Zhang Yiming, the brain behind TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, has officially become China’s wealthiest person in 2024 with a net worth of $57.5 billion. His journey from a small-town software engineer to leading one of the world’s most influential tech companies is nothing short of remarkable.
Zhang began his career as a programmer, working at companies like Microsoft and a travel startup, where he developed a deep interest in data-driven product design. In 2012, he founded ByteDance in Beijing with a bold vision: use artificial intelligence to deliver highly personalized content. His first major product, Toutiao (a news aggregation app), gained massive traction in China thanks to its smart recommendation algorithms.
However, the real turning point came in 2016 when ByteDance launched Douyin, the Chinese version of what would later become TikTok. The app’s short video format, addictive algorithm, and creator-friendly design made it a global sensation. ByteDance’s acquisition of Musical.ly in 2017 helped TikTok rapidly expand into the Western market, especially among Gen Z users.
Even after stepping down as CEO in 2021, Zhang retained a large ownership stake and strategic influence in ByteDance, now valued at over $220 billion. While many Chinese tech giants stumbled under regulatory pressure, ByteDance thrived by pivoting smartly and diversifying.
Zhang Yiming’s rise isn’t just about a viral app—it’s about spotting global trends early, betting on AI, and building a company that could outgrow borders.
