Reddit Co-founder Alexis Ohanian Bids for TikTok, Aiming to Integrate Social Media with Blockchain
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian has announced his participation in the bidding process to acquire TikTok, planning to integrate blockchain technology to empower users to control their own data. If successful, this acquisition could transform TikTok into a decentralized social media platform, challenging the existing data control models.
(Trump Extends TikTok Sale Deadline, Open to Bids from Musk and Others)
Ohanian Plans to Put TikTok “On-Chain”
Alexis Ohanian posted on social platform X that he will be involved in “The People’s Bid For TikTok,” a bidding initiative proposed by Project Liberty, a nonprofit organization founded by American business magnate Frank McCourt. The plan aims to turn TikTok into a community platform where users control their data.
It is reported that Project Liberty focuses on advocating for a transformation of the data economy and facilitating the transfer of control from platforms back to individuals. Its decentralized social media protocol, “Frequency,” was born out of this concept.
(TikTok’s Sale is Imminent; McCourt Plans to Acquire and Transition to a Decentralized Platform)
Ohanian revealed that he intends to integrate the Frequency protocol to put TikTok on-chain:
“TikTok has changed the rules of the game for creators, and its future should be led by them. Users should own their data, and creators should own their audience. That’s the key.” He is optimistic, stating, “The new version of TikTok will not only be fairer but also greater.”
The Future of TikTok in the U.S. is Uncertain
In recent months, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance has faced pressure from the U.S. government to sell its American operations or risk a ban. The U.S. government is concerned that TikTok may pose a threat to national security, particularly regarding data privacy. The outcome of this bidding war will determine the product’s future in the United States.
Trump revealed a few weeks ago that there is still ample time for the deal, expressing confidence that many companies are interested in acquiring TikTok:
“We may need China’s approval, but I believe this deal is also beneficial for China.”
Can Blockchain Technology Change TikTok?
If the acquisition succeeds, TikTok would integrate the Frequency blockchain, utilizing a unique pricing model to support large-scale social interactions and ensure interoperability among different community applications. This design would not only enhance user data autonomy but also strengthen privacy and security.
Exciting news for the digital world…
I’m officially now one of the people trying to buy TikTok US — and bring it on-chain.
TikTok has been a game-changer for creators, and its future should be built by them↓pic.twitter.com/SPq1Ppv1kK
— Alexis Ohanian (@alexisohanian) March 4, 2025
Ohanian emphasized that the goal of Frequency is to create a more transparent and decentralized data management mechanism, allowing creators to directly control their relationships with audiences, while businesses can connect with customers more effectively:
“We are setting a new standard for digital communities, and this will be a TikTok truly belonging to the people. Let’s see if we can successfully realize this vision.”
Ohanian’s Cryptocurrency Ventures
Ohanian has always shown interest in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. As early as 2020, Reddit launched a community points system based on Ethereum, enabling users to earn token rewards by engaging in discussions or participating in specific forums. Additionally, Reddit has also issued NFT collectibles on Polygon.
(Reddit Abolishes Blockchain-Based Community Points System! MOON and BRICK Token Prices Plummet Over 60%)
Moreover, his venture capital firm 776 Management has repeatedly invested in blockchain startups, participating in fundraising efforts that exceeded $500 million in the crypto space. Now, with Ohanian joining the TikTok acquisition battle, it could not only change the future of this popular application but also further promote the application of blockchain technology in the social media realm. However, the success of the deal still hinges on the U.S. government’s final decision regarding TikTok and the outcome of the bidding competition.
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