Amazon has submitted a last-minute bid to acquire TikTok, the popular short-video app, as the April deadline looms for its separation from Chinese ownership or an impending ban in the United States, according to three people familiar with the matter.
Despite the unexpected move, those involved in the discussions are not taking Amazon’s bid seriously, sources said. The offer letter was reportedly addressed to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, signaling the tech giant’s interest in securing the platform.
TikTok’s Ownership Battle Intensifies
The bid underscores the high-stakes negotiations over TikTok’s future in Washington. U.S. lawmakers from both parties have cited national security risks related to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Last year, Congress passed a law mandating TikTok’s sale, originally set to take effect in January. However, President Donald Trump, despite previously voicing concerns about TikTok’s Chinese ownership, has delayed enforcement of the law until Saturday. The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the law, leaving TikTok’s fate hanging in the balance.
Amazon declined to comment on the matter, and TikTok has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Potential Alternatives to a Full Sale
President Trump is set to meet top White House officials on Wednesday to discuss possible resolutions for TikTok. One proposed deal involves bringing in major U.S. investors, including Oracle and private equity giant Blackstone, without requiring a complete sale. However, it remains uncertain whether such a structure would meet the requirements of the federal law.
Amazon’s interest in TikTok aligns with its existing ties to the platform. The app, which boasts 170 million U.S. users, has become a key driver of online shopping, with influencers recommending products to their audiences. While TikTok has its own e-commerce operation, TikTok Shop, many influencers direct traffic to Amazon, earning commissions on sales.
Amazon’s Past Interest in TikTok-Like Platforms
Amazon previously attempted to enter the short-video space with Inspire, a TikTok-like shopping feature integrated into its app. However, the initiative failed to gain traction, leading Amazon to remove it earlier this year.
This is not the first time major U.S. corporations have sought to acquire TikTok. In 2020, Microsoft and Walmart jointly pursued a bid for the platform when it was first pressured to sell to American owners. This time, other potential buyers include billionaire Frank McCourt and Jesse Tinsley, founder of payroll firm Employer.com.
With time running out, TikTok’s fate remains uncertain as policymakers weigh security concerns against economic and political implications.