Who Is Zhang Yiming? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Zhang Yiming, born on April 1, 1984, is a prominent Chinese internet entrepreneur renowned for founding ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. As of 2025, Zhang is 41 years old. His entrepreneurial journey commenced in the early 2010s when he focused on leveraging technology to create innovative social media platforms. Under his leadership, ByteDance has achieved remarkable success, making him one of the wealthiest individuals globally.
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1984 |
| Age | 41 Years |
| Birth Place | Longyan Area, Fujian, China |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | China |
Popularity
Zhang Yiming's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Zhang Yiming’s physical attributes are not widely publicized, but he is known to maintain a healthy lifestyle. While specifics about his height and weight are not confirmed, it's evident that he prefers to keep his personal life relatively private. Estimates suggest he stands around 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighs approximately 160 lbs (72 kg).
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Although Zhang Yiming is discreet about his personal life, he is known to be married. He and his wife, who prefers to remain out of the limelight, share a harmonious family life. As of 2025, there are no public accounts of any extramarital relationship or significant romantic interests disclosed by Zhang, maintaining a focus on his family and career.
His parents were civil servants and he was an only son. In 2001, he enrolled at Nankai University in Tianjin, where he majored in micro electronics engineering and software engineering. He graduated in 2005 with a BEng in computer engineering. He met his wife at university.
Net Worth and Salary
Zhang Yiming's net worth has seen significant growth over the years, thanks to the staggering success of ByteDance. As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands at over $44 billion, making him one of the richest individuals in the technology sector. His salary remains undisclosed; however, industry analysts suggest that he is compensated through various means, including stock options and dividends from ByteDance's lucrative business operations.
Zhang Yiming (born 1 April 1983) is a Chinese Internet entrepreneur. He founded ByteDance in 2012, developed the news aggregator Toutiao and the video sharing platform Douyin (internationally known as TikTok). Zhang is one of the richest individuals in the world, with an estimated net worth of US$65.5 billion as of May 2025, according to Forbes.
On 4 November 2021, Zhang stepped down as CEO of ByteDance, completing a leadership handover announced in May 2021. According to Reuters, Zhang maintains over 50 percent of ByteDance's voting rights. The surging global popularity of TikTok made Zhang the richest man in China in 2024.
Career, Business, and Investments
Zhang Yiming's career is marked by groundbreaking achievements in the tech industry. After co-founding ByteDance in 2012, he propelled the company to become a global leader in content discovery and distribution. Under his guidance, apps like TikTok gained immense popularity and reshaped social media interactions.
Beyond ByteDance, Zhang has been known for making strategic investments in various technology startups, focusing on innovations in artificial intelligence and digital media, solidifying his status as an influential figure in the tech ecosystem.
In 2008, Zhang left Kuxun to work for Microsoft, but felt stifled by its corporate rules. He soon left Microsoft to join the startup Fanfou, which eventually failed. In 2009, when Expedia was about to acquire Kuxun, Zhang took over Kuxun's real estate search business and started 99fang.com, his first company. He quit the business three years later.
Social Network
Zhang Yiming maintains an active presence on several social media platforms, although he is notably more reserved compared to many of his contemporaries. Platforms like LinkedIn and WeChat are where he engages more with business audiences. His public appearances are limited, as he often advocates for privacy and focus on professional accomplishments over personal fame.
In September 2015, ByteDance launched its video-sharing app TikTok (known as Douyin in China) with little fanfare. The product was an instant hit with millennials and became popular worldwide. ByteDance bought Musical.ly a year later for US$800 million and integrated it into TikTok.
Education
Zhang Yiming graduated from Nankai University with a degree in software engineering. His strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his exceptional skills in technology and business, enabling him to navigate the complexities of the tech world effectively.
In conclusion, Zhang Yiming's journey from a passionate tech graduate to a billionaire entrepreneur embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience. As we move forward into 2025, his influence on the tech industry continues to shape the digital landscape globally.
