MrBeast
The fervor surrounding a purchase of TikTok U.S. has also seen some unconventional players enter the fray.
Social media superstar MrBeast — real name Jimmy Donaldson — who has more than 100 million TikTok followers has posted several videos in which he indicated serious interest in buying the platform, claiming he has had talks with billionaires.
In one video, the internet personality claimed he had an official offer ready, jesting that he might be the new TikTok CEO.
Media reports have also mentioned Donaldson and a group of investors preparing to make a bid for TikTok.
On Thursday, Matthew Hiltzik, a spokesperson for Donaldson, told CNBC that "Several potential buyers are in ongoing discussions with Jimmy, but he has no exclusive agreements with any of them."