Reddit co-founder joins forces in 'People's Bid' to acquire TikTok

After being temporarily removed from Apple and Google app stores in January, TikTok returned following a pause ordered by President Trump, but now faces an April deadline to either sell or risk a potential US ban

Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian has officially joined a US-based initiative to purchase TikTok, becoming a strategic advisor for the group. The bid, known as "The People’s Bid for TikTok," is led by Frank McCourt's Project Liberty, and supported by prominent figures, including investor Kevin O’Leary, known for his role on "Shark Tank."

The group’s unique approach aims to offer both individuals and small businesses the opportunity to invest in TikTok’s future through a crowdfunding model. This effort comes as TikTok faces increasing pressure from the US government to separate from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, amid concerns that the app could be used to collect sensitive data on American citizens, potentially for espionage or to influence public opinion.

Ohanian expressed his enthusiasm for the bid, explaining that his career has focused on empowering individuals through technology. "I've spent my entire career building tech that puts power back in people's hands — that's what got me excited about The People's Bid," he said. "This isn't just about TikTok; it's about fundamentally rewiring how the internet works."

Liberty’s blockchain proposal for TikTok

Project Liberty’s proposal includes integrating a custom blockchain solution into TikTok, giving users control over their data and creating a more transparent and decentralized platform. This would directly address growing concerns over privacy and data misuse. The proposal aims to align TikTok with a future where users can securely own and manage their information, ensuring greater autonomy in an increasingly digital world.

Despite the app being temporarily removed from the Apple and Google app stores in January, TikTok has made a comeback after a pause in enforcement ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump. The platform faces a looming April deadline to either sell or face a possible ban due to US national security laws.

As the TikTok bidding war intensifies, a number of companies, including Microsoft, Oracle, and internet personality MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), are also vying for control of the app. However, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance remains hesitant about the sale, which could reshape the future of one of the world’s most popular apps.

Ohanian’s involvement in the potential TikTok deal signals a push for a new vision for the platform—one where users are at the center of its growth and decision-making processes. As the deadline approaches, the future of TikTok in the US remains uncertain, but the increasing number of high-profile bids reflects the intense competition to control the app’s destiny.