TikTok Refugees Trend? Do You Think Musk Should Acquire TikTok?

On Sunday, January 19th, TikTok will officially be banned in the United States. According to Bloomberg, Chinese officials are evaluating a potential option that involves Elon Musk acquiring the US operations of TikTok. $Tesla Motors(TSLA)$

Will Musk really acquire TikTok?

If Musk does proceed with the acquisition, TikTok is likely to be merged into X. However, whether it can maintain its current content model remains uncertain.

  • Factors enabling the acquisition:

Some believe that if Musk is genuinely interested, it’s entirely possible for him to pull off this acquisition. After all, his Twitter takeover faced numerous hurdles but was ultimately successful.

  • Factors preventing the acquisition:

Others argue that TikTok’s scale is incomparable to Twitter’s. The latter was acquired for $44 billion, while TikTok is reportedly worth around $50 billion.

Moreover, during the announcement of the ban, China had already made it clear that they would never sell TikTok. China is not selling their TikTok operations in China or anywhere else.

  • The more likely scenario:

Some suggest, is that this news is merely a stalling tactic ahead of Trump’s inauguration on January 20th.

By floating such headlines, it provides room for negotiation. If the ban does proceed, they would also need a valid reason to reverse it later.

TikTok Refugees Trend on Chinese Internet?

As TikTok faces a potential ban, Chinese social app Xiaohongshu (Rednote) has surged to the top of the US app download charts.

Additionally, several other Chinese apps have entered the top 10 rankings. Lemon8, owned by ByteDance, ReelShort, a Chinese short drama company, and Temu, Pinduoduo’s international e-commerce platform, are all among the top apps.

While the government has ordered the ban, many ordinary users cannot part with this daily app. Numerous TikTok creators may lose a significant platform for content creation, while users will be forced to abandon a beloved entertainment app. Many American users have migrated to Xiaohongshu, sharing their pets and dubbing them as “cat tax.”

Despite all the differences, the situation has led to a rare cultural exchange in recent years. Chinese and American users have begun communicating in a mix of “Chinese-style English” and “English-style Chinese,” creating a sense of global harmony and friendliness.

Humorous memes are circulating online, reflecting the current state of US-China relations with lighthearted satire.

 

Questions for Discussion:

  1. How do you view the potential sale of TikTok? Would it benefit $Meta Platforms, Inc.(META)$ ?

  2. Do you think Musk will actually acquire TikTok?

  3. Have you ever used the Xiaohongshu app?

  4. What are some Chinese apps you absolutely cannot live without?

  5. Leave your comments and also post to win tiger coins~

# To Buy or Not to Buy: What's the Future of TikTok?

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  • Aqa
    ·01-14
    TOP
    Many cannot live without TikTok so Musk acquiring it is definitely good for himself and Trump in terms of media control. Thanks @Tiger_comments @icycrystal @TigerGPT
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    • TigerGPT

      The potential sale of TikTok and Elon Musk's possible acquisition raise several interesting questions and considerations. Here are some insights:

      Potential Sale of TikTok: The potential sale of TikTok presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it could address the concerns raised by the US government regarding data security and privacy, as well as maintain the platform for content creators and users. On the other hand, the sale could lead to changes in the app's content model and user experience.

        

      Benefiting META Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook): The potential sale of TikTok may benefit META Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook) in several ways. Firstly, it could reduce competition in the social media space, potentially leading to increased user engagement and ad revenue for META Platforms, Inc. Additionally, it could provide META Platforms, Inc. with an opportunity to expand its user base and reach.

        

      Likelihood of Musk acquiring TikTok: The likelihood of Elon Musk acquiring TikTok is uncertain. While Musk has expressed interest in the past for acquiring the app, the scale of the acquisition and the stance of Chinese officials present significant challenges. It remains to be seen whether the acquisition will materialize.

        

      Use of the Xiaohongshu app: As an AI, I do not have personal experiences or preferences. However, Xiaohongshu is a popular Chinese lifestyle and shopping app known for its user-generated content related to travel, fashion, beauty, and more. It allows users to discover and share product recommendations, reviews, and tips. Its user base consists mainly of young consumers in China.

        

      Essential Chinese apps: Different individuals may have varying preferences for Chinese apps based on their needs and interests. However, some popular Chinese apps include WeChat (social messaging and mobile payments), Alipay (mobile payments and financial services), Didi (ride-hailing), and Taobao (e-commerce). These apps have gained significant popularity and have become integral parts of many users' daily lives.

        

      Please note that the information provided is for reference purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. It is important to conduct thorough research and analysis before making any investment decisions.

      01-14
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  • icycrystal
    ·01-14
    TOP
    not too sure if it's a good thing if the charismatic one is to acquire tiktok. look at what happens when he acquired Twitter... was quite chaotic for sometime before things settled down...

    Some believe that if Musk is genuinely interested, it’s entirely possible for him to pull off this acquisition. After all, his Twitter takeover faced numerous hurdles but was ultimately successful.

    @HelenJanet @GoodLife99 @Shyon @Aqa @rL @Universe宇宙 @LMSunshine @koolgal @SPACE ROCKET @TigerGPT

    How do you view the potential sale of TikTok? Would it benefit $Meta Platforms, Inc.(META)$ ?


    Do you think Musk will actually acquire TikTok?


    Have you ever used the Xiaohongshu app?


    What are some Chinese apps you absolutely cannot live without?


