https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/18/perplexity-ai-submits-bid-to-merge-with-tiktok/ [tc-lockup] TechCrunch Desktop Logo [tc-lo] TechCrunch Mobile Logo * Latest * Startups * Venture * Apple * Security * AI * Apps * Events * Podcasts * Newsletters Sign In Search [ ]Submit * Site Search Toggle Mega Menu Toggle Topics Latest AI Amazon Apps Biotech & Health Climate Cloud Computing Commerce Crypto Enterprise EVs Fintech Fundraising Gadgets Gaming Google Government & Policy Hardware Instagram Layoffs Media & Entertainment Meta Microsoft Privacy Robotics Security Social Space Startups TikTok Transportation Venture More from TechCrunch Events Startup Battlefield StrictlyVC Newsletters Podcasts Videos Partner Content TechCrunch Brand Studio Crunchboard Contact Us Sign In [GettyImages-2181313521]Image Credits:David Paul Morris/Bloomberg / Getty Images Government & Policy Perplexity AI submits bid to merge with TikTok Anthony Ha 1:20 PM PST * January 18, 2025 With a TikTok ban looming in the United States, Perplexity AI is the latest bidder hoping to give the video app a new corporate home. CNBC first reported on Perplexity's interest. A source with knowledge of the offer confirmed to TechCrunch that Perplexity (whose CEO Aravind Srinivas is pictured above) has submitted a bid to merge with TikTok US. The source also confirmed other details about the bid -- that it would create a new entity combining Perplexity, TikTok US, and new equity partners; that most investors in TikTok's parent company ByteDance would be able to retain their equity; and that by merging, Perplexity hopes to bring more video to its AI search engine. A law requiring ByteDance to either sell TikTok or see it banned in the US is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19. That will be President Joe Biden's last day in office, and officials from his administration have said that it will leave the actual implementation of the ban "to the next Administration." Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated on Monday, said he would "most likely" give TikTok a 90-day extension, and TikTok's CEO posted a video thanking Trump for his efforts. However, TikTok said that without more explicit assurances of non-enforcement from the Biden administration, it will be "forced to go dark" on Sunday. Despite a number of buyers expressing interest in TikTok, ByteDance has said repeatedly that it does not intend to sell. (The company described a report that the Chinese government is open to an acquisition by Elon Musk as "pure fiction.") CNBC reports that Perplexity is hoping it can overcome those reservations by proposing a merger rather than a sale. TechCrunch has reached out to TikTok and Perplexity AI for comment. Topics Government & Policy, Perplexity AI, Social, Startups, TikTok Anthony Ha Anthony Ha Anthony Ha is TechCrunch's weekend editor. Previously, he worked as a tech reporter at Adweek, a senior editor at VentureBeat, a local government reporter at the Hollister Free Lance, and vice president of content at a VC firm. He lives in New York City. View Bio Most Popular * EV startup Canoo files for bankruptcy and ceases operations + Sean O'Kane * Amazon suspends US drone deliveries following crash at testing facility + Kyle Wiggers * Perplexity acquires Read.cv, a social media platform for professionals + Kyle Wiggers * OpenAI is trying to extend human life, with help from a longevity startup + Maxwell Zeff * Google begins requiring JavaScript for Google Search + Kyle Wiggers * Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban + Aisha Malik + Ingrid Lunden * Mark Cuban is ready to fund a TikTok alternative built on Bluesky's AT Protocol + Sarah Perez Newsletters See More Subscribe for the industry's biggest tech news TechCrunch Daily News Every weekday and Sunday, you can get the best of TechCrunch's coverage. 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