With TikTok’s deadline looming, several major players are vying to save the app from a potential US ban. Here’s a look at the contenders:

Elon Musk
While Musk hasn’t confirmed interest, his US$44 billion Twitter buyout shows his appetite for social media. Known for his criticism of government control, he’s been speculated as a possible buyer, especially with his ties to the Trump administration.

Larry Ellison (Oracle)
Oracle, with Ellison’s US$207 billion fortune, already plays a key role in TikTok’s US operations. His strong ties to Trump and Oracle’s data storage partnership with TikTok make them a leading candidate.

Microsoft
The tech giant’s deep pockets and AI capabilities make it a strong contender. Microsoft has struggled to break into social media and advertising, so acquiring TikTok could help bolster its position, especially after Trump’s endorsement.

MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson)
With over 450 million followers across platforms, MrBeast has teamed up with Jesse Tinsley to pursue an all-cash offer, promising to address national security concerns while preserving TikTok’s core.

Project Liberty (Frank McCourt)
Real estate tycoon McCourt’s initiative involves a crowdfunding campaign for "The People’s Bid for TikTok," backed by investor Kevin O’Leary. Their pitch focuses on an American-made tech stack for a seamless transition.

Perplexity AI
AI-powered search engine Perplexity proposes a merger allowing ByteDance’s investors to retain equity while integrating TikTok content into its platform.

Steven Mnuchin
Former Treasury Secretary Mnuchin has gathered investors for a bid but has since paused the effort, citing ByteDance’s unwillingness to negotiate.

No Deal?
The big question: Will TikTok sell? The app appears reluctant, with the rise of DeepSeek’s AI chatbot grabbing attention in the tech world.

As the April 5 deadline nears, the fate of TikTok remains uncertain.