The Peak Daily Keep scrolling 🤳- TikTok and the the U.S. are making a deal, A Chinese automaker eyes Canada.
Jan 23, 2026
TikTok emerges unscathed from its U.S. standoff, thanks to a deal that allows ByteDance to maintain influence. The podcast discusses how banning the platform proved politically daunting despite security concerns. Meanwhile, a Chinese EV maker, Cherry, is eyeing Canada's market, poised to sell passenger vehicles after tariff negotiations. The hosts contemplate the implications of inexpensive Chinese EVs on the North American automotive landscape. Other intriguing topics include a SPAC plan from General Fusion and a controversial beluga export involving Marineland.
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Cold Weather Banter Kicks Off Episode
- Alex jokes about his 'ex-wife' and warns listeners about an Arctic outbreak bringing historically low temperatures to parts of Canada.
- Jay admits he has a cold from the weather, adding light banter to the episode's start.
TikTok Survived By Staying Too Popular
- TikTok avoided an outright ban by selling a U.S. stake while ByteDance kept meaningful control via ad, e-commerce operations and a leased algorithm.
- The platform became politically untouchable largely because it is too popular to outlaw across North America.
Deal Structure Keeps ByteDance Influential
- The U.S.-China deal gives U.S. investors equity while ByteDance retains operational pieces and leases its algorithm for revenue share.
- That structure leaves ByteDance influential over product direction despite a reduced ownership stake.