Ideas worth spreading

TikTok's CEO on its future -- and what makes its algorithm different

1,884,873 views |

Shou Chew |

TED2023

• April 2023

TikTok CEO Shou Chew dives into how the trend-setting video app and cultural phenomenon works — from what distinguishes its algorithm and drives virality to the challenges of content moderation and digital addiction. In a wide-ranging conversation with head of TED Chris Anderson, he tells stories about the TikTok creators he loves and digs into thorny issues like data privacy and government manipulation — as well as speaking personally about his commitment to inspiring creativity and building community.

TikTok CEO Shou Chew dives into how the trend-setting video app and cultural phenomenon works — from what distinguishes its algorithm and drives virality to the challenges of content moderation and digital addiction. In a wide-ranging conversation with head of TED Chris Anderson, he tells stories about the TikTok creators he loves and digs into thorny issues like data privacy and government manipulation — as well as speaking personally about his commitment to inspiring creativity and building community.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speakers

Shou Chew

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Shou Chew is the CEO of TikTok, the trend-setting video app – and cultural phenomenon – that's used by more than a billion people every month.

Chris Anderson

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After a long career in journalism and publishing, Chris Anderson became the curator of the TED Conference in 2002 and has developed it as a platform for identifying and disseminating ideas worth spreading.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.