Reddit Considers Buying TikTok US And Bringing it To Blockchain

Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of the social media platform Reddit, has revealed that he is considering acquiring TikTok US and integrating it onto a blockchain.

The plan to acquire TikTok US is part of an effort to control TikTok’s operations in the US market. Bringing TikTok onto the blockchain is a component of Project Liberty’s initiative called “The People’s Bid for TikTok”. It is led by real estate billionaire Frank McCourt, with Ohanian serving as a strategic advisor.

Another Giant Wants To Acquire TikTok US

Indeed, President Trump’s tenure could add financial uncertainty to the already fragile relationship between the US and China. China’s plans for a $1.5 trillion fiscal stimulus package are evidence of this. The administration of President Donald Trump has taken a hard stance against Chinese companies, including TikTok.

Early in 2025, TikTok faced a ban in the US, though it was later allowed to resume operations. The Trump administration has made its position clear: ByteDance must either move TikTok out of the US or sell TikTok US to an American company.

At the time, rumors surfaced that Elon Musk, the owner of X, was a leading potential candidate for the acquisition deal. Alternatively, MrBeast and Perplexity (backed by Jeff Bezos) reportedly offered $50 billion. However, the deal remains in the bidding phase, and ByteDance has yet to make a final decision.

In an official tweet on X, Alexis Ohanian, Reddit’s Co-founder, stated that Reddit is considering the intent to acquire TikTok US. Beyond that, Ohanian has ambitious plans to bring TikTok onto the blockchain—or “on-chain.” If this deal succeeds, it would not only be a massive transaction in terms of value but also a turning point that could fundamentally re-shape the global social media landscape.

“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,” Ohanian said.

Reddit’s Ambition To Revolutionize Data

This project leverages the Frequency protocol on the Polkadot (DOT) blockchain to “restructure” TikTok.

It aims to give users control over their personal data rather than allowing it to remain centralized in the hands of large corporations. Bringing TikTok onto the blockchain could pave the way for a wave of decentralized social platforms where users are not just consumers but true owners.

“Frequency will empower these principles to become reality. And with transparency and accountability at the core, this new TikTok won’t just be fairer—it’ll be GREATER.” Ohanian shared on X.

Experts suggest that, if successful, this would mark the first time a major social media platform operates on a blockchain. It will signal a shift from Web2 to Web3. About TikTok US, the app currently boasts approximately 170 million users in the US as of 2024 (according to Analyzify’s data).

Reddit has also shown a strong interest in areas such as AI, blockchain, and NFT. Reddit plans to charge big tech companies for access to user chat data via an API. It will help to train artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.

This is a move to cover operating costs and reflect a broader trend among online platforms to profit from user data. The company has also invested in Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Polygon (POL), demonstrating its positive stance on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.