Acquired TikTok
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Dec 9, 2019 Discover the incredible rise of TikTok, a global sensation born from the merger of two Chinese companies. Learn how a mid-30s UX architect shifted the landscape of social media, turning TikTok into a platform that rivals Instagram. Explore its innovative use of AI for content creation and the distinct dynamics that set it apart from traditional networks. Delve into the challenges Faced by Musical.ly and the intense rivalry with Facebook, along with the cybersecurity concerns surrounding its Chinese ownership.
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The Unlikely Origin of TikTok
- Alex Zhu, a UI designer at SAP, was appointed an in-house futurist.
- His focus was on the future of education, a seemingly unlikely path to TikTok.
Short-Form Video Insight
- Alex Zhu observed low completion rates in MOOCs due to long video formats.
- This led him to explore short-form educational videos, founding Cicada Education.
Cross-Border Beginnings
- Cicada Education, with dual headquarters in the US and China, raised $250,000.
- This cross-border approach was unusual for startups in 2012.