Amazon makes last-minute bid to acquire TikTok as deadline nears
TikTok and Amazon logos stand side by side on the phone's home screen. (Adobe Stock Photo)
As the April 5 deadline for TikTok‘s forced sale or potential ban in the United States approaches, e-commerce giant Amazon has made a last-minute bid to acquire the entire social media platform. According to three sources familiar with the matter, Amazon’s proposal comes as the Chinese-owned app faces growing scrutiny over national security concerns.
Despite the surprising move, sources indicate that other stakeholders involved in discussions do not appear to take Amazon‘s bid seriously. The offer reportedly came in the form of a letter addressed to Vice President J.D. Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Political pressure mounts on TikTok sale
Lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum in the U.S. have long voiced concerns over TikTok’s ties to China through its parent company, ByteDance. These security fears led to the passage of a law in January last year aimed at forcing a sale of the platform to a U.S.-based entity.
President Donald Trump, who had repeatedly pledged to protect the app despite national security concerns, postponed the enforcement of the law until Saturday, even after the Supreme Court gave unanimous approval.
Amazon has declined to comment on the matter, while TikTok has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the offer.
Oracle and Blackstone also in the running
Trump is expected to meet with senior White House officials on Wednesday to discuss the fate of TikTok. According to sources close to the talks, potential investors, including tech giant Oracle and private equity firm Blackstone, are also exploring a deal. However, it remains unclear whether such an arrangement would comply with federal regulations.
Amazon eyes TikTok’s influence on e-commerce
With 170 million users in the United States, TikTok has become a major player in social commerce. The platform’s influencer-driven marketing model has turned it into a key space for retail shopping, with many content creators promoting Amazon products and earning commissions through affiliate marketing.
Although Amazon operates its own e-commerce platform, TikTok Shop, the company’s interest in acquiring TikTok suggests a strategic move to further integrate social commerce into its business model. Additionally, Amazon has provided some technical infrastructure to TikTok, further linking the two companies.
Amazon’s failed attempt at a TikTok clone
Amazon previously attempted to replicate TikTok’s success by launching Inspire, a short-form video feature designed to drive shopping engagement. However, the initiative failed to attract users and was ultimately shut down.
Amazon is not the first major retailer to express interest in TikTok. When the app first faced pressure to sell its U.S. operations in 2020, Microsoft and Walmart were among the companies that made offers. However, with Amazon now emerging as the highest-profile bidder, its attempt to acquire TikTok has sparked renewed interest in the app’s uncertain future.
Despite mounting pressure, TikTok maintains that it is not for sale, partly due to expectations that the Chinese government would block any potential deal. As the deadline looms, the fate of one of the world’s most popular social media platforms remains uncertain.
