How to Buy ByteDance Stock (TikTok's Parent Company)

ByteDance, the Chinese company behind TikTok, is valued at approximately $300 billion—making it one of the world’s most valuable private companies. And you want to own a piece before it goes public.

The short answer: most retail investors cannot buy ByteDance stock directly. The company is private, has no announced IPO plans, and faces unprecedented regulatory challenges in the United States. Even if you qualify as an accredited investor and access shares through secondary markets, you’d be investing in a company whose most valuable asset—TikTok—may be banned or forcibly divested within months.

This isn’t a typical pre-IPO opportunity. This guide breaks down exactly who can access ByteDance shares, through which platforms, at what cost—and why the risk profile here is fundamentally different from other private tech giants.

Quick Summary

What Is ByteDance?

ByteDance is a Beijing-based technology company that has built some of the world’s most engaging content platforms. Founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming, the company pioneered AI-driven content recommendation algorithms that transformed how people consume media.

The company operates across several major product lines:

TikTok: The short-form video platform that took the world by storm. TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users outside China and has fundamentally changed social media, entertainment, and digital marketing. It’s ByteDance’s primary growth engine and generates an estimated 60% of total company revenue through advertising.

Douyin: The original version of TikTok, operating exclusively in China. Douyin has over 700 million daily active users and includes robust e-commerce integration that TikTok is still developing globally. This is ByteDance’s home market cash cow.

Toutiao: A news and content aggregation platform in China that was ByteDance’s original product. Toutiao uses AI to personalize news feeds for each user—the same technology that powers TikTok’s addictive “For You” page.

Other Products: ByteDance also operates Lark (enterprise collaboration software), CapCut (video editing app), and various gaming and education platforms.

Why Investors Are Interested

ByteDance combines several factors that drive investor demand:

• Unmatched engagement: TikTok users spend an average of 95+ minutes daily on the app
• AI leadership: ByteDance’s recommendation algorithms are considered best-in-class
• Revenue scale: Estimated $85-90 billion in annual revenue
• Global reach: Operating in 150+ countries with 1.5 billion+ monthly active users across platforms
• Advertising dominance: Capturing digital ad spend from Meta and Google

Valuation History

ByteDance has seen its valuation grow dramatically:

The company has maintained its valuation despite regulatory headwinds—a testament to its underlying business strength, though skeptics argue the risks aren’t fully priced in.

Can You Buy ByteDance Stock?

The direct answer: No, you cannot buy ByteDance stock through a regular brokerage account. ByteDance is a private company, and its shares do not trade on public exchanges.

However, there are pathways to ByteDance ownership depending on your investor status:

If you’re an accredited investor: You can potentially purchase ByteDance shares through secondary market platforms like EquityZen. These platforms facilitate transactions between existing shareholders and new buyers. Minimum investments typically start at $25,000, with some platforms requiring $100,000+.

If you’re a retail investor (not accredited): Direct ByteDance ownership is not available. Your options are limited to investing in public companies that hold ByteDance stakes, such as SoftBank (SFTBY) or KKR (KKR). Skip to the “Alternatives for Retail Investors” section for specific options.

Critical Warning: Before considering any ByteDance investment, you must understand the regulatory situation. The U.S. government has passed legislation requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok by January 19, 2025, or face a complete ban. The Supreme Court is hearing TikTok’s constitutional challenge on January 10, 2025. The outcome could dramatically affect ByteDance’s valuation—potentially by 50% or more.

The TikTok Ban: What Investors Must Understand

This is not a typical regulatory risk. The U.S. Congress passed the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” with overwhelming bipartisan support. The law requires ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a complete ban.

Current Legal Status

TikTok has challenged the law as unconstitutional under the First Amendment. The case—TikTok Inc. v. Garland—reached the Supreme Court on an expedited basis. Oral arguments are scheduled for January 10, 2025, just nine days before the ban takes effect.

