
Although the rounds of who the potential buyers have been doing rounds for some time, the green light to whether MrBeast can buy TikTok or not has been answered long ago. According to media reports, the Chinese officials have, on multiple occasions, assured that they won’t be selling the operations.
Who is MrBeast?
Known for his jaw-dropping challenges, philanthropy, and large-scale stunts, Donaldson has become a global sensation. It is understood that raised in Greenville, North Carolina, MrBeast started his YouTube career in 2012, posting a variety of content, from gaming videos to analysis of other YouTubers’ wealth. His breakthrough came in 2017 with the viral success of his ‘Counting to 100,000’ video, which propelled him into the spotlight. Since then, MrBeast has reportedly redefined the YouTube landscape with increasingly extravagant content, including life-changing challenges and massive charitable donations.
Today, MrBeast boasts 344 million subscribers across multiple YouTube channels, making him one of the most-followed individual creators on the platform. Known for his generosity, he often surprises unsuspecting individuals with life-altering sums of money or extraordinary prizes.
How did MrBeast build this empire?
According to media reports, MrBeast has an estimated net worth of $1 billion as of January 2025, thereby establishing him as a powerful. His income comes from a mix of YouTube ad revenue, his entrepreneurial ventures, and his philanthropic efforts.
One of MrBeast’s most notable business ventures is ‘MrBeast Burger’, a virtual restaurant concept that has expanded rapidly across the U.S. The delivery-only brand offers a variety of fast-food items and has built a loyal following. In addition, MrBeast launched ‘Feastables’, his line of chocolate bars that resonate with his audience. His ‘Beast Philanthropy’ channel, which donates all of its earnings to charitable causes, has further solidified his reputation as a content creator who uses his wealth for good.
MrBeast’s latest venture into the world of high-production entertainment includes ‘Beast Games’, a game show airing on Prime Video. The $97 million production, features 1,000 contestants vying for a $5 million prize. With this expansion into prime-time entertainment, MrBeast has over four businesses contributing to this net worth. Beyond his brand, MrBeast co-founded initiatives like Team Trees and Team Seas, both of which have raised millions of dollars for environmental causes, media reports claimed.
Who all are in the race to buy TikTok: From Elon Musk to Kevin O’Leary
Several high-profile figures and organisations have shown interest in acquiring TikTok’s US operations as the platform faces the threat of a ban. Apart from MrBEast’s offer, Chinese government officials have reportedly considered selling TikTok to Elon Musk, CEO, Tesla, citing his ties to President-elect Donald Trump. Furthermore, Project Liberty, led by billionaire Frank McCourt and backed by Kevin O’Leary, Guggenheim Securities, and others, submitted a proposal on 9 January to buy TikTok’s US assets, aiming to restructure the company to reduce user data collection.
Other potential buyers include Amazon, which has strengthened its relationship with TikTok, and Rumble, which offered to purchase the platform in March 2024. Bobby Kotick, former CEO of Activision Blizzard, has also expressed interest, seeking backing from OpenAI’s Sam Altman, according to media reports. Steve Mnuchin, former treasury secretary, has been in talks with tech companies to purchase TikTok and potentially recreate its algorithm, though ByteDance has made it clear that the algorithm wouldn’t be included in a sale.
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