Fans laugh as OnlyFans owner submits last-minute bid to buy TikTok ahead of potential April 5th ban

TikTok Illustration - Source: Getty
TikTok Illustration - Source: Getty

In a plot twist worthy of a viral TikTok dance, Tim Stokely, the mastermind behind OnlyFans, has thrown his hat into the bidding ring to acquire the beloved short-form video app. With the clock ticking down to an April 5th deadline that could see TikTok banned in the U.S., Stokely's new venture, Zoop, has partnered with the Hbar Foundation to submit a late-stage bid for the platform.

This unexpected move has left fans both amused and bewildered, sparking a flurry of reactions across social media. @FearedBuck announced this,

"OnlyFans owner has submitted a last-minute bid to buy TikTok before its potential ban on Saturday, April 5th 👀"

TikTok’s fate takes another wild turn as OnlyFans enters the bidding war

As expected, the internet's reaction was swift and filled with humor. One user, @Dangitswayne, set the tone with the big question,

"wait OF makes THAT much money to buy Tiktok??"

Some were blindsided by the news, wondering how many times TikTok would face this same fate:

"It’s getting banned again???" -@kenziexbb

Others were quick to point out the platform’s younger audience, with @amadsznnn remarking,

"kids is on that app😭"

The irony of internet lingo wasn’t lost on some, as @it3560320245963 sarcastically noted,

"Saying to delete TikTok then using a term only chronically online kids say is ironic"

Of course, jokes about content crossover were inevitable. @suayrez sighed,

"Just what we need… More untalented people promoting their Arby’s roast beef for $3.99 a month 💀"

Meanwhile, @Mrjaksman took a broader shot at social media as a whole, quipping,

"Imagine owning 2 of the worst platforms in history. Couldn't be me 🤣"

The bidding war: A closer look

Stokely's offer isn't the only one on the table. Tech giants and investment firms have been circling TikTok like seagulls eyeing a dropped sandwich. Amazon has reportedly entered the fray, aiming to bolster its social media presence. Other contenders include a consortium led by Oracle, with investment firms like Andreessen Horowitz and Blackstone exploring involvement.

The U.S. government's concerns over national security have been the driving force behind the push for TikTok's divestiture from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. President Donald Trump has indicated that a deal is imminent, suggesting that China could receive tariff relief if it approves the sale.


Zoop and Hbar Foundation: The new kids on the blockchain

Zoop, Stokely's latest venture, is positioning itself as a family-friendly platform that rewards creators by giving back the majority of its revenue to those who post on the site. Partnering with the Hbar Foundation, which manages the Hedera cryptocurrency network's treasury, adds a crypto twist to the bid. RJ Phillips, co-founder of Zoop, stated:

"Our bid for TikTok isn't just about changing ownership, it's about creating a new paradigm where both creators and their communities benefit directly from the value they generate."

The road ahead: Uncertainty and anticipation

As the April 5th deadline looms, the fate of TikTok hangs in the balance. Vice President JD Vance has expressed confidence that a deal will be finalized before the cutoff, aiming to transition TikTok to non-Chinese ownership.

For now, TikTok users continue to create, share, and, of course, react to the unfolding drama. Whether Stokely's bid will be successful or if another suitor will emerge victorious remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the TikTok saga is far from over, and its community is watching with bated breath—and a healthy dose of humor.

Edited by IRMA
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