Chinese tech juggernaut ByteDance, the force behind TikTok and Douyin, is leveraging user data to spearhead an A.I. revolution. With TikTok boasting 170 million U.S. users and Douyin commanding 700 million in China, ByteDance amasses a treasure trove of insights into internet usage. This data fuels their A.I. advancements, powering content recommendation algorithms and attracting massive investment in infrastructure, including data centers and advanced semiconductors.
As governments worldwide grapple with TikTok’s potential influence, ByteDance is strategically leveraging its data advantage to expand beyond social media, positioning itself as a major player in the global A.I. race. While Washington debates forcing a sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations, ByteDance continues its A.I. hiring spree, solidifying its position as a formidable tech force. The company has invested billions in the infrastructure needed to power A.I. systems, building vast data centers in China and Southeast Asia and buying up advanced semiconductors.