A US TikTok deal could finally be signed this week
After US-China trade tensions put TikTok’s much-anticipated US future in jeopardy, a deal now appears to be within reach.
A deal months in the making
After months of tension and speculation, the TikTok deal in the US might finally be wrapped up this week. According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the US and China have reached “a final deal on TikTok”, with both nations’ leaders expected to sign off on it this Thursday in Korea.
It’s the latest twist in a saga that’s seen countless pushbacks. Just last month, President Trump all-but-confirmed that a deal had been finalized, before his tariff threats put the TikTok deal back in danger. Now, it appears they’re both back on track to be completed.
What’s in the deal?
As TechCrunch reports, Bessent didn’t reveal the final details, but does believe that “all the details are ironed out”. Reports suggest the agreement will see TikTok’s US operation managed under a new board of directors, with major American investors involved in the joint venture.
If everything goes to plan, the transaction will officially be signed this Thursday. For creators, that’s a massive step toward certainty after months of doubt.
Why it matters for artists and creators
TikTok’s role in the music industry can’t be ignored. The app has become a major driver of music discovery for artists, helping independent artists and global stars find new audiences.
Over the past year, musicians have faced serious questions about TikTok’s future, as TikTok’s sell-or-ban deadline kept shifting. The uncertainty has made it difficult for creators to feel confident about building audiences on the platform, including those who feared losing their audience of millions.
The latest trade deal issues have been another bump in the road. However, if a deal is signed this week, it could finally offer some stability. So, artists and creators may be able to get some peace of mind.
The wider picture
The news also arrives just as TikTok’s music division faces its latest wave of layoffs. Digital Music News reports that around 15 positions were cut across the US and Latin America, with more layoffs expected in other regions (including the UK).
As DMN notes, these are the newest rounds of layoffs since TikTok shut down its music streaming service– before the company shifted focus toward its ‘Add to Music’ tool.
Final thoughts
We’ve been here before, on multiple occasions. Previous US TikTok deal announcements have never quite stuck. But this time, with both Trump and Xi expected to sign on Thursday, hopefully it’ll be different.
For now, artists and creators can only sit and watch. If all goes smoothly, this could finally mark the end of a long, uncertain chapter for TikTok in the US.