Zhang Yiming

Born in 1983 in Longyan, Fujian Province, Zhang displayed early interest and talent in computer programming. He graduated from Nankai University with a degree in microelectronics and later pursued a career in technology. In 2012, Zhang Yiming founded ByteDance, initially focusing on developing news aggregation apps. The company gained international fame with the launch of TikTok, a short-form video platform, in 2016. Under Zhang's leadership, ByteDance expanded its portfolio to include other popular apps like Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), Toutiao (a news aggregator), and others. Zhang Yiming's entrepreneurial vision and ByteDance's rapid growth have made him one of the most influential figures in the global tech industry. In 2021, he stepped down as the CEO of ByteDance however remains a significant figure in the company. His innovative approach to content creation and distribution has reshaped how people interact with digital media worldwide.

ByteDance disrupted the world with TikTok, Zhang’s brainchild.

• Born in 1983 in Longyan, Fujian Province, China.
• Grew up in the southeastern city of Longyan.
• Attended Nankai University in Tianjin, where he majored in microelectronics before changing to software engineering. He graduated from there in 2005.
• Started his career in technology after graduating from university.
• Founded ByteDance in 2012, initially focusing on news aggregation apps.

Detailed information about Zhang Yiming's family life is not available; he keeps it very private. 

• The online information available is that his parents were civil servants and he didn't have any siblings.