The future of TikTok’s US operations hangs in the balance, but Alexis Ohanian has emerged as a pivotal figure in billionaire Frank McCourt’s offer – dubbed “The People’s Bid” – to acquire the platform.

As co-founder of Reddit and a seasoned investor in tech ventures such as Instacart, Patreon, and OpenSea, Ohanian’s track record positions him as the ideal candidate to guide TikTok into a new era – one where users, not algorithms, hold the reins of their data.

A social media pioneer with a visionary outlook

Ohanian’s journey from founding Reddit in the early 2000s to orchestrating its comeback in 2014 demonstrates both entrepreneurial foresight and the ability to revive struggling platforms.

His tenure at Reddit coincided with the platform’s transformation into one of the internet’s most influential social communities. This experience equips him with a unique understanding of how digital platforms evolve.

McCourt has called Ohanian’s perspective “a keen understanding of where [social media] is evolving”. This take will serve as a critical asset as TikTok faces growing scrutiny over its data practices.

While many view social media through the lens of entertainment, Ohanian recognises the deeper power struggle between users and platforms over who controls personal data.

His LinkedIn post sums it up succinctly: “Users should own their data. Creators should own their audience. Period.”

Ohanian promises to build an even better platform. “[With] transparency and accountability at the core, this new TikTok won’t just be fairer – it’ll be GREATER,” he said.

“We’re setting a new standard for what’s possible in digital communities. A TikTok for the people, by the people.”

A bridge between tech insiders and everyday users

TikTok’s underlying algorithm has been a lightning rod for regulators concerned about data privacy and national security. However, many of its users remain unaware of how their information is harvested and manipulated.

Ohanian is uniquely placed to bridge this knowledge gap. His role in The People’s Bid isn’t just about technical validation but about winning over people, too.

McCourt highlighted how Ohanian can translate complex technological principles into messages that resonate with two crucial constituencies:

• Tech insiders who will scrutinise the bid’s technological merits
• Everyday users whose lives are quietly shaped by TikTok’s algorithm

Ohanian’s knack for breaking down high-tech concepts into plain language will be key to convincing users that a more transparent, user-centric TikTok is not only possible but essential.

Championing the creator economy

TikTok’s meteoric rise has been fuelled by its creator community, yet many of these creators are at the mercy of opaque algorithms that dictate their reach and income.

The vision of McCourt and Ohanian places creators at the centre of the platform’s future. His belief that creators should “own their audience” signals a break from the status quo, aligning TikTok’s interests with those of its most valuable stakeholders.

If The People’s Bid succeeds, TikTok could become a test case for how social media platforms can empower their users rather than exploit them – a philosophy that Ohanian has long championed through his investments in platforms like Patreon.

Fixing TikTok, one byte at a time

The battle for TikTok’s US operations is as much about ideology as it is about ownership.

At the heart of Project Liberty’s bid is the belief that social media should serve the public good, not just corporate profit.

Ohanian’s blend of technical know-how, creator-first mindset, and public advocacy makes him the ideal architect of this vision.