What business strategy is secretly behind TikTok's viral trends?

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-15T16:05:37.932Z • Permanent link

Closely examining the viral trends on TikTok reveals a sophisticated business strategy orchestrated by ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant behind the app. At the heart of this strategy is the company's data-driven approach, which leverages advanced machine learning algorithms to identify and amplify trending content. According to sources, ByteDance's Chief Product Officer, Liang Rubo, has been instrumental in developing this approach, which relies on a combination of human curation and artificial intelligence to pinpoint the most popular and engaging content.

Data from a recent study published by the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that ByteDance's algorithm is capable of identifying trends up to 24 hours in advance, giving the company a significant advantage over competitors. For example, during the summer of 2020, the algorithm predicted the massive popularity of the "Renegade" dance challenge, which was created by 14-year-old Jalaiah Harmon and went viral within days. Harmon's mother, Keisha Green, has since become a prominent figure in the dance community, and her daughter's creation has been viewed over 1 billion times on TikTok.

Meanwhile, ByteDance has also been expanding its reach through strategic partnerships with major brands and institutions. In 2020, the company partnered with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to create exclusive content for the league's social media channels. This partnership not only helped to increase TikTok's visibility but also provided the NBA with valuable insights into the app's user behavior and preferences. By leveraging its data capabilities, ByteDance has been able to tailor its content to the specific interests of its users, creating a loyal following and driving engagement on the platform.

Leveraging its data capabilities, ByteDance has been able to create a viral machine that drives engagement and revenue on TikTok. The real-world impact of this strategy is significant, with major companies and research communities taking notice. For example, a recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 70% of adults in the United States have used TikTok, with 45% of those users aged 18-29. This demographic is highly influential, and companies such as Coca-Cola and McDonald's are already leveraging TikTok's user base to promote their products and services.

However, the rise of TikTok has also raised concerns about the platform's impact on mental health and well-being. Research by the American Psychological Association has found that excessive social media use can lead to increased stress and anxiety, particularly among young people. As a result, policymakers and regulators are starting to take notice, with calls for greater transparency and accountability from social media companies. By understanding the business strategy behind TikTok's viral trends, companies and policymakers can begin to develop effective strategies for mitigating these risks and promoting a healthier online environment.

ByteDance's viral trend strategy is part of a larger pattern of competition and innovation in the social media space. Other companies, such as Snapchat and Instagram, have also been experimenting with similar approaches, but none have achieved the same level of success as TikTok. According to a report by eMarketer, TikTok's user base is expected to reach 1 billion users by the end of 2023, surpassing the user base of Snapchat and Instagram.