a16z Podcast

TikTok & Beyond: The Algorithm Question, The Future of Product

4 snips
Sep 20, 2020
Eugene Wei, former head of product at Hulu and Flipboard, dives into the fascinating world of TikTok's algorithm and its impact on creativity. He discusses how the platform's unique algorithm fosters a culture of innovation and meme evolution, allowing new creators to shine alongside established ones. Wei also contrasts TikTok's meritocratic model with traditional social networks, highlighting its approach to personalized content delivery. Additionally, he explores the future of video and how it reshapes social networking and entertainment.
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INSIGHT

TikTok Algorithm's Power

  • TikTok's algorithm's power comes from the combination of conventional recommendation algorithms and unique training data.
  • This data is generated by users within the app's closed-loop ecosystem.
ANECDOTE

Musical.ly to TikTok

  • TikTok's origin traces back to Musical.ly, a US-based lip-sync app popular with American teens.
  • ByteDance, a Chinese company, cloned Musical.ly, eventually acquiring it and rebranding it as TikTok.
INSIGHT

Democratizing Video Creation

  • TikTok's success is partly due to its user-friendly tools that simplify video creation.
  • These tools democratize advanced film techniques, making them accessible to anyone.
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