How to Invest in TikTok: A 2025 Guide for Retail Investors

TikTok has become one of the world’s most popular social media platforms, attracting millions of daily users and shaping digital trends globally. Naturally, many investors are asking: Can I invest in TikTok? The short answer is: TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is private, but there are still ways to gain exposure. Here’s everything you need to know.

Understanding TikTok’s Ownership

TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based tech company founded by Zhang Yiming. ByteDance is privately held, meaning it is not listed on a public stock exchange like the NYSE or NASDAQ. This limits direct access for most retail investors.

Key Investors in ByteDance

• Founder Zhang Yiming: ~21%
• HongShan Capital (formerly Sequoia China): ~10%
• Susquehanna International Group (SIG): ~15%
• Other investors: SoftBank, General Atlantic, Coatue Management

Direct Investment Options

A. Private Equity / Secondary Markets

Private shares of ByteDance occasionally trade on secondary markets like:

• EquityZen
• Forge Global
• Linqto

⚠️ Note: These platforms typically require you to be an accredited investor, with high minimum investments.

B. Venture Capital Funds

Some venture capital funds that invested in ByteDance early still hold stakes. Investing in these funds indirectly exposes you to ByteDance, though access is often limited to accredited investors.

Indirect Investment Through Public Companies

While you can’t buy ByteDance shares directly on the stock market, you can invest in companies that hold stakes in ByteDance:

• SoftBank (9984.T, Japan) – one of ByteDance’s largest investors.
• KKR & Co. (KKR, NYSE) – participated in funding rounds.

Additionally, investing in competitors in the social media and AI-powered content space can give indirect exposure to TikTok’s market growth:

• Alphabet (GOOG) – YouTube Shorts
• Meta (META) – Instagram Reels
• Tencent (0700.HK) – Chinese social apps

Watching for a Potential IPO

ByteDance has been rumored to IPO in Hong Kong or the U.S. for years. A future IPO would allow retail investors to purchase shares directly.

• TikTok divestment in the U.S. may accelerate an IPO or spinoff.
• Keep an eye on news from the Trump–Xi TikTok framework deal, which could reshape ownership and pave the way for public trading.

Risks to Consider

• Political risk: U.S.-China relations can impact ByteDance’s U.S. operations.
• Regulatory risk: TikTok is under scrutiny for national security concerns in multiple countries.
• Private company risk: Valuations are less transparent than public stocks.

Conclusion

Investing in TikTok isn’t straightforward, but there are multiple paths:

1. Private equity / secondary market shares for accredited investors.
2. VC funds with ByteDance exposure.
3. Public companies that hold stakes in ByteDance or compete in the short-video market.
4. Future IPO opportunities.

For most retail investors, the indirect route through public companies or patiently waiting for an IPO is the most accessible way to gain exposure.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult with a licensed investment professional before making investment decisions.