How to Get a Job at TikTok (ByteDance)

TikTok Details & History

TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in history. Originally launched in China in 2016 as Douyin by parent company ByteDance, it quickly expanded globally under the TikTok brand in 2017. In 2018, TikTok merged with the lip-syncing app Musical.ly, unlocking a huge U.S. teen user base and skyrocketing its popularity.

Today, TikTok has more than 1 billion monthly active users worldwide. The platform is known for its short-form video format, powerful recommendation algorithm, and the way it has shaped music, culture, and trends. TikTok isn’t just a place for viral dances anymore—it’s also become a massive platform for creators, small businesses, and brands. On the career side, that growth translates into thousands of jobs in product, engineering, marketing, content moderation, and trust & safety.

TikTok Office Locations

TikTok is a global company with offices in dozens of cities. Its global headquarters is in Singapore, while ByteDance’s corporate headquarters is based in Beijing, China. In the United States, TikTok has major offices in Los Angeles, New York, Mountain View, Austin, and Washington, D.C. Europe hubs include London, Dublin, Paris, and Berlin, while Asia-Pacific teams operate from Tokyo, Seoul, Jakarta, and Sydney.

In recent years, TikTok has emphasized cross-border collaboration, so many roles are remote-friendly or hybrid depending on the department. This global setup makes TikTok a unique place to work—teams often span continents and time zones, reflecting its worldwide user base.

TikTok Primary Competitors

TikTok sits in one of the most competitive corners of tech: social media and digital content. Its main competitors include:

• YouTube Shorts – Google’s short-form video platform, directly designed to counter TikTok’s rise.
• Instagram Reels – Meta’s short-form video feature integrated into Instagram, leveraging its massive existing audience.
• Snapchat Spotlight – Snapchat’s own take on quick, viral video content.
• Other video startups – While TikTok dominates, smaller platforms like Triller and Kwai also compete in certain regions.

Despite heavy competition, TikTok’s recommendation algorithm and cultural influence keep it ahead of the curve. For job seekers, this competitive environment means roles are fast-paced, impactful, and tied directly to one of the most-watched products in the world.

Top TikTok Departments for Entry-Level Roles

If you’re just starting your career, Spotify offers plenty of paths to get your foot in the door. The most common entry-level departments include:

• Product & Engineering – Roles like Graduate Engineer, Associate Product Manager, or Junior Developer.
• Data & Analytics – Spotify is data-driven to its core, so opportunities for Data Analysts and Product Analysts are plentiful.
• Marketing & Growth – From content marketing to performance growth, these teams help bring Spotify’s product to millions of listeners.
• Design & User Experience – Entry-level design roles, especially in UX and product design, allow early-career creatives to shape how users interact with the platform.

Diversity at TikTok

TikTok emphasizes building an inclusive workplace that reflects its diverse, global audience. Employee resource groups support communities like women in tech, LGBTQ+ employees, and underrepresented minorities. The company also publishes diversity commitments, aiming to improve representation across leadership and tech roles. Because of its global reach, cultural diversity is a natural part of day-to-day life at TikTok, with employees frequently collaborating across countries and regions.

Is remote work allowed at TikTok?

Yes — TikTok offers hybrid and remote roles depending on department and location. Some teams, particularly in engineering, content moderation, and trust & safety, may require more in-office collaboration or security-based onsite work. But marketing, operations, and data roles often have flexible or hybrid setups. The company has been steadily expanding in hubs like Los Angeles, New York, London, and Singapore, while also offering remote options for select positions.

Is it hard to get a job with TikTok?

Like most major tech companies, TikTok is highly competitive. The brand’s popularity, rapid growth, and global recognition make it a top destination for job seekers. Roles can attract thousands of applicants, especially internships and early-career positions. That said, TikTok regularly posts opportunities for students and new grads, particularly in analytics, operations, and trust & safety. Candidates who highlight adaptability, cross-cultural collaboration, and an understanding of social media trends stand out the most.

