What Does Trump’s Mystery TikTok Buyer Have in Store for the App?

On Sunday, Trump spoke with Fox News and claimed that he has a buyer for TikTok and that the deal will need Chinese approval first before going ahead. Though TikTok’s potential buyer is still a mystery, he stated that they are “a group of very wealthy people,” with Trump also mentioning that he’ll tell us more in about two weeks.

The video below includes the TikTok segment from the interview:

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If Trump makes a TikTok deal official, what could this mean for the app and the millions of active businesses on there? While it’s tricky to tell during this uncertain period, here are some potential changes that could take place under new ownership:

• TikTok algorithm changes: On TikTok, businesses rely on the app’s fine-tuned algorithm to get their content seen by audiences. However, TikTok’s next owner could completely rebuild the current algorithm and impact content discoverability – for better or worse. For example, when Perplexity AI expressed interest in purchasing the app, it wanted to develop and maintain the algorithm “in alignment with domestic privacy standards and regulations.”
• More monetization options: For many small businesses, whether they’re selling on TikTok Shop or running paid ads, TikTok is a key source of revenue. A new buyer could open up even more monetization opportunities for creators, potentially through new advertising models.
• Security and data enhancements: Security concerns stemming from TikTok’s ties to China were a contributing factor to TikTok’s potential ban in the US. Under new ownership, we could see stricter data protection and privacy measures that are more aligned with US policies. For brands still hesitant to use TikTok over security fears, this could be a game-changer.

If Trump’s claims are confirmed and TikTok does end up under new US ownership, this could transform the app itself and pave the way for changes to its algorithm, how businesses make money on the app, and how user data is stored. 

If you’re currently relying on TikTok as a source of revenue, this news is a hopeful sign that the app could have a future in the US. However, Trump still hasn’t confirmed a deal, so another ban isn’t off the cards yet. We should hopefully receive an update on the sale in the next few weeks.

For the time being, make sure that you’re taking steps to diversify your content or are looking into potential TikTok alternatives as backup.