Possible Outcomes

Scenario 1: Supreme Court Upholds the Ban

• TikTok must be divested or shut down in the U.S.
• ByteDance loses its primary growth market
• Valuation could drop 40-60% depending on sale terms
• Chinese government may block algorithm transfer, complicating any sale

Scenario 2: Supreme Court Strikes Down the Law

• TikTok continues operating
• Regulatory uncertainty persists (new legislation possible)
• Valuation likely stable or increases

Scenario 3: Divestiture Occurs

• ByteDance sells TikTok U.S. to American buyers
• Potential buyers include Microsoft, Oracle, or private equity consortiums
• ByteDance receives cash but loses future TikTok U.S. revenue
• Remaining company (Douyin, Toutiao, etc.) still valuable but less attractive to Western investors

Scenario 4: Extension or Delay

• Political intervention extends deadline
• Uncertainty continues
• Investment thesis remains unclear

The China Factor

Even if ByteDance wanted to sell TikTok, China may not allow it. Chinese regulations restrict the export of AI algorithms, and Beijing has signaled opposition to any forced sale. This creates a scenario where ByteDance might be legally required to divest in the U.S. but legally prohibited from doing so by China.

This is unprecedented territory for any investment.

Accredited Investor Requirements

To access ByteDance shares through secondary markets, you must qualify as an accredited investor under SEC Rule 501 of Regulation D.

Income Test

You qualify if you earned:

• $200,000+ individual income in each of the past two years, OR
• $300,000+ combined income with your spouse
• Plus a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level this year

Net Worth Test

You qualify if you have:

• $1,000,000+ in net worth, excluding your primary residence

Professional Credentials

You automatically qualify if you hold:

• Series 7, 65, or 82 licenses in good standing
• Certain other professional certifications

Reality Check: Approximately 13% of U.S. households qualify as accredited investors. If you don’t meet these thresholds, skip to the “Alternatives for Retail Investors” section—there are ways to get indirect exposure without accreditation.

How to Invest in ByteDance (If Accredited)

If you qualify as an accredited investor and want to pursue ByteDance shares despite the risks, here are your options:

Secondary Market Platforms

EquityZen

• Active ByteDance listings available
• Minimum investment: $25,000+
• Fees: 5-8% of transaction value
• Process: Create account, verify accreditation, browse available shares
• Timeline: Transactions typically take 2-4 weeks to complete

Forge Global

• Institutional-focused platform
• Minimum investment: $100,000+
• Fees: 2-5% of transaction value
• More rigorous due diligence process
• Better for larger transactions

Hiive

• Availability varies for ByteDance
• Minimum investment: $10,000+
• Fees: 3-6% of transaction value
• Check current listings for availability

What to Expect

Secondary market purchases of ByteDance shares involve:

1. Verification: You’ll need to prove accredited investor status with tax returns, brokerage statements, or third-party verification
2. Pricing: Shares trade at market-determined prices, often at premiums to the last funding round
3. Lock-ups: Many platforms impose 12-24 month restrictions on reselling
4. Minimums: Plan for $25,000-$100,000 minimum investments
5. Fees: Expect 3-8% in platform and transaction fees
6. Timeline: Transactions can take weeks to complete

Critical Considerations for ByteDance

Unlike other pre-IPO investments, ByteDance carries unique risks:

• Timing: If you invest now and the TikTok ban is upheld, you may face immediate losses
• Liquidity: If regulatory uncertainty intensifies, finding buyers for your shares becomes harder
• Information asymmetry: You’re betting on a Supreme Court decision and geopolitical developments
• No clear exit: Without an IPO timeline, your capital may be locked indefinitely

Alternatives for Retail Investors

You don’t need accreditation to get some exposure to ByteDance’s success—or the broader social media and Chinese tech sectors. Here’s how:

Public Companies with ByteDance Stakes

SoftBank Group (SFTBY)

• Invested in ByteDance through Vision Fund
• ByteDance represents a small portion of SoftBank’s portfolio
• You’re mostly buying a diversified tech investment portfolio
• Current price: ~$25/share

KKR & Co (KKR)

• Private equity investor in ByteDance
• ByteDance is one of many portfolio companies
• Exposure is minimal relative to overall business
• Current price: ~$145/share

Reality Check: Neither of these gives you meaningful ByteDance-specific exposure. You’re buying diversified investment companies where ByteDance is a small piece.

