Mark Cuban’s Brief History with TikTok: An Unsuccessful Investment Bid
Before becoming a sensation on TikTok with his daughter, Mark Cuban had a close encounter with the video-sharing app’s predecessor, Musical.ly. In an interview with social media personality Jules Terpak, Cuban revealed that he attempted to invest in Musical.ly, but his bid was unsuccessful. At the time, Cuban was impressed by the app’s livestreaming option, which allowed him to connect with a large audience immediately.
Although Musical.ly later merged with TikTok, Cuban expressed disappointment with the app’s current direction, stating that it has become “more corporate” and business-driven. He credits the app’s early iterations for fostering authentic connections and fun spaces, but the introduction of revenue-generating features has changed his perception.
Despite his unsuccessful investment bid, Cuban has made a significant impact on the entrepreneurial landscape through his investments on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” Although some of his investments may not have generated substantial profits, he has stated that his goal is not always to make money. In fact, he has invested close to $29 million on companies from the show, with some deals intended to help individuals or send a message.