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The Development and Exploration of TikTok's Commercialization Model

Sunqian Zhang
Vol.10, No.7, pp.46-61, 2026 DOI: 10.62051/ijgem.v10n7.05 July 29, 2026
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Abstract: This paper investigates the commercialization model of TikTok, tracing its development history, revenue generation mechanisms, and market strategies. Through a module analysis based on the Business Model Canvas, it aims to elucidate its current status, core logic, and future trends, providing theoretical and practical references for the commercialization of short-video platforms. The study reveals that TikTok has established a closed-loop ecosystem of "content–traffic–transaction," with its revenue structure dominated by advertising, rapid growth in e-commerce operations, and live streaming serving as a crucial supplement. Nevertheless, the platform continues to face persistent challenges, including an underdeveloped product governance framework, rising costs of traffic acquisition, and increasing compliance management difficulties.
Keywords: TikTok, Business model, Short video platform, Traffic closed loop, e-commerce advertising
APA Citation: Sunqian Zhang (2026). The Development and Exploration of TikTok's Commercialization Model. International Journal of Global Economics and Management, 10(7), 46-61. https://doi.org/10.62051/ijgem.v10n7.05

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