TikTok parent ByteDance’s 2025 profit set to hit $50 billion

ByteDance, the Chinese technology group behind short-video platform TikTok, is on course to report profits of around $50 billion (roughly 4.5 lakh-crore) in 2025, capping a record year driven by rapid global expansion and a strong push into e-commerce.

The Beijing-based company has already generated nearly $40 billion in net income during the first three quarters of the year, according to people familiar with the matter. That performance means ByteDance has exceeded its internal profit target for 2025 well ahead of schedule. If the trend holds, its annual earnings would approach those of US social media giant Meta Platforms, which is projected to earn about $60 billion this year.

TikTok's US troubles

The strong financial momentum comes even as TikTok remains under intense scrutiny in the US. Washington has repeatedly raised national security concerns over the Chinese ownership of the popular app, prompting efforts to restrict or ban its operations. In response, ByteDance is close to finalising a plan to carve out TikTok’s US business into a separate joint venture that would be controlled by American investors.

Despite these uncertainties, TikTok’s global growth has continued at a brisk pace, including in the US. The platform has been expanding aggressively into e-commerce and livestream shopping, forging partnerships with major technology and retail players such as Amazon. Underscoring its rising cultural clout, TikTok recently hosted its first Oscars-style red carpet event, the TikTok Awards, in Los Angeles.

Overshoots profit target

On the revenue front, ByteDance had earlier targeted close to 20 percent growth in 2025 sales to about $186 billion. That would place its topline just below Meta’s projected revenue of roughly $200 billion this year. ByteDance has also said its portfolio of apps reaches more than 4 billion monthly active users worldwide.

Founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming, ByteDance operates some of China’s most popular digital platforms, including Toutiao and Douyin.