Social Media Competitors

If you believe in short-form video and social media, consider the public companies competing in the same space:

Meta (META) is the most direct competitor. Instagram Reels was built specifically to compete with TikTok, and Meta has the resources to capitalize if TikTok is banned in the U.S.

China Tech ETFs

For broader Chinese technology exposure:

KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB)

• Holds major Chinese internet companies
• No direct ByteDance exposure (it’s private)
• Includes Alibaba, Tencent, JD.com, Baidu
• Expense ratio: 0.69%

iShares MSCI China ETF (MCHI)

• Broader Chinese market exposure
• Includes tech and other sectors
• No ByteDance exposure
• Expense ratio: 0.59%

Important: These ETFs do NOT include ByteDance because it’s private. You’re getting Chinese tech exposure, not ByteDance specifically.

The “Wait and See” Strategy

Given the unprecedented regulatory situation, the most rational approach for many investors may be:

1. Wait for Supreme Court decision (January 10, 2025)
2. Assess the outcome and its impact on ByteDance’s business
3. Evaluate divestiture terms if TikTok is sold
4. Consider IPO participation if ByteDance eventually goes public

There’s no shame in sitting this one out. The risk-reward profile is genuinely unclear.

Risks of Investing in ByteDance

Beyond the TikTok ban, ByteDance carries significant risks that every potential investor must understand:

Regulatory Risk (Critical)

The TikTok situation is just the most visible regulatory challenge:

• U.S. Ban: Supreme Court decision pending; ban deadline January 19, 2025
• India: TikTok already banned since 2020—a market of 1.4 billion people lost
• European Union: Ongoing investigations into data practices and child safety
• Other Markets: Australia, Canada, and others have restricted TikTok on government devices

Geopolitical Risk (High)

ByteDance is caught in the broader U.S.-China technology conflict:

• National Security Concerns: Bipartisan U.S. opposition to Chinese-owned social media
• Data Privacy: Concerns about Chinese government access to user data
• Algorithm Export Controls: China may block any sale of TikTok’s core technology
• Escalation Risk: Deteriorating U.S.-China relations could create new restrictions

Liquidity Risk (High)

Pre-IPO investments are inherently illiquid, but ByteDance is especially challenging:

• No IPO Timeline: The company has shown no interest in going public
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Makes secondary market transactions harder
• Lock-up Periods: Typical 12-24 month restrictions on resale
• Limited Buyers: Regulatory concerns may deter potential purchasers

Valuation Risk (Medium-High)

The $300 billion valuation assumes TikTok continues operating in major markets:

• Ban Impact: Losing the U.S. market could reduce valuation by 40-60%
• Private Market Pricing: Limited price discovery compared to public markets
• Optimistic Assumptions: Current valuation may not reflect regulatory risks

Business Risk (Medium)

Even without regulatory issues, ByteDance faces competitive pressures:

• Meta Competition: Instagram Reels has significant resources and distribution
• YouTube Shorts: Google’s short-form video product is growing rapidly
• Monetization: Converting engagement to sustainable advertising revenue
• Content Moderation: Ongoing costs and regulatory scrutiny globally

When Will ByteDance Go Public?

The honest answer: There is no clear IPO timeline, and one may never materialize.

Official Statements

ByteDance has made no public statements about IPO plans. The company has actively avoided going public, preferring to remain private and conduct periodic employee buybacks to provide liquidity.

Why an IPO Is Unlikely Near-Term

Several factors make a ByteDance IPO challenging:

1. U.S. Regulatory Uncertainty: No major exchange would list ByteDance while TikTok’s status is unresolved
2. Chinese Regulatory Hurdles: China has tightened rules on overseas listings for tech companies
3. No Financial Pressure: ByteDance is profitable and doesn’t need public market capital
4. Founder Control: Zhang Yiming and leadership prefer private company flexibility

Potential Scenarios

TikTok Spin-Off IPO: If TikTok is divested to American buyers, the new entity could eventually IPO as a U.S. company. This would be a separate investment opportunity from ByteDance.

