TOPIC

/ company

TikTok

Latest news and updates on TikTok, the globally popular social media platform. The app, which merged with Musical.ly in 2018, lets users create short videos under a minute long complete with visual effects and background music. It has since come under scrutiny in countries like the US and India because it is owned by a Chinese company. Critics have accused the app of posing a national security risk, a claim that TikTok has repeatedly denied. Known as Douyin in China, the app is owned by Beijing-based startup ByteDance, also behind the Chinese news aggregator Jinri Toutiao.

Chairman / President

Zhang Yiming

CEO / Managing Director

Shou Zi Chew

CFO / Finance Director

Julie Gao

Industry

Social Media

Website

tiktok.com

Headquarters address

Culver City, 5800 Bristol Pkwy, United States

Year founded

2016

Parents who say they have lost their children due to social media hold up a banner with names outside the court. Photo: Reuters

United States

Meta and Google liable for damages in landmark US addiction trial

Jury orders US$6 million payout to a young woman, a verdict that could affect thousands of similar cases against tech companies.

26 Mar 2026 - 1:39PM

Celebrity Families

Meet Lara Cosima, who just got engaged to Kering heir François Pinault Jr

25 Mar 2026 - 6:00PM

Social media

Meta ordered to pay US$375 million in New Mexico child safety trial

25 Mar 2026 - 9:26AM

Icons and Influencers

Meet Marcelo Wang, the influencer teaching Rihanna phrases in Mandarin

The content creator boasts over 1 million followers on Instagram, just attended Milan Fashion Week – and speaks Portuguese, too.

16 Mar 2026 - 6:00PM

Chinese influencer Marcelo Wang with Rihanna at a Fenty Beauty event. Photo: @marcelowang0527/Instagram

Singapore

Singaporean TikTokker to be charged with defamation, spreading falsehoods

In one of his videos, the man claimed that the government was paying to attract Chinese nationals and nurture them as leaders.

11 Mar 2026 - 10:40AM

Fame and celebrity

Meet Sarah J. Maas, bestselling author of A Court of Thorns and Roses

BookTok may have criticised her for a lack of representation and problematic themes in her works, but the Jewish writer has sold 75 million copies of her books.

10 Mar 2026 - 6:00PM

Malaysia

In Malaysia, Muhyiddin’s corruption trial opens with a fight over TikTok

A former PM, a landmark corruption case – and the prosecution’s opening evidence is a pair of TikTok videos the defence says cannot stand.

10 Mar 2026 - 5:49PMvideocam

A screengrab from a TikTok video uploaded by user “puterishantek”, in which purported audio of Muhyiddin was overlaid on a graphic alleging PAS was distancing itself from Perikatan Nasional. Photo: TikTok/Puterishantek

American cinema

How Hoppers star Piper Curda hopes to inspire people in Pixar’s new film

Curda says she hopes her character’s determination to save animals rubs off on viewers of Daniel Chong’s environmentally friendly animation.

10 Mar 2026 - 5:11PMvideocam

Canada

TikTok gets green light to stay in Canada, reversing earlier ban

The app, owned by China’s ByteDance, has agreed to improve privacy and security, and to enhance protections for minors.

10 Mar 2026 - 7:31AMvideocam

Indonesia

Indonesia to ban under-16s from ‘high-risk’ social media platforms

Minister Meutya Hafid said the restrictions would protect children from online harms, but experts warned enforcement might prove difficult.

6 Mar 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

A student uses a mobile phone for online learning in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, in 2020. Photo: EPA

US-China relations

Trump sued in bid to undo approval of TikTok’s US sale

The lawsuit is the first legal challenge to the deal with China’s ByteDance, but does not seek to force a US ban on the short-video platform.

6 Mar 2026 - 7:48AMvideocam

The lawsuit argues that US President Donald Trump’s approval of the TikTok deal violates requirements set out in a 2024 divestiture law. Photo illustration: Reuters

Timepieces

Russell Crowe’s luxury watch collection, as he revealed on TikTok

The actor has built an impressive collection, from his most talked-about Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘Tiffany’ to an Omega Seamaster James Bond tribute.

5 Mar 2026 - 6:00PM

Books and literature

How Asian-American couple’s Tubby Nugget went from silly doodle to viral fame

The husband-and-wife creators of Tubby Nugget reflect on their character’s incredible success as they release their first graphic novel.

3 Mar 2026 - 2:23PM

Chinese culture

Language Matters | Gen Z loves ‘Chinamaxxing’, but where does ‘maxxing’ come from?

Chinamaxxing, lookmaxxing, moneymaxxing and gymmaxxing might be new terms, but the practice of ‘maxxing’ has been around for a while.

