Horrible company with fake culture - Software Engineer TikTok Employee Review

1.0
3 Aug 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The CEO is the main pro. Otherwise, the benefits and offerings on campus are not even comparable to what other large companies in tech provide. The best perk is their fitness allowance, I guess. WLB is pretty good too because you don't really need to work as the company is overhiring.

Cons

If you don't speak Mandarin, you're at a heavy disadvantage. 95%+ of the company is Chinese, so you'll have to get used to being in meetings where only Chinese is spoken and seeing the language spoken in the office and all your chat threads. Also, it's very obvious that everyone at the company is forced to do what satisfies HQ (aka "China Team").

Explore other reviews about TikTok

5.0
6 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Learn a lot of new things! - Great benefits - Interesting user-facing products to work on

Cons

- Language barriers if you don't speak CN - Working late

1.0
21 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There are some truly fantastic and talented people in the company who make daily collaboration a great experience. Additionally, the insurance and overall health benefits package is quite strong and comprehensive.

Cons

The work culture is heavily driven by top-down directives from HQ, leaving little room for open discussion, transparency, or questioning management decisions. The bi-yearly rating cycle feels highly punitive and is frequently used to target individuals rather than foster growth, leading to an environment where anyone can be abruptly let go. Work-life balance is virtually non-existent due to tedious, high-volume workloads and constant alignment with overseas timelines. Furthermore, leadership instability is a constant concern; local management changes rapidly, frequently replaced by leaders from the parent company, creating an unpredictable and highly volatile work environment.

2
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