"Bidding war?" — Internet reacts to MrBeast showing interest in buying TikTok as names like Meek Mill and Elon Musk are floated

Video hosting service TikTok is now in hot water as its fate in the United States is under scrutiny. The application is facing the threat of being banned, but attorneys representing the app have argued that banning it would mean a violation of free speech.

Amidst the ongoing uncertainty, names of rapper Meek Mill and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have been all over the internet suggesting them as potential TikTok buyers. However, YouTuber MrBeast has also weighed in on the ongoing bidding, saying he would buy the app. Taking to his X on January 14, 2025, he wrote:

“Okay fine, I’ll buy Tik Tok so it doesn’t get banned.”

Social media users did not leave the opportunity to react to his claim as one X user asked:

“Bidding war?”

Netizens joked about his X post, as many wanted to know the amount at which TikTok might be sold.

“How much $ is it?” a netizen inquired.

“Mr Beast not to be that guy but it’s free in the App Store,” a social media user joked.

“can you buy me and fix everything wrong with me too,” another X user jested.

While many hinted at Elon Musk’s potential takeover of the app, others supported the possible ban.

“To late @elonmusk has already said he’d purchase it,” an online user pointed out.

“Next buy X and rechange the name to Twitter back,” a person suggested.

“No, let it get banned, there is no benefit to it existing. Should be banned globally rather than just in America,” an internet user recommended.

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What we know about Meek Mill and Elon Musk buying TikTok

On January 14, 2025, rapper Meek Mill shared a similar post to MrBeast suggesting TikTok be sold to him. Social media users had interesting reactions to his post. In a follow-up post, he wrote that even if the app got banned, users would possibly turn to X and fanbase.

According to a report by The Guardian, the app’s parent company was possibly thinking about selling the video hosting service to Elon Musk, although it’s not officially confirmed. However, the circulating reports about the possible sale have been called "pure fiction" by the app’s officials. The Tesla CEO has not commented on the matter nor expressed interest in buying the app so far.

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In other news, justices have upheld the law requiring TikTok to be sold to an American business. If not, the app might be banned in the US, but Donald Trump has reportedly promised he would not let that happen.

Reports mention that there are chances that Trump could order the Justice Department to not enforce the ban. Many businesses have shown interest in buying TikTok, such as Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary.

Besides him, billionaire Frank McCourt has extended an offer to buy the app’s US assets. Despite that, the app’s parent company, ByteDance, is not looking forward to selling the app. Reportedly, even if the ban is allowed, the app won’t disappear from one’s phone, but users will stop receiving software updates and videos.