ABSTRACT
Chapter 2 maps out the origins of Douyin. It unpacks the business models of China’s pioneering leaders in the ICT industry: ByteDance (the parent company of Douyin) and BAT. The theoretical framework applies platform capitalism and platform convergence strategy. It examines the advancement of China’s ICT industry and delves into technology and government support. The implications for China’s online screen industry are also investigated. It reviews the business strategies of ByteDance, the broader competition with other digital champions, such as BAT, the reasons that it maintained its independence in an age of mergers and acquisitions and the bet on the online entertainment industry.