Does TikTok have good benefits?

Employee reviews generally describe TikTok’s benefits as strong, with highlights including healthcare coverage, wellness stipends, and daily meal allowances in certain offices. Compensation is often competitive, and many employees receive equity or bonus opportunities. Parental leave, relocation support, and learning stipends are also offered in many locations. Benefit ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed tend to score above average, though experiences can vary by geography and team.

Work-Life Balance at TikTok

Work-life balance at TikTok is one of the more debated topics. Some employees describe the pace as fast-moving and intense, reflecting the company’s rapid growth and “always-on” culture. Teams working directly on content or moderation may face heavier workloads, while marketing, operations, and product roles often enjoy more balance and flexibility. Overall, the company rewards hustle and adaptability, but employees also mention that TikTok is making progress in building structures to support healthier long-term balance.

Health, Family & Wellness

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, along with disability insurance (benefits vary slightly by region)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) available in eligible locations
• Mental health support through therapy resources, wellness stipends, and employee assistance programs
• Generous parental leave, with 16–20 weeks fully paid leave in many regions, plus adoption and fertility assistance
• Wellness perks like office meal allowances in certain hubs (e.g., Los Angeles, Singapore, London)

Time Off & Flexibility

• Employees typically report 20+ vacation days per year, plus sick days and local public holidays
• Flexible work hours depending on department, with hybrid and remote roles available in select teams
• Some offices offer recharge days or long weekends to encourage downtime, though workloads can vary by team
• Cultural leave and flexible scheduling policies help support TikTok’s diverse, global workforce

Workplace & Remote Support

• Work-from-home stipends and equipment support for hybrid/remote employees
• Mobile phone and internet reimbursements
• Pet-friendly office policies in some major hubs (like LA and New York)
• Fitness and wellbeing stipends, plus regular team bonding and cultural events

Learning & Development

• Professional development budgets for training, certifications, and conferences
• Access to global mentorship programs and internal mobility opportunities
• Leadership development tracks and rotational programs for early-career hires
• Hackathons and innovation challenges designed to test creativity and problem-solving

Culture & Employee Feedback at Spotify

• TikTok’s culture is described as fast-paced, ambitious, and globally connected
• Employees highlight career growth opportunities, strong compensation, and international exposure
• Glassdoor ratings:
  • Overall: 3.9 / 5
  • Culture & Values: ~3.6 / 5
  • Work/Life Balance: ~3.3 / 5
  • Compensation & Benefits: ~4.0 / 5
  • Senior Management: ~3.2 / 5
  • Career Opportunities: ~3.7 / 5
• About 72% of employees would recommend TikTok to a friend, according to Glassdoor
  
  • Common praise: exciting projects, global collaboration, competitive pay
  • Common critiques: long hours in some teams, high expectations, and rapid organizational changes

Who is TikTok looking to hire?

TikTok is looking for people who are mission-driven and excited about shaping the future of entertainment, culture, and technology. The company hires across engineering, product, data, design, marketing, and trust & safety, but what stands out most is adaptability. Employees who thrive at TikTok are curious, collaborative, and ready to move quickly in a fast-changing environment. For entry-level roles, TikTok values internships, projects, or side hustles that show creativity, cultural awareness, and technical skill. If you can demonstrate impact—whether through coding projects, growth campaigns, or design work—you’ll already be speaking TikTok’s language.

TikTok Values

On TikTok’s careers page, the company emphasizes its mission to “inspire creativity and bring joy.” That mission guides its culture and hiring. Some of the values highlighted across their career and culture content include:

• Aim for the Highest – TikTok sets ambitious goals and wants employees who push boundaries.
• Be Grounded & Courageous – Teams are encouraged to think big but stay humble, taking bold actions even in uncertainty.
• Always Day 1 – Employees are expected to approach challenges with curiosity and a beginner’s mindset, no matter how experienced they are.
• Open & Humble – Collaboration across borders and cultures is key, with an emphasis on respect and inclusion.

