A Shocking Move in the Social Media World!
In an unexpected twist, Tim Stokley, the founder of OnlyFans, and the HBAR Foundation, the driving force behind the Hedera blockchain, have teamed up to make a bid for TikTok. According to Reuters, their startup, Zoop, has officially expressed interest in acquiring the platform from its Chinese owner, ByteDance.
The Plan: A Game-Changer for Creators?
Zoop and HBAR have been working alongside a group of investors to make this deal happen. RJ Phillips, co-founder and co-CEO of Zoop, stated, “Our bid for TikTok isn’t just about changing ownership, it’s about creating a new system where both creators and their communities benefit directly from the value they generate.”
This statement hints at a possible shift in how TikTok’s revenue and influence could be distributed, potentially using blockchain technology to empower content creators like never before.
Who Else Wants TikTok?
While the exact value of the Zoop-HBAR bid remains unknown, they may face stiff competition. Reports indicate that Amazon has also placed an offer to acquire TikTok, making this an intense battle for control over one of the world’s most powerful social media platforms.
Why Is TikTok Up for Sale?
TikTok’s future in the U.S. has been uncertain due to national security concerns. ByteDance has until April 5 to sell the platform or risk a complete ban in the U.S. under a law that took effect on January 19. The decision on TikTok’s fate is expected to be considered by former President Donald Trump this week.
What’s Next?
If Zoop and the HBAR Foundation succeed, this could mark a massive shift in social media ownership—one that combines the power of blockchain with the creator-driven economy. Will this crypto-backed bid be enough to outmatch Amazon? We’ll find out soon.
Stay tuned as this high-stakes battle unfolds!