Did Meta buy TikTok?
VERDICT
CONFIDENCE
100%
Direct Answer
Meta did not buy TikTok. No deal occurred despite U.S. political pressures and rumors in early 2025 for ByteDance to divest. TikTok remains owned by ByteDance, operating independently after legal battles over a U.S. ban were resolved without acquisition.
What the Evidence Shows
Multiple credible news outlets confirm no acquisition by Meta, with sources close to discussions stating a deal was unlikely due to antitrust issues and ByteDance's reluctance. Rumors stemmed from Trump administration pushes for divestiture amid national security concerns, but TikTok continues under ByteDance ownership. As of April 2026, no verified reports indicate any purchase.
Why People Get This Wrong
Rumors of a Meta-TikTok deal surged in early 2025 amid U.S. ban threats and Trump's suggestions of acquisition by American firms, amplified on social media. This created confusion, as Meta expressed interest in users but denied pursuit of buying the app. The false belief persisted due to vague political statements lacking concrete evidence.
Who owns TikTok in 2026?
TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company founded in 2012. Despite U.S. divestiture pressures, ByteDance retains full ownership, as confirmed by company filings and recent SEC reports.
Why was there talk of selling TikTok?
U.S. lawmakers cited national security risks from ByteDance's Chinese ties and data practices, leading to a 2024 law requiring divestiture or ban. Courts delayed enforcement, and no sale materialized by 2026.
Sources & Methodology
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