"If we assume that happens, I'm sure TikTok, let alone ByteDance as a company as a whole, will survive - and maybe even continue to thrive after this. Because, let's put things into perspective, right? TikTok has more than 1 billion users globally and then the US represents just a little over a 10th of that, 170 million. So I'm not saying that it's not going to impact TikTok and ByteDance. But does it pose an existential threat? Probably not. I believe given we already talked about how ByteDance has been super profitable. I think that, even if they get banned in the US, this is by no means the end of TikTok or ByteDance." - Jing Yang
Fresh out of the studio, Jing Yang, the Asia Bureau Chief for The Information, provided an insightful analysis of the potential implications of the recent U.S. House of Representatives bill to force Bytedance to divest TikTok or face a ban in the US. Detailing a timeline of events, she illuminated how Bytedance and TikTok executives may have misinterpreted U.S. political signals. Despite Bytedance's profitability in China, she shed light on why TikTok is facing financial challenges and the complex dynamics between Bytedance and the investors of the company. Concluding her discussion, she offered her perspectives on the possible future of TikTok globally pending the outcome.
Episode Highlights:
[0:40] Quote of the Day by Jing Yang.
[1:27] Introduction: Jing Yang, Asia Bureau Chief of The Information.
[3:53] Lessons shared by Jing Yang from her career journey.
[5:19] Chronology of the different attempts by the US government to ban TikTok.
[7:40] What are the chances of TikTok being banned in the US?
[9:34] TikTok’s response to the US government after the announcement of the bill.
[11:15] Impact of TikTok's potential ban in the US on content creators & users in the market.
[12:52] The one thing that Jing Yang knows about the TikTok situation very few do.
[14:10] Why TikTok misjudged the political situation in the US.
[17:59] Project Texas and how it encumbered TikTok.
[22:17] TikTok’s engagement with USDS.
[25:14] Chew Shou Zi’s impact on negotiations with the US government after taking over as CEO of TikTok.
[27:45] Assessment of Bytedance and TikTok’s team in handling the US government.
[30:04] Why TikTok is in the red and losing money.
[32:55] Can TikTok still be profitable with a potential US ban?
[36:04] Investors of TikTok distancing themselves from the company.
[40:26] Impact of political affiliations and donations on TikTok.
[41:43] Future of TikTok
[42:43] Closing
You can find Jing Yang at X (formerly known as Twitter): https://x.com/jingyanghk and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jing-yang-33548123/ and her articles on The Information: https://www.theinformation.com/u/Jing%20Yang?rc=fk3gq1
Podcast Information: Bernard Leong hosts and produces the show. Proper credits for the intro and end music: "Energetic Sports Drive" and the episode is mixed & edited in both video and audio format by G. Thomas Craig.
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