2 Mar 2026 - 11:15AM

“Chinamaxxing”, in which the norms and traditions associated with Chinese culture are embraced, is trending, but “maxxing” has roots older than you would think. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/RedNote

ByteDance

ByteDance valuation said to hit record US$550 billion in proposed equity sale

Pending sale by US private equity firm General Atlantic shows ByteDance’s valuation has surged from US$400 billion as recently as mid-2025.

25 Feb 2026 - 8:00PM

Singapore

Singapore prime minister attacked by hundreds of Chinese-language fake AI videos

The videos targeting Lawrence Wong spread false narratives about his leadership being under threat and political infighting in Singapore.

25 Feb 2026 - 9:31AMvideocam

Wellness

Magnesium can help you sleep – but check the dose and how to take it

Experts advise on magnesium threonate, malate, citrate and other compounds, as well as whether you should take it as a pill, as a powder added to a drink or as a spray.

25 Feb 2026 - 6:00AM

Social media

Need help saving money? Your TikTok-viral, rich BFF wants to help

Vivian Tu – ‘Your Rich BFF’ on social media – shares finance tips on everything from talking about money with your partner to overspending.

24 Feb 2026 - 7:15PM

Vivian Tu offers personal finance tips on her Instagram and TikTok accounts, from talking about money with partners to smart investing. Photo: Instagram/your.richbff

Chinese culture

Ancient Chinese astrology gets a Gen Z rebrand in Southeast Asia

Forget rituals and superstitions, today’s young professionals are using ‘bazi’ 10-year luck forecasts to plan their next career pivot.

2 Mar 2026 - 4:06PMvideocam

Germany

Germany’s ruling party seeks social media ban for children aged below 14

Spain, Greece, France, Britain and other countries are looking at similar social media bans or curbs.

21 Feb 2026 - 10:49PM

United States

Meta’s Zuckerberg grilled in landmark social media addiction trial

The 41-year-old Meta CEO admits regret over slow youth safety progress in a high-stakes California lawsuit.

19 Feb 2026 - 1:17PMvideocam

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives for a trial in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Photo: AP

Indonesia

Video | TikTokkers hungry for Indonesian man’s ‘mini-food empire’

The miniature artist became a street vendor after his tiny culinary creations caught the eye of children and adults alike.

18 Feb 2026 - 2:26PM

China-EU relations

Chinese e-commerce giant Shein could face EU ban over ‘childlike sex dolls’

Investigation will also look at the systems the online retailer uses to ensure illegal products are not being sold in Europe.

17 Feb 2026 - 7:40PMvideocam

Artificial intelligence

Humanoids go mainstream as China’s robotics champions appear at CCTV spectacle

ByteDance, Unitree, RedNote, Bilibili and Kuaishou among the firms involved in the unparalleled nationwide marketing opportunity.

17 Feb 2026 - 4:46PMvideocam

China technology

Opinion | ‘Becoming Chinese’ memes reflect a world shaped by China’s ascent

The memes are really about how deeply global digital life is embedded in Chinese-built systems – and how comfortable young people are with that.

13 Feb 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

There is an emerging trend where foreigners are embracing aspects of Chinese culture by adopting habits such as drinking warm water, herbal teas and wearing slippers indoors. Photo: SCMP composite / TikTok

US-China relations

Exclusive | China confirms talks with US about Trump visit as trade truce stays on the cards

US president and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping may roll back tariffs for up to a year as officials seek short-term economic wins.

12 Feb 2026 - 5:30PMvideocam

Xi Jinping and Donald Trump are expected to meet in Beijing in early April as officials work to stabilise economic ties and manage strategic tensions. Photo: Getty Images

China-EU relations

Exclusive | Cold shoulder? China, EU in diplomatic stand-off ahead of Munich showdown

Annual security conference could provide rare venue for high-level EU-China talks as top diplomats Wang Yi and Kaja Kallas attend.

11 Feb 2026 - 7:43PMvideocam

US-China relations

China, Trump targeted in House hearing on foreign influence in US non-profits

Claims made at Congressional hearing that network of foreign donors paid American advocacy groups billions to try to influence US policy.

11 Feb 2026 - 6:31AMvideocam

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TikTok

Meta and Google liable for damages in landmark US addiction trial

Jury orders US$6 million payout to a young woman, a verdict that could affect thousands of similar cases against tech companies.

Meet Lara Cosima, who just got engaged to Kering heir François Pinault Jr

Meta ordered to pay US$375 million in New Mexico child safety trial

Meet Marcelo Wang, the influencer teaching Rihanna phrases in Mandarin

The content creator boasts over 1 million followers on Instagram, just attended Milan Fashion Week – and speaks Portuguese, too.

