Six days after the surprising announcement that Tim Stokely, founder of OnlyFans, and the HBAR Foundation had submitted a joint bid to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations, attention is now shifting from the drama of the bid itself to what the implications could be—especially if the deal goes through.
While the April 5th deadline for TikTok’s forced divestiture from its Chinese parent company ByteDance has passed, the joint bid by Stokely’s Zoop platform and the Hedera-backed HBAR Foundation was submitted just in time. Now, as the U.S. government reviews competing offers, including one from Amazon, the crypto world is watching closely—not just because of who might win, but because of what it would mean if Web3 technology powers one of the world’s most influential platforms.
If the Deal Goes Through: A Defining Moment for Web3 and Crypto
If approved, this acquisition could mark one of the most transformative moments in crypto history. Here’s why:
1. Blockchain Goes Mainstream—For Real
TikTok boasts over 170 million users in the U.S. alone. With Hedera integrated via Zoop, millions of users would be interacting with blockchain infrastructure daily—likely without even realizing it. From tokenized tipping to transparent creator payouts, blockchain would become invisible but essential.
2. The Creator Economy Gets a True Upgrade
The new ownership group has already hinted at a shift from traditional advertising-based revenue models to tokenized incentives and community-led ownership. This would mean:
– Creators can receive micro-payments in real time.
– Fans can own a stake in creators’ success through NFTs or social tokens.
– Transparent on-chain records of engagement and earnings would reduce fraud and boost trust.
3. HBAR and Hedera Ecosystem Skyrocket
A successful deal would place Hedera Hashgraph as a backbone of the next-gen creator economy. It would boost the credibility, adoption, and market value of HBAR, while placing the Hedera network at the forefront of scalable, green, enterprise-grade blockchain infrastructure.
4. Redefining Social Media Governance
Unlike traditional platforms where users have no say, Zoop could introduce governance models that allow community voting on features, monetization changes, or platform rules—all governed by smart contracts.
5. New Monetization Models
Expect the introduction of:
– Watch-to-earn mechanisms similar to Web3 video platforms.
– Token-based advertising systems where users earn for ad engagement.
– Subscription models where both platform and creators earn transparently.
Strategic Shift for the Crypto Ecosystem
This move is not just about integrating crypto into a social media app—it’s about proving that blockchain can enhance digital infrastructure at scale, and in ways the average user actually benefits from.
This deal, if successful, could:
– Open doors for regulatory clarity by showing how blockchain can align with U.S. interests in transparency, security, and economic empowerment.
– Spark a wave of Web2 to Web3 migrations, especially among content platforms and creator tools.
– Cement HBAR’s reputation as more than just an enterprise-grade protocol—it becomes the lifeblood of a new social internet.
The Big Picture
While many in the crypto space dream of mainstream adoption, few have had a credible pathway. This bid—by a controversial but visionary entrepreneur and a deeply respected blockchain foundation—might just change everything.
As the decision from U.S. regulators looms, one thing is certain: if the HBAR–Zoop bid succeeds, it could make Web3 not just a buzzword, but the foundation of the world’s digital future.
