AppLovin Shoots THE Shot: Merger with TikTok?
In a bold move, ad tech powerhouse AppLovin has proposed a strategic merger with TikTok Global, aiming to unite all assets outside China—not a buyout, but a next-gen partnership.
The pitch? Combine forces to supercharge ad revenue, tackle global data and content challenges, and bring Axon AI to one of the most engaging platforms on the planet.
AppLovin projects TikTok’s ad revenue outside China to reach 80bn with the integration of its Axon AI.
🔍 The Big Bet:
TikTok’s non-China ad revenue, projected at $20B in 2024, could skyrocket to $80B with AppLovin’s Axon AI baked in. But, AppLovin warns: without tighter control, security and data issues will cap that growth.
📌 3 Pillars
- National Security – AppLovin would lead to ensure unbiased algorithms and global data privacy.
- Youth Safety – Built-in content moderation for age-appropriate experiences.
- Economic Growth – Massive upside: billions in potential ad revenue + over a million new jobs.
🧠 “This is a long shot,” admits CEO Adam Foroughi, “but so was building Axon AI—and we nailed it. We’re not here for small bets. This is about creating value at a global scale.”
💥 AppLovin’s vision: a transformative alliance that doesn’t just boost business—it reshapes the future.
Foroughi believes the match is perfect: AppLovin’s AI-powered ad tech meets TikTok’s massive, highly engaged audience.
“If you can pair our algorithm with the TikTok audience,” he says, “the expansion…will be through the roof.” More than just revenue, the merger could solve national security concerns by transferring ownership to a Western company—a win for Washington, Beijing, and Wall Street.
Meanwhile, Tripledot is snapping up AppLovin’s games division in a $400M deal, with AppLovin taking a 20% equity stake. The deal wraps up by early summer 2025.
