In a dramatic 11th-hour move, Amazon has reportedly submitted a bid to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations, just as the viral video app faces a federal deadline to separate from its Chinese owner or be banned from the country. As per sources familiar with the matter, the offer was made via an official letter addressed to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The bid comes amidst intense political and regulatory pressure on TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. presence over national security concerns.
As per sources, Amazon’s bid has not been taken seriously by several parties involved in the ongoing discussions. Some insiders believe it may be a strategic or symbolic gesture rather than a firm acquisition plan. Nonetheless, it reflects the tense and fast-moving developments unfolding in Washington as policymakers race against time to resolve the app’s fate. The law forcing the sale was passed last year and upheld by the Supreme Court, but its enforcement was postponed until this Saturday by former President Donald Trump, who has since taken a more supportive stance toward TikTok.
With over 170 million U.S. users, TikTok has become more than a social media platform—it’s a driving force in digital commerce, entertainment, and youth culture. As per industry insiders, Amazon’s interest likely stems from TikTok’s growing role in product discovery and social shopping. Many creators on the app frequently promote Amazon products through affiliate links, driving significant traffic and sales. A full acquisition would allow Amazon to merge its e-commerce dominance with the highly engaging short-form video format that TikTok has mastered.
Amazon’s previous efforts to build a TikTok competitor—such as its in-app feature called Inspire—failed to take off and was eventually pulled. According to sources, this bid could be a second, more ambitious attempt to break into the social content space by acquiring a platform that already holds massive market influence and user loyalty.
President Trump’s involvement has added another layer of complexity. Although he initially supported banning TikTok, he now says he wants to “save” the app. As per sources, Trump met with senior White House officials this week to explore alternative solutions. One option reportedly involves bringing in new American investors such as Oracle and Blackstone to restructure TikTok’s U.S. business without a complete sale. However, it’s unclear if such a deal would satisfy the conditions set by the federal law.
Amazon is not the only company eyeing TikTok. Back in 2020, Microsoft and Walmart had also made a bid during a similar wave of pressure. This time around, sources confirm that other bids have emerged, including from tech billionaire Frank McCourt and Jesse Tinsley, the founder of Employer.com. In a surprising twist, a firm called Zoop—linked to the founder of OnlyFans—announced its own bid this week. Zoop claims it is working with a cryptocurrency foundation and has been in communication with the White House regarding its acquisition plan.
Despite the variety of interest, Amazon remains the most high-profile name to throw its hat in the ring. However, as per regulatory sources, any bid to acquire TikTok must clear numerous legal and antitrust hurdles. Approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is mandatory, and given Amazon’s immense influence in the retail and tech space, it’s expected to face heightened scrutiny.
For now, both Amazon and TikTok have declined to comment, leaving the future of the app hanging in the balance. The decision in the coming days could determine whether TikTok remains operational in the U.S., transitions under new ownership, or is banned outright. For Amazon, this acquisition could mean a massive leap into the social media world. For users and creators, it could drastically reshape the landscape of short-form content, brand partnerships, and influencer marketing.
As per sources, the coming weekend will be crucial. Whether this surprise bid changes TikTok’s future or simply adds more complexity to an already tense situation, one thing is certain: the world is watching.
Stay tuned to ibizznews.com for further updates.
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