TikTok just ran out of tiktoks as the countdown for the app’s hours ended in the US In the early hours of January 19, the wildly popular short-form video app went dark.

The shutdown surprised me (and millions of other users) when they were greeted with a message that said, “Sorry, TikTok is not available right now” or an image that I can’t get. I don’t know what to do with my 418 followers now. Seriously, the service is the drama of the moment, because the shutdown happened after the US Supreme Court rejected an appeal by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, and upheld a law passed by Congress. last year, requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a ban.

The law was driven by concerns about national security, including fears that the Chinese government could use TikTok to collect sensitive information on American users. Various politicians who have been privy to intelligence reports say it is credible that the Chinese government is using TikTok to spy on us.

But Donald Trump has signaled that he will not implement the ban and may leave the lights on for 90 days. Meanwhile, various parties are gathering to make bids to purchase the service.

TikTok has announced that it will voluntarily shut down its services rather than risk being forcibly removed from app stores and hosting services. The CEO of the company, Shou Chewposted a video expressing gratitude to users and promising to work to restore TikTok. Unfortunately, the video is currently unavailable. “This is not the end, but a new beginning,” he said with determination.

The shutdown has sparked a fight among TikTok users to move to other social media platforms where they are mourning the loss of their favorite app. Many expressed their disappointment and frustration, while others shared memories of their favorite moments on TikTok, and others even started online petitions to bring the app back. I posted the last of my CES 2025 videos there.

Among the prominent bidders is Oracle, a Silicon Valley giant known for its cloud computing services. Oracle sees the acquisition as a strategic move to expand its influence in the consumer market and gain access to TikTok’s cutting-edge technology. Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, was personally involved in the negotiations, emphasizing the importance of data security and transparency.

Microsoft, another major contender, has a different vision for TikTok. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, believes that the integration of TikTok with the existing suite of Microsoft products will create a powerful ecosystem. He envisions TikTok as a platform for educational content, virtual events, and more, appealing to a wider audience beyond entertainment.

Private equity firms have also entered the fray, eyeing the opportunity to turn TikTok into an independent entity. The Blackstone Group, one of the world’s largest private equity firms, has proposed a deal to buy ByteDance and keep TikTok running with significant investments in data privacy and security measures. Their plan includes appointing an independent board to oversee operations and ensure compliance with US laws.

Venture capitalists also see TikTok as a goldmine. Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz are among the companies interested in backing a consortium to acquire ByteDance. They believe that with proper management and investment, TikTok can continue its rapid growth and dominate the social media landscape.

President-elect Trump’s move to extend the service for another 90 days is seen as a lifeline for TikTok.

“We are committed to protecting America’s interests while promoting innovation and growth,” Trump said at a press conference.

Other investors bidding for TikTok include Frank McCourt and his Internet Advocacy Group. The billionaire and his internet advocacy group submitted a proposal to buy ByteDance. McCourt, known for his ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers, plans to restructure TikTok and give users more control over their digital identities and data.

Famous Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary has also joined forces with other investors to form a group that has secured commitments totaling more than $20 billion in capital. Their proposal focuses on transparency and data privacy.

Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also made moves to buy TikTok. Shortly after Congress passed the ban, Mnuchin announced the formation of an investor group to buy the social media company. And even Mr. Beast claims to be in talks with several billionaires to put together a bid.