Baite Dance, a Chinese internet giant, has developed some of the world’s most popular apps: Tiktok and in China, Douyin and Toutiao.

Tiktok claims 170 million users in the US, while around 700 million people use the domestic version of Douyin and 300 million use Toutiao in China. Bytedance gathers data on user interactions to improve user experience and content recommendation.

Bytedance is investing in artificial intelligence infrastructure, including data centers in China and Southeast Asia, to enhance its AI systems. Tiktok has faced bans in multiple countries over national security concerns.

Bytedance’s data usage has raised concerns, leading to Washington lawmakers pressuring Tiktok to sell its US business. In China, Bytedance’s data capabilities have expanded beyond social media into advanced AI technology.

Bytedance is investing heavily in infrastructure, spending billions on data centers and equipment. Chinese tech companies are encouraged to focus on cutting-edge technologies, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

Last year, Bytedance invested around $11 billion in infrastructure such as data centers, networking equipment, and computer chips.

The Biden administration’s rules aim to restrict Chinese companies’ access to certain chips. Bytedance has found ways to acquire computing power needed for AI training, despite these restrictions.

Bytedance’s investments have made it a popular AI app in China, with services like the chatbot Doubao attracting millions of users. Bytedance demonstrates the connection between app ecosystems and AI efforts.

Bytedance launched Volcano Engine in 2021, offering addictive technologies and tools for analyzing algorithms to other companies.

Bytedance’s expertise in creating filters for apps like Douyin and Tiktok has led to collaborations with companies for developing technology like movement tracking for smart appliances.

GAC Group and Mercedes-Benz are among the companies using Bytedance’s Volcano Engine for data management and in-vehicle technology.

Bytedance, a leader in AI technology, is focused on achieving artificial general intelligence, similar to human intelligence.

Many Chinese companies are investing in AI projects, but only a few have the resources to advance the technology. Bytedance is among those leading the way in AI innovation.

Claire Who Contributed research from Seoul.