Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has sparked excitement online after hinting at his potential interest in acquiring TikTok. The 25-year-old YouTube sensation, known for his philanthropy and jaw-dropping stunts, revealed on social media that several billionaires have approached him, offering to help him make the purchase.
In a playful tweet, he wrote, “Okay fine, I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned,” sending his fans into a frenzy. This comes amidst growing uncertainty around TikTok’s future in the United States, as its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, faces a January 19, 2025, deadline to sell its U.S. operations or risk a nationwide ban.
With 1.5 billion global users, TikTok’s potential shutdown has drawn attention from several potential buyers, and MrBeast appears to be one of the latest figures in the spotlight. Known for his immense social media influence and ability to rally support, MrBeast is seemingly positioning himself as a candidate to save the platform for American users.
MrBeast’s Interest in TikTok
On Twitter, MrBeast revealed that he’s been in discussions with potential investors who are willing to support the acquisition. He even took to TikTok itself, posting a video in which he urged ByteDance to give him “a seat at the table” and expressed his belief that “America deserves TikTok.” His post has fueled speculation about whether he could play a role in shaping the platform’s future in the U.S.
Can MrBeast Actually Buy TikTok?
While the idea of MrBeast acquiring TikTok has generated a lot of buzz, the possibility of it happening remains uncertain. ByteDance has repeatedly stated that they are unwilling to sell their operations, despite mounting pressure from U.S. lawmakers and officials.
Who Is MrBeast?
Jimmy Donaldson, a.k.a. MrBeast, has become a global phenomenon thanks to his larger-than-life challenges, charitable initiatives, and viral stunts. Raised in Greenville, North Carolina, he began his YouTube journey in 2012 with gaming content and analysis videos. He rose to fame in 2017 after his “Counting to 100,000” video went viral, catapulting him into the spotlight.
Since then, MrBeast has redefined the YouTube landscape with extravagant content that often includes life-changing challenges, massive giveaways, and philanthropic efforts. Today, he boasts an astonishing 344 million subscribers across multiple channels, making him one of the platform’s most-followed creators.
Known for his generosity, MrBeast has gifted life-altering sums of money and extraordinary prizes to countless individuals. His ventures include the virtual restaurant chain MrBeast Burger, which has expanded rapidly across the U.S., and his Feastables chocolate brand. Additionally, his Beast Philanthropy channel donates all earnings to charity, further cementing his reputation as a force for good.
MrBeast’s Empire
As of January 2025, MrBeast’s net worth is estimated at $1 billion, largely derived from YouTube ad revenue, entrepreneurial ventures, and sponsorships. His business empire spans multiple industries, including entertainment, food, and philanthropy.
One of his most ambitious projects is Beast Games, a high-production game show on Prime Video featuring 1,000 contestants competing for a $5 million prize. With a reported $97 million production budget, the show exemplifies MrBeast’s ability to push boundaries in the entertainment world.
In addition to his personal ventures, MrBeast has co-founded global initiatives like Team Trees and Team Seas, which have raised millions for environmental causes.
The Race to Buy TikTok
MrBeast is not the only high-profile figure interested in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has also been mentioned in connection with TikTok, with reports suggesting that Chinese officials considered selling the platform to him due to his ties with President-elect Donald Trump.
Another contender is Project Liberty, led by billionaire Frank McCourt and backed by Kevin O’Leary, Guggenheim Securities, and others, who proposed a buyout earlier this month. Other potential buyers include Amazon, Rumble, and former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who is reportedly seeking support from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Despite the interest from these parties, ByteDance has made it clear that TikTok’s proprietary algorithm will not be part of any potential sale, further complicating negotiations
