Amazon and AppLovin enter last-minute bidding war for TikTok, sources say

As the deadline for TikTok’s U.S. divestiture looms, tech giants Amazon and AppLovin have submitted last-minute bids to acquire the popular video-sharing platform. The high-stakes competition comes amid growing pressure from U.S. lawmakers concerned about TikTok’s Chinese ownership and potential national security risks.

According to sources cited by The New York Times, Amazon has formally placed a bid to acquire all of TikTok’s U.S. operations. The retail and cloud computing giant has a vested interest in the platform, given its significant role in social commerce, where influencers drive sales through product recommendations. If successful, Amazon’s acquisition could further integrate its e-commerce ecosystem with TikTok’s vast user base.

Meanwhile, AppLovin, a major player in mobile marketing and app monetization, has also thrown its hat into the ring. The Wall Street Journal reports that AppLovin has not only submitted a bid but has also engaged in discussions with casino mogul Steve Wynn to secure financial backing. Sources indicate that the Trump administration is fully aware of AppLovin’s interest in acquiring the platform.

The race to secure TikTok’s U.S. operations is unfolding against an April 5 deadline, set by a national security law originally signed by former President Joe Biden. The law mandates that ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, divest its American operations or risk an effective ban within the country. President Trump, who previously delayed the enforcement of this legislation, is expected to meet with White House officials to discuss TikTok’s future.

Despite mounting pressure, ByteDance has insisted that TikTok is not for sale, citing potential interference from the Chinese government. The uncertainty surrounding the app’s fate has prompted a flurry of last-minute negotiations, with Amazon and AppLovin emerging as key contenders. Previous potential buyers, including Microsoft and Walmart, had expressed interest in acquiring TikTok but ultimately did not finalize a deal.

As negotiations continue, it remains unclear whether either Amazon or AppLovin will be able to secure TikTok’s U.S. business.

UPDATE (April 4, 2025): AppLovin has officially confirmed its interest in acquiring TikTok’s operations outside China, submitting a proposal just ahead of a key deadline set by the U.S. government. In a filing with regulators, AppLovin described its bid as an early-stage offer, emphasizing that the discussions are still preliminary. The company cautioned that there is no guarantee the proposal will result in a finalized agreement or acquisition.