Sep 2, 2020 - Technology

Poll: Google is the best fit to buy TikTok

Ina Fried

Americans believe Google is best suited to buy TikTok's U.S. operations, according to Harris Poll data released today. Some 29% of resp0ndents named Google, edging out Microsoft with 24% and Snapchat with 22%.

Why it matters: TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, is under pressure to sell its U.S. operations or face a ban by the Trump administration. Microsoft and Walmart are working together on a bid, while Oracle is also said to be interested along with potential others.

By the numbers: Here are who respondents thought would be the best new owner for TikTok. (They could choose more than one company, so the responses add up to more than 100%.)

Google (29%)
Microsoft (24%)
Snapchat (22%)
Apple (22%)
Twitter (20%)
Amazon (18%)
Netflix (16%)
Walmart (14%)
Oracle (6%)

Our thought bubble: On one hand, it doesn't matter who consumers think would be a good fit. What matters is who — if anyone — can actually get a deal done. On the other hand, no eventual deal can succeed unless TikTok remains popular, especially with young people and influencers.

Yes, but: Negotiations over a sale have been complicated by a new Chinese law that could exclude TikTok's algorithm — seen by many as its secret sauce — from being part of a sale.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the law has slowed progress on a deal, which was reportedly ready to be announced as soon as this week.
Oh, and President Trump still wants the U.S. Treasury to get some cash from all this.

Add Axios on Google

Poll: Google is the best fit to buy TikTok

What to read next