Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has made headlines with his latest announcement: a potential bid to purchase TikTok.
The YouTube superstar, renowned for his outrageous stunts and record-breaking content, has hinted at this bold move as TikTok’s future in the U.S. hangs in the balance due to regulatory challenges.
Donaldson shared his intentions through a series of posts and videos, claiming to have submitted an all-cash offer alongside a group of wealthy investors. While the legitimacy and details of his bid remain unclear, the announcement has sparked significant interest in the world of social media and beyond.
MrBeast rose to prominence on YouTube, where his unique blend of philanthropy, high-stakes challenges, and viral stunts garnered him an enormous following. Since starting his channel in 2012, Donaldson has become one of the world’s most influential content creators, boasting a net worth estimated at $500 million.
His empire extends beyond YouTube, with ventures like BeastBurger and Beast Games, a reality TV competition on Amazon Prime. Now, Donaldson appears ready to expand his influence even further by entering the world of tech and social media ownership.
On January 13, Donaldson tweeted:
“Okay fine, I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned.”
Days later, he shared a TikTok video claiming he had met with “a bunch of billionaires” and submitted a formal offer to acquire the platform.
TikTok’s future in the US has been uncertain for years due to national security concerns stemming from its Chinese ownership. With a federal mandate requiring TikTok’s US operations to be sold or face a potential ban, several high-profile buyers have emerged.
Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives estimates TikTok’s value at $100–200 billion, a figure far beyond Donaldson’s net worth. However, his bid is reportedly backed by serial entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, who described the effort as a “win-win solution” addressing security concerns while preserving the platform’s presence in the US.
Despite this, MrBeast’s spokesperson clarified that he has not entered into any binding agreements with prospective buyers and is still in discussions.
The road to acquiring TikTok is steep. Competitors like Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison and Elon Musk have significantly greater financial resources. Even if Donaldson secures backing, the final decision rests with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, and US regulators.
Additionally, skepticism surrounds Donaldson’s bid. Critics question whether the YouTube star’s involvement is serious or a publicity stunt. Others point to the logistical and financial hurdles of purchasing one of the most valuable social media platforms in the world.
With input from the Street and the Associated Press.