These values shape the hiring process, so candidates who can connect their stories to TikTok’s mission of creativity and joy tend to stand out.

TikTok Interview Process

We scanned and aggregated information from Reddit threads, Glassdoor reviews, and TikTok’s hiring pages to outline what the interview process typically looks like. While experiences vary by team, most candidates go through three to five rounds of interviews.

• Recruiter Screen: Usually a short video or phone call where the recruiter checks your background, interest in TikTok, and general role fit.
• Technical/Functional Interviews: Role-specific rounds (for example, coding for engineers, case studies for analysts, or campaign planning for marketing roles).
• Team/Panel Interviews: Meetings with potential teammates or cross-functional partners. These rounds often test collaboration, problem-solving, and cultural alignment.
• Final Interview: A wrap-up discussion with senior managers or cross-functional leaders, ensuring you’re aligned with TikTok’s values and mission.

On Reddit, candidates often mention that the process is fast-paced but demanding, with some reporting take-home assignments or live problem-solving exercises. Glassdoor reviews note that timelines can range from a few weeks to over a month depending on the role and location.

Bridged Pro tip: Many Reddit users note that TikTok values cultural fit as much as technical skills. Being able to explain why you’re excited about TikTok’s mission—and showing global awareness—can set you apart.

TikTok Internship Program

TikTok’s internships are part of its Early Careers program. Internships are open to current undergraduate, master’s, and even PhD students, depending on the region.

• In the Americas, TikTok runs 12-week summer internships for undergrad and master’s students.
• They also offer specialized MBA and PhD internships.
• Internships aim to give real, meaningful work, not just support tasks, and include social events and development workshops.
• Candidates are usually allowed to apply to up to two Early Career positions globally.
• For example, there is a Global Partnerships Intern (TikTok Shop) role posted with a 12-week commitment.

From Reddit, some candidates report a relatively typical structure: they go through resume screening, possibly an online assessment or coding challenge (for technical roles), and then interviews.

TikTok MBA Program

TikTok offers internships specifically for MBA students, especially in strategic, marketing, operations, and product tracks. All of these are linked with more details from their Early Careers page.

• These MBA internships are 12 weeks and challenge interns to solve real business problems — not just intern tasks.
• Some MBA-level internships are tied to functional areas like TikTok Shop operations or marketing initiatives.
• Outside of internships, “Graduate Opportunities” (for candidates with <1 year experience) sometimes attract MBA grads or those about to finish their degree.

Other Student / Entry-Level Programs at TikTok

Beyond formal internships and MBA tracks, TikTok’s Early Careers portal also supports graduate roles (for fresh grads), rotational programs, and project-intern opportunities.

• Graduate roles are open to candidates with 0–1 year of experience, often in engineering, product, marketing, data, and operations.
• Some project or short-term intern roles fall outside the typical “internship” label, giving more flexibility.
• Because TikTok operates globally, entry-level programs vary by region. Certain countries may have extended internship durations, local scholarship tie-ins, or region-specific student programs.

We’ve developed a tried-and-true process to help Bridged readers land jobs at top-tier tech companies—and TikTok is no exception. While it’s a competitive, fast-moving environment, there are clear steps you can take to improve your odds. The biggest factor? Demonstrating adaptability, cultural awareness, and the ability to collaborate across global teams. Read on for our recommendations.

Identify Your Target Role

TikTok hires across engineering, product, marketing, design, trust & safety, and data science—but most roles emphasize creativity, speed, and a global perspective. We recommend starting with our Best Entry-Level Tech Jobs guide to better understand which positions align with your skills and interests.

