is amazon buying tiktok

You might have seen the headlines swirling around the internet, asking a big question: is Amazon buying TikTok? It sounds like a blockbuster deal, combining an e-commerce titan with the world’s most influential video platform. The rumor mill went into overdrive, fueled by the ongoing political scrutiny TikTok has faced over its data privacy and ties to China.

It’s a compelling idea, isn’t it? Imagine scrolling through your TikTok feed and being able to buy a product you see with a single click, all without leaving the app. The potential for social commerce would be enormous. But before we get too carried away, let’s look at what’s actually happening.

Where the Rumor Started and Why It Made Sense

The buzz about a potential Amazon-TikTok deal gained traction during a period when TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, was under pressure to sell the app’s U.S. operations. Amazon was named as a potential suitor, alongside other tech giants like Microsoft and Oracle. On the surface, the logic was clear. Amazon is always looking for new ways to engage customers and drive sales, and TikTok’s massive, highly-engaged user base is a goldmine for advertising and direct shopping.

The Official Word on the Amazon-TikTok Deal

So, what’s the truth? As of now, Amazon is not buying TikTok. A spokesperson for Amazon directly addressed the rumors, calling them “not true.” While the companies may explore partnerships, such as Amazon becoming an advertising partner, a full acquisition is not on the table. The deal that ultimately moved forward involved TikTok partnering with Oracle and Walmart to restructure its U.S. operations and ensure data security, not an outright sale.

What a Partnership Could Look Like Instead

Even without a buyout, the relationship between Amazon and TikTok is still very relevant. We’re already seeing integrations, like TikTok allowing users to link their Amazon accounts for affiliate marketing. This means creators can share products from Amazon and earn a commission on sales. This type of collaboration is a more likely path forward—a deep partnership that leverages Amazon’s e-commerce infrastructure with TikTok’s social reach, rather than a full merger.

While the idea of Amazon owning TikTok captured our imaginations, the reality is a different story. The tech landscape is always shifting, and strategic partnerships are often more common than massive acquisitions. For now, you can keep scrolling and shopping, but you’ll be doing it on two separate, yet increasingly connected, apps.