Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian has confirmed his involvement in a high-profile bid to acquire TikTok’s US operations, with the ambitious goal of integrating blockchain technology into the platform. Ohanian has joined Project Liberty, led by billionaire Frank McCourt, as a strategic adviser specializing in social media.

“I’m officially now one of the people trying to buy TikTok US — and bring it onchain,” Ohanian announced on March 3 via X. He emphasized the importance of data ownership, stating that users should control their own data, while creators should fully own their audience.

Project Liberty’s proposal seeks to overhaul TikTok’s infrastructure by implementing "Frequency," a decentralized social network protocol built on Polkadot’s blockchain. This move aims to give users greater control over their digital identities and data while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Ohanian has been a long-time advocate for blockchain adoption. Under his leadership, Reddit made strategic investments in Bitcoin, Ether, and Polygon. The platform also introduced blockchain-powered avatars and experimented with a decentralized reward system, though both initiatives struggled in a declining crypto market.

Despite past setbacks, Ohanian remains confident that blockchain can redefine social media. He believes a decentralized TikTok would be a game-changer for creators, allowing them to thrive in a fairer digital environment. His involvement in the bid signals a potential shift in how major social platforms operate, sparking debate over whether blockchain integration can truly enhance user experience or if it’s just another tech industry buzzword.