YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast, has teamed up with tech entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley to make an all-cash offer for TikTok’s US operations. The bid is the latest development in the app’s uncertain future in the country.
Donaldson’s interest in acquiring TikTok was first revealed on social media platforms, where he stated that he wanted to buy the app to prevent it from being banned. Since then, the 26-year-old has discussed his plans with other tech billionaires.
The US law firm Paul Hastings announced Donaldson’s bid, revealing that Tinsley is leading an investor group comprising institutional investors and high-net worth individuals. However, no details have been revealed about the size of the all-cash bid.
Donaldson, who earned $85m last year as the world’s most successful internet creator, has 346 million followers on YouTube. His YouTube channel features stunts such as buying everything in a grocery store and giving away gifts to his followers.
US President Donald Trump expressed openness to Elon Musk or Larry Ellison buying TikTok’s US operations, stating that he valued the app at $1tn. However, the future of TikTok remains uncertain despite its recent reinstatement on American app stores.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jan/22/youtube-mrbeast-bid-buy-tiktok-us-donald-trump-elon-musk