Douyin/China Business IPO: ByteDance could potentially list its Chinese operations (Douyin, Toutiao) on Hong Kong or mainland Chinese exchanges. This would give investors exposure to ByteDance’s China business but not TikTok.

Full Company IPO: Unlikely without resolution of U.S. regulatory issues and Chinese overseas listing restrictions.

Historical Comparisons

ByteDance has already been private longer than Facebook was before its IPO. The regulatory environment makes the path to public markets even more uncertain.

The Bottom Line

ByteDance is one of the most fascinating and frustrating pre-IPO investment opportunities in the market. The company has built genuinely remarkable products, achieved massive scale, and created a recommendation algorithm that competitors have struggled to replicate.

But the investment case is dominated by factors outside anyone’s control: a Supreme Court decision, geopolitical tensions between superpowers, and regulatory frameworks that could fundamentally reshape the company overnight.

For accredited investors: If you have capital you can afford to lose entirely, understand you may not be able to sell for years, and have a strong conviction about the regulatory outcome, ByteDance shares are available through secondary markets. Just go in with eyes wide open about what you’re buying.

For retail investors: The honest advice is to wait. The indirect exposure options (SoftBank, KKR) don’t give you meaningful ByteDance-specific upside. The social media competitors (Meta, Alphabet) are better investments if you believe in the space. And if ByteDance eventually resolves its regulatory issues and goes public, you’ll have a chance to invest with far more information than you have today.

Sometimes the best investment decision is the one you don’t make.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy ByteDance stock?

No, ByteDance is a private company and its shares do not trade on public stock exchanges. Accredited investors can potentially access shares through secondary market platforms like EquityZen or Forge Global, with minimum investments typically starting at $25,000. Retail investors cannot purchase ByteDance shares directly.

Is TikTok publicly traded?

No, TikTok is not publicly traded. TikTok is a subsidiary of ByteDance, which is a private company. There is no TikTok stock available for purchase on any public exchange. The only way to invest in TikTok is indirectly through ByteDance shares on secondary markets (for accredited investors only).

How much is ByteDance worth?

ByteDance was valued at approximately $300 billion as of October 2024, based on an employee stock buyback program. This makes it one of the most valuable private companies in the world. However, this valuation assumes TikTok continues operating in major markets—if the U.S. ban is upheld, the valuation could decline significantly.

When will ByteDance or TikTok go public?

There is no announced IPO timeline for ByteDance or TikTok. The company faces significant regulatory hurdles in both the U.S. and China that make a traditional IPO unlikely in the near term. If TikTok is divested to American buyers, that new entity could potentially go public separately, but no such plans have been announced.

What happens to ByteDance if TikTok is banned?

If TikTok is banned in the United States, ByteDance would lose its primary growth market and a significant portion of its revenue. Analysts estimate the company’s valuation could decline 40-60% depending on the terms of any divestiture. ByteDance would still own Douyin (Chinese TikTok), Toutiao, and other products, but would be a fundamentally different investment.

How can I invest in TikTok as a retail investor?

Retail investors cannot invest directly in TikTok or ByteDance. The closest alternatives are: (1) investing in public companies that hold ByteDance stakes, such as SoftBank (SFTBY) or KKR (KKR), though exposure is minimal; (2) investing in social media competitors like Meta (META) or Alphabet (GOOGL) that would benefit if TikTok is banned; or (3) waiting for a potential future IPO.

Sources

• Reuters: “ByteDance Valuation Hits $300 Billion in Employee Buyback” (October 2024)
• Supreme Court: TikTok Inc. v. Garland, Docket No. 24-656
• SEC: Accredited Investor Definition, Rule 501 of Regulation D
• EquityZen: ByteDance Investment Platform Documentation
• Congress.gov: Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act
• Bloomberg: ByteDance Funding History and Investor Analysis
• TechCrunch: ByteDance Business Segment Analysis
• Investopedia: ByteDance Company Overview