If you’re excited about shaping the future of short-form video and social media, you might thrive in:

• Data & Product Analytics (measuring feature performance, user behavior insights, A/B testing)
• Software Engineering (backend infrastructure, recommendation systems, large-scale video delivery)
• Product Management (growth experiments, creator tools, monetization strategies)
• Trust & Safety / Content Moderation (protecting communities, building scalable safety systems)
• Marketing & Creator Partnerships (brand campaigns, influencer activations, TikTok Shop growth)

Explore Ways to Get Experience

You don’t need a FAANG background to get hired by TikTok—but you do need to show that you can work fast, think globally, and deliver results.

Great ways to stand out include:

• Build projects with the TikTok API: Create analytics dashboards, content recommendation tools, or creative projects that highlight data and product thinking.
• Contribute to creator or social media communities: Launch campaigns, manage TikTok accounts, or collaborate with influencers to show you understand the platform’s culture.
• Take foundational courses: Data and product-focused certificates (Google Data Analytics, Meta Social Media Marketing, or an Intro to AI/ML course) can strengthen your toolkit.
• Run mock audits: Pick a TikTok feature (like TikTok Shop, Live, or Reels competitor tools), critique it, and write a case study about how you’d improve it.
• Practice global collaboration: Show that you can adapt to different markets and perspectives—critical for a company with offices in more than 50 countries.

TikTok values problem-solvers and culture-builders. Real-world projects, thoughtful case studies, or even unsolicited product ideas can make you memorable.

Use Jobscan to Optimize Your Resume

Like most global tech companies, TikTok uses ATS (Applicant Tracking Software). That means your resume may be filtered before a recruiter even sees it.

To improve your odds:

• Run your resume through Jobscan against TikTok job descriptions.
• Mirror job titles exactly (e.g., “Product Manager – TikTok Shop Growth” or “Data Analyst – Content Operations”).
• Include keywords like “A/B testing,” “growth strategy,” “real-time systems,” “trust & safety,” or “cross-functional collaboration,” depending on the role.

These small tweaks can determine whether your application makes it into a recruiter’s hands—or gets stuck in the ATS black hole.

Use LinkedIn Premium to Find and Reach Out to Spotify Employees

TikTok is global, but personal connections still matter. Networking thoughtfully can help you stand out from thousands of applicants.

We recommend:

• Searching LinkedIn for current Product Managers, Engineers, or Recruiters at TikTok.
• Sending a short, personal note referencing a TikTok feature you admire (e.g., TikTok Shop, LIVE, or even TikTok’s recommendation engine).
• Sharing your own work: a TikTok API project, a marketing case study, or social campaigns you’ve run.

Even a casual referral or warm introduction can dramatically increase your chances of landing an interview.

And Finally: Be Patient

TikTok is highly selective, with thousands of applicants per role—but they also value initiative, persistence, and passion for the platform.

If you don’t land the role on your first try:

• Build in public: Share your projects, campaigns, or product critiques online.
• Stay active in the TikTok ecosystem: Participate in hackathons, post content, or get involved in creator/tech communities.
• Try again later: Reapply with stronger projects, new technical skills, or fresh ideas that align with TikTok’s fast-moving roadmap.

The work you’re putting in now isn’t wasted—it’s building the kind of global, adaptable skillset that makes you a standout candidate when the right TikTok role opens up.

Final Take: Is TikTok the Right Fit for You?

Landing a role at TikTok is no small feat—the company is fast-paced, competitive, and attracts talent from all over the world. But that’s also what makes it so exciting. If you can show adaptability, cross-cultural awareness, and a passion for shaping the future of content, you’ll already stand out.

Even if you don’t get an offer on the first try, every project, case study, or networking conversation brings you closer. TikTok values persistence and creativity, and the skills you’re building now—whether through side projects, internships, or community contributions—are exactly what will make you the right candidate when the timing is right.

If the idea of working at the cutting edge of tech and culture excites you, TikTok could be the stage where you launch the next chapter of your career.

Your future job at TikTok could be one project, one connection, or one application away. Keep building, keep sharing, and keep showing your curiosity—opportunities have a way of finding people who do. Did you get something out of this article? Let us know at hello@getbridged.co