ByteDance to Retain 50% of US TikTok Profits Under Trump-Negotiated Deal Despite Ownership Transfer

Sep 27, 2025 01:45 am CST

ByteDance is set to maintain approximately half of TikTok's US operation profits through a complex licensing and profit-sharing arrangement, despite selling majority ownership to American investors under a Trump-negotiated deal. This structure explains the surprising $14 billion valuation that falls significantly below analyst expectations of $35-40 billion, raising questions about the true economics behind this landmark tech transaction.