Reddit co-founder wants to buy TikTok US and put it on-chain

Key Takeaways

Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian joins the bid to acquire TikTok US and integrate it with blockchain technology.
The initiative would allow 170 million US TikTok users to manage their data using the Frequency blockchain protocol.

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Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian announced today he has joined efforts to acquire TikTok’s US operations and transition the platform to blockchain technology.

Exciting news for the digital world…

I’m officially now one of the people trying to buy TikTok US — and bring it on-chain.

TikTok has been a game-changer for creators, and it’s future should be built by them↓ pic.twitter.com/SPq1Ppv1kK

— Alexis Ohanian 🗽 (@alexisohanian) March 4, 2025

The bid focuses on implementing Frequency, a blockchain protocol that would enable users to control their data and content.

The proposal aims to transform how TikTok’s 170 million US users manage their digital presence.

“Frequency changes how social media could work—users managing their own data,” Ohanian wrote on X.

The move comes as ByteDance faces pressure to sell TikTok’s American operations by early April, following a Biden administration law and subsequent extension by President Trump via executive order.

Ohanian’s group, which includes “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary, competes with potential buyers like Microsoft and Oracle.

“Picture TikTok with your audience and work on-chain, no intermediaries,” Ohanian said, describing his vision for the platform.

ByteDance has not confirmed plans to sell, and McCourt acknowledged the absence of a clear valuation or asset list.

Technical challenges remain regarding the adaptation of TikTok’s large-scale platform to blockchain infrastructure.

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