TikTok is sparing no effort in a bid to relaunch in India. Bytedance is seeking collaboration to re-enter the Indian market. TikTok has been a controversy-plauged app. TikTok US employees have raised concerns over high work pressure. However, it is still one of the world’s most popular short video-sharing platforms.
It gained skyrocketing popularity in India. However, the Indian government banned the app back in 2020. There were over 250 apps banned in India. These include Free Fire, PUBG Mobile, Alibaba, and TikTok. Krafton replaced the PUBG Mobile in India with BGMI in May 2021. Now, Bytedance wants to follow in Krafton’s footsteps. It wants to bring its TikTok app back to India.
TikTok Could Re-Enter India Soon
Bytedance is seeking a partnership to facilitate the TikTok return to India. It plans to hire its former employees back. So, TikTok could be on the verge of relaunching in India. Bytedance has entered talks with the Hiranandani Group. According to an ET report, Bytedance will team up with Hiranandani Group. This partnership could pave the way for TikTok’s return to India. For those who are unaware, Hiranandani Group is India’s largest real estate developer.
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The Mumbai-based realty giant has projects across India. The real estate developers have data center operations called the Yotta Infrastructure Solutions. It recently unveiled a consumer services arm dubbed Tez Platforms. Hiranandani Group could invest up to Rs. 3,500 crore in new businesses in the coming years. The two companies are currently in early-stage talks, as per the ET report. Also, union government officials have informally shared their opinions on TikTok India return.
Impact Of TikTok India Return
A senior government official told ET that there have been no formal talks with them yet. However, the official confirms that they’ve been informed of the discussion. The official said they are willing to examine their request once they come for approvals. However, there are multiple possibilities if the talks come to fruition. For instance, Bytedance could collaborate with Tez Platforms. Alternatively, the partnership could see Bytedance using Yotta Infrastructure’s data centers.
The company may store its data in Yotta Infrastructure’s data centers. Also, the Chinese tech company is currently hiring people in India for new roles. If TikTok returns to India, it is highly likely to give Instagram Reels a run for its money. Now, the platform even offers a subscription service that allows creators to monetize their TikTok accounts. However, the app will have to follow the Indian government’s strict guidelines. For instance, it may need to store all data in India rather than in any other country.