As TikTok faces a US ban deadline again, Amazon has reportedly made an offer to buy TikTok.

Unless you’ve been off the grid, you’ve probably heard that TikTok’s days in the US could be numbered. The popular short-form video app, owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, is facing a deadline to sell its US operations- or be banned altogether.

This isn’t new news. Then-President Joe Biden signed an executive order when he was in office, requiring ByteDance to sell its US operations due to national security concerns. The original ban was set for January 2025, but that was later pushed back by 75 days on the first day of the Trump administration. That brings us to the current deadline to find a US buyer: April 5th.

With the deadline fast approaching and no buyer confirmed, Amazon has reportedly thrown its hat in the ring. According to The New York Times, Amazon has made a last-minute bid to acquire “all of TikTok”.

Are Amazon really interested in TikTok?

Amazon’s surprise offer reportedly includes all of TikTok’s operations. While some close to the deal have questioned how serious Amazon’s bid is, it could make sense for the company. 

For Amazon, acquiring TikTok could amplify its own retail capabilities. TikTok has grown beyond just a social platform, serving as an e-commerce platform with many influencers sharing referral links so their fans can buy Amazon products.

Will a TikTok deal actually happen?

The Chinese government has made it clear that it doesn’t want TikTok sold. Despite pressure to sell, ByteDance has only shown reluctance so far. A lot of speculation has occurred as to who may buy TikTok, but a deal has not yet materialized. 

Meanwhile, President Trump has pledged to “save TikTok” in the US on multiple occasions. Trump has been meeting with officials this week to discuss the app’s fate, remaining confident that a deal will be finalized before the deadline.

As of now, TikTok’s future remains uncertain yet again. Whether TikTok will be sold at all, and to whom, is still in the balance.

Catch up on TikTok’s US saga

For artists and creators alike, TikTok’s potential US ban is a huge deal. Luckily for you, RouteNote has covered the TikTok story throughout, including advice on alternative platforms if TikTok truly is banned.

Regardless of TikTok’s future in the US, you can still upload your music to TikTok and get paid each time your music is used. Distribute unlimited tracks to streaming platforms and social media for FREE with RouteNote.