Elon Musk Eyeing TikTok? Here’s Why This Could Change Everything

The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, might step in to save TikTok. The popular short-video app is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, but the U.S. government has concerns that it could be used to spy on Americans. If these issues aren’t resolved, TikTok could be banned in the U.S. by January 19, 2025. ByteDance has been told to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese company, or the app will stop working in the U.S.

Although President-elect Donald Trump has asked for a delay, the Supreme Court has taken a firm stance. Many people are preparing for life without TikTok in America starting January 19.

Elon Musk might rescue TikTok by buying its U.S. operations. Reports suggest Musk is in early talks to make this happen, although Chinese officials want TikTok to remain under ByteDance. Sources say TikTok could be sold either through a competitive process or a forced government arrangement, leaving ByteDance with little control over the outcome.

One option could be for Musk’s X platform to take over TikTok in the U.S., with both platforms operating side by side. However, no final decision has been made.

TikTok has around 170 million U.S. users, making it a valuable platform. If Musk takes over, he could attract advertisers to X and use TikTok’s data to boost his AI company, xAI.

Concerns over TikTok partly stem from the Chinese government having a “golden share” in ByteDance, which gives it influence over the company. This has made some U.S. lawmakers wary of China’s control over the app.

So far, neither Musk nor his representatives have commented on the matter. Chinese agencies like the Cyberspace Administration of China and the Ministry of Commerce have also stayed silent.

Musk has previously spoken against a TikTok ban. In April 2024, he posted on X: “In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the X platform. Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for.”

The incoming Trump administration plans tougher policies on China, including higher tariffs and stricter export controls. Even so, the TikTok negotiations could represent an opportunity for both countries to work together.

Analysts estimate TikTok’s U.S. operations are worth $40–$50 billion. Musk could face challenges funding the deal, as he is still paying off loans from his 2022 Twitter purchase.

While TikTok’s future is uncertain, Musk stepping in to take over wouldn’t be the most surprising event in tech history.