ByteDance, the owner of TikTok and Douyin, is shifting its investments toward AI-powered video generators instead of chatbots, according to an internal memorandum from CEO Liang Rubo.

This decision comes after a company analysis determined that AI chatbots present a slower growth opportunity.

The company operates various genAI tools, including the Doubao chatbot in China and its international version, Cici.

Despite Doubao having nearly 60 million monthly active users and being the second-most popular AI chatbot worldwide after OpenAI’s ChatGPT, ByteDance is prioritizing video-centric AI tools like Jimeng AI, PixelDance, Seaweed, and the video editing platform Jianying, known as CapCut in international markets.

ByteDance has expressed its intention to expand its genAI applications and strengthen its vertical AI fields.

The company declined to comment on the memo or elaborate on its AI strategy when contacted.

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