MrBeast Might Buy TikTok to Prevent US Ban – Will He Save the App from Shutdown?

As the United States' looming ban on TikTok draws nearer—set for January 19th—there's an increasing buzz around the app’s potential fate.

TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has long faced scrutiny over national security concerns, with critics fearing the app could be used to harvest user data and share it with the Chinese government. The impending ban has left TikTok users—particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha—nervously wondering what will happen to their beloved app.

Patrick T. Fallon / AFP

In the midst of this uncertainty, one name is emerging as a potential hero to save TikTok: YouTube sensation MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson. Known for his viral challenges and philanthropy, MrBeast has become a household name in the social media world. His massive following and ability to generate billions of views on YouTube have positioned him as an influential figure in online content creation.

The idea of MrBeast buying TikTok to prevent its impending ban is something that could potentially reshape the digital landscape, especially as Gen Z and Gen Alpha scramble for someone to “save” the platform. On X, MrBeast made the following tweet and of course, it went instantly viral!

MrBeast on X

The Threat of a US Ban and the Supreme Court’s Order

The US government has been on a mission to ban TikTok for years, with national security concerns over the app's Chinese ownership. In December 2022, the US Supreme Court ruled that TikTok would be banned unless it was sold to a non-Chinese entity by January 19th, 2025.

This decision has further accelerated the pressure on ByteDance to find a solution, with the app’s US operations in jeopardy. The ban would have significant implications, affecting millions of American users and the app’s influence across the digital world.

While the exact reasons for the ban remain centered on data security fears, some experts also suspect political motives behind the pressure to eliminate TikTok from the U.S. market. With Chinese tech companies facing growing scrutiny from Western governments, TikTok has been caught in the crossfire, even though it has repeatedly denied any claims of being controlled or influenced by the Chinese government.

Elon Musk and MrBeast Enter the Conversation

In recent weeks, speculation about potential buyers for TikTok has escalated, with big names like Elon Musk and MrBeast being thrown into the conversation. Bloomberg reports surfaced suggesting that China might consider selling TikTok to Elon Musk, the CEO of Twitter (now X), SpaceX, and Tesla. Musk’s deep pockets and influence in the tech world have made him a prime candidate for a deal of this magnitude. However, TikTok has firmly denied these reports. In a statement to Variety, TikTok said, “We can't be expected to comment on pure fiction.”

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Still, rumors have persisted about Musk's potential interest in acquiring the app, much like he did with Twitter. A sale to Musk could provide an intriguing avenue for TikTok to remain operational in the US, as Musk's deep ties in Silicon Valley could ensure the platform is protected from government interference.

On the other hand, MrBeast has also been mentioned as a potential savior. The viral YouTuber’s success in monetizing content and managing a global empire of online videos and social media content could position him as a suitable owner to keep TikTok running smoothly. While there has been no official statement from MrBeast’s team, the notion of him taking over such a massive platform has certainly intrigued many social media enthusiasts.

The Unexpected Rise of Xiaohongshu (RedNote)

In the midst of TikTok's uncertainty, there has been an interesting development: the rise of Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, a Chinese social media app that has quickly gained traction in the US. According to the latest reports, Xiaohongshu has reached the #1 spot on the US App Store, following the heightened discussions about TikTok's potential ban.

US App Store where RedNote hit #1 on the charts

Known for its focus on user-generated content around fashion, lifestyle, and shopping, Xiaohongshu has emerged as an alternative, drawing users who may soon find themselves searching for a new home after TikTok’s potential exit from the market.

Xiaohongshu’s meteoric rise underscores the growing demand for new social platforms, as users express anxiety over TikTok’s uncertain future. With apps like Xiaohongshu capitalizing on the situation, the digital content creation world may see new players vying for dominance if TikTok were to be removed from the scene.

The Future of TikTok: Unpredictable and Uncertain

As TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance, its ownership and operational landscape remain incredibly unpredictable. For now, it’s a waiting game to see whether the app will find a new owner who can appease the US government’s demands. Names like Elon Musk and MrBeast have entered the conversation, but nothing is confirmed yet. TikTok’s future remains in flux, leaving users and creators alike wondering who will step up to save the platform that has become a cultural juggernaut.

For millions of TikTok users, the clock is ticking, and as the January 19th deadline approaches, they hope that either MrBeast, Elon Musk, or another digital mogul can step in to rescue their favorite platform from an untimely demise. Whether or not the app will be saved, however, remains to be seen.