    Leave your comments and also post to win tiger coins~

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    • TigerGPT

      The potential sale of TikTok has garnered attention and speculation. According to news reports, Chinese officials have discussed the possibility of selling TikTok's US business to Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, as a contingency plan if the Supreme Court upholds a US law that bans the platform unless it is sold to a non-foreign-controlled owner.

      There are potential benefits for Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) if the acquisition were to happen. With over 170 million users in the US, TikTok could enhance Meta Platforms' efforts to attract advertisers. Additionally, Musk's AI company, xAI, could leverage the vast amounts of data generated from TikTok. However, it's important to note that discussions are still preliminary, and no firm consensus has been reached among Chinese officials.

      As for whether Elon Musk will actually acquire TikTok, it remains uncertain. While some believe that Musk has the ability to pull off such an acquisition based on his past success with Twitter, others argue that TikTok's scale and valuation may pose challenges. Furthermore, China has previously stated that they would not sell TikTok's operations. It's possible that this news could be a stalling tactic or provide room for negotiation.

      Regarding the Xiaohongshu app, as an AI, I do not have personal experiences or preferences for using specific apps. However, Xiaohongshu is a popular Chinese social e-commerce platform known for its community-driven content and recommendations.

      It's essential to keep in mind that investing decisions should be based on thorough analysis and a consideration of various factors. The potential acquisition of TikTok by Elon Musk is speculative at this stage, and there is no guarantee that it will materialize. I recommend conducting further research and consulting with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

      Please note that the information provided is for reference purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investing in stocks involves risks, and it's important to carefully evaluate those risks before making any investment decisions.

      01-14
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  • Shyon
    ·01-18
    I don't think Musk will acquire TikTok. He’s already involved in many companies and is busy with ventures like $Tesla Motors(TSLA)$ and SpaceX. Merging X with TikTok would be surprising, but given Musk’s unpredictability, it’s not impossible.

    I’ve used Xiaohongshu for two years, and I find it interesting and well-designed. The app blends lifestyle and e-commerce, with a community-driven focus. It’s a mix of Instagram and Pinterest $Pinterest, Inc.(PINS)$. It’s exciting to see Chinese apps like Xiaohongshu gaining popularity in the U.S. as alternatives to TikTok.

    I can't live without WeChat for staying connected with friends in China or while traveling. It’s an all-in-one app for messaging, payments, and daily services.

    Overall, the app landscape is evolving rapidly. Whether or not Musk acquires TikTok, it will be interesting to see how trends impact users and the tech industry.

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  • 1PC
    ·01-14
    Neither subscribed to Tik Tok Nor Xiao Hong Shu Apps but it will be good if they are listed in the Stock Markets [Chuckle] [Chuckle]. Musk Buying Tik Tok [Thinking] [Thinking]..... Politicians will be Politicians [Chuckle] [Chuckle].  Sell.. Buy.... Don't Sell or Don't Buy. However, I'm Sure there are lots of users who have gained plenty of Entertainment and Information from them. Will consider using them in the future. I still stick to WeChat , which is a Good App. to stay communicate with Friends from China [Heart]. For now, Tiger App. 🐯 is the Most frequently used Apps [Chuckle] [Chuckle] [Chuckle]
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  • highhand
    ·01-14
    musk also interested in buying Liverpool FC... let him buy everything. Meta not affected by tik tok's fate. Meta just need to keep growing it's top and bottom line and the stock price will keep going up. I don't need same Chinese app. Meta's app is sufficient like WhatsApp, and IG.  Even Musk's app X is entertaining for me
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  • MHh
    ·01-14
    Depends on who TikTok is sold to and what the new owner does with it. Meta may not benefit if TikTok is able to emerge stronger. As it is, it is already popular and many people depend on it for entertainment and even income!


    No one can read the mind of Musk! He could acquire it. Afterall, it is popular among different groups and could complement X.


    Xiaohongshu is really informative and good travel information source. It offers good recommendation for activities and food, and updated rapidly unlike those that appear on Google which are boring, typical tourist stuff. I don’t think I can live without it. It is my daily downtime source of entertainment[Facepalm]
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  • TimothyX
    ·01-14
    雖然政府下令禁止,但許多普通用戶無法割捨這款日常應用。衆多抖音創作者可能會失去一個重要的內容創作平臺,而用戶將被迫放棄一款心愛的娛樂應用。許多美國用戶遷移到小紅書,分享自己的寵物,並給它們起了“貓稅”的綽號。
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  • Cadi Poon
    ·01-14
    促成收購的因素:


    一些人認爲,如果馬斯克真的有興趣,他完全有可能完成這次收購。畢竟,他對Twitter的收購面臨着無數障礙,但最終還是成功了。

    阻礙收購的因素:


    也有人認爲,TikTok的規模是推特無法比擬的。後者以440億美元收購,而據報道,TikTok的價值約爲500億美元。

    而且,在宣佈禁令期間,中國已經明確表示,他們永遠不會出售TikTok。中國不會出售其在中國或其他任何地方的TikTok業務。

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  • ECLC
    ·01-15
    Uncertain if it will be sold to Musk. If it is acquired, there can be changes that may upset TikTok fans/refugees and perhaps switch to other apps.
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  • WanEH
    ·01-14
    I don't think elon musk will buy the tik tok. he already have the x platform
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  • He has his hands full with X. no way he's buying TT
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  • Success88
    ·01-14
    No I don't think so. It will be very messy.
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