Singaporean TikTokker to be charged with defamation, spreading falsehoods

In one of his videos, the man claimed that the government was paying to attract Chinese nationals and nurture them as leaders.

Meet Sarah J. Maas, bestselling author of A Court of Thorns and Roses

BookTok may have criticised her for a lack of representation and problematic themes in her works, but the Jewish writer has sold 75 million copies of her books.

In Malaysia, Muhyiddin’s corruption trial opens with a fight over TikTok

A former PM, a landmark corruption case – and the prosecution’s opening evidence is a pair of TikTok videos the defence says cannot stand.

How Hoppers star Piper Curda hopes to inspire people in Pixar’s new film

Curda says she hopes her character’s determination to save animals rubs off on viewers of Daniel Chong’s environmentally friendly animation.

TikTok gets green light to stay in Canada, reversing earlier ban

The app, owned by China’s ByteDance, has agreed to improve privacy and security, and to enhance protections for minors.

Indonesia to ban under-16s from ‘high-risk’ social media platforms

Minister Meutya Hafid said the restrictions would protect children from online harms, but experts warned enforcement might prove difficult.

Trump sued in bid to undo approval of TikTok’s US sale

The lawsuit is the first legal challenge to the deal with China’s ByteDance, but does not seek to force a US ban on the short-video platform.

Russell Crowe’s luxury watch collection, as he revealed on TikTok

The actor has built an impressive collection, from his most talked-about Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘Tiffany’ to an Omega Seamaster James Bond tribute.

How Asian-American couple’s Tubby Nugget went from silly doodle to viral fame

The husband-and-wife creators of Tubby Nugget reflect on their character’s incredible success as they release their first graphic novel.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Language Matters | Gen Z loves ‘Chinamaxxing’, but where does ‘maxxing’ come from?

Chinamaxxing, lookmaxxing, moneymaxxing and gymmaxxing might be new terms, but the practice of ‘maxxing’ has been around for a while.

ByteDance valuation said to hit record US$550 billion in proposed equity sale

Pending sale by US private equity firm General Atlantic shows ByteDance’s valuation has surged from US$400 billion as recently as mid-2025.

Singapore prime minister attacked by hundreds of Chinese-language fake AI videos

The videos targeting Lawrence Wong spread false narratives about his leadership being under threat and political infighting in Singapore.

Magnesium can help you sleep – but check the dose and how to take it

Experts advise on magnesium threonate, malate, citrate and other compounds, as well as whether you should take it as a pill, as a powder added to a drink or as a spray.

Need help saving money? Your TikTok-viral, rich BFF wants to help

Vivian Tu – ‘Your Rich BFF’ on social media – shares finance tips on everything from talking about money with your partner to overspending.

Ancient Chinese astrology gets a Gen Z rebrand in Southeast Asia

Forget rituals and superstitions, today’s young professionals are using ‘bazi’ 10-year luck forecasts to plan their next career pivot.

Germany’s ruling party seeks social media ban for children aged below 14

Spain, Greece, France, Britain and other countries are looking at similar social media bans or curbs.

Meta’s Zuckerberg grilled in landmark social media addiction trial

The 41-year-old Meta CEO admits regret over slow youth safety progress in a high-stakes California lawsuit.

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | TikTokkers hungry for Indonesian man’s ‘mini-food empire’

The miniature artist became a street vendor after his tiny culinary creations caught the eye of children and adults alike.

Chinese e-commerce giant Shein could face EU ban over ‘childlike sex dolls’

Investigation will also look at the systems the online retailer uses to ensure illegal products are not being sold in Europe.

Humanoids go mainstream as China’s robotics champions appear at CCTV spectacle

ByteDance, Unitree, RedNote, Bilibili and Kuaishou among the firms involved in the unparalleled nationwide marketing opportunity.

Opinion | ‘Becoming Chinese’ memes reflect a world shaped by China’s ascent

The memes are really about how deeply global digital life is embedded in Chinese-built systems – and how comfortable young people are with that.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | China confirms talks with US about Trump visit as trade truce stays on the cards

US president and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping may roll back tariffs for up to a year as officials seek short-term economic wins.

Exclusive | Cold shoulder? China, EU in diplomatic stand-off ahead of Munich showdown

Annual security conference could provide rare venue for high-level EU-China talks as top diplomats Wang Yi and Kaja Kallas attend.

China, Trump targeted in House hearing on foreign influence in US non-profits

Claims made at Congressional hearing that network of foreign donors paid American advocacy groups billions to try to influence US policy.

Language Matters | Gen Z loves ‘Chinamaxxing’, but where does ‘maxxing’ come from?

Video | TikTokkers hungry for Indonesian man’s ‘mini-food empire’

Exclusive | China confirms talks with US about Trump visit as trade truce stays on the cards