The TikTok Approach to Innovation
Entrepreneur US|October - November 2022
Want to create the next big thing? Take it from me, the guy who led the app that became TikTok: Your users are your real innovators.
ALEX HOFMANN
The TikTok Approach to Innovation

There are different approaches to innovation: You can either create something completely revolutionary, like Snapchat. Or, you can develop a product that people are somewhat familiar with, watch how they use it, and then lean heavily into building out the features they enjoy most.

From what I have seen, the latter has a higher chance of success. It's what has guided my career in consumer apps-including my time as president of Musical.ly in 2015 through its ByteDance acquisition and rebranding as TikTok in 2017, to my current endeavor building new products that connect people, like Wink (a friend-making app with 2 million users) and Summer (today's fastest-growing new dating app).

Think of innovation like this: Imagine you are a DJ and there are 500 people in the audience. If you start the night by playing very edgy, unfamiliar music, then chances are you won't get people dancing. But if you lead with something everyone knows, they'll start moving-and then you can see what sounds and beats they're really jamming to and bring in new selections based on what you've observed from your audience.

Denne historien er fra October - November 2022-utgaven av Entrepreneur US.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October - November 2022-utgaven av Entrepreneur US.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA ENTREPRENEUR USSe alt
The Better Way to Fail
Entrepreneur US

The Better Way to Fail

The next time something you do flops, here's a new way to learn from it.

time-read
3 mins  |
Startups - Fall/Winter 2024
Making the Midlife Leap
Entrepreneur US

Making the Midlife Leap

After getting laid off in her early 50s, Keri Gardner decided she wanted to control her own fate-so she bought a franchise with her 401(k).

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Fall/Winter 2024
A Quick Guide to Franchise Ownership Costs
Entrepreneur US

A Quick Guide to Franchise Ownership Costs

Franchising costs money. Here's what everything means.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Fall/Winter 2024
This Doughnut Franchise Is Hitting the Road
Entrepreneur US

This Doughnut Franchise Is Hitting the Road

To grow, DonutNV needed a steady supply of delivery trailers. So last year, it started making them itself.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Fall/Winter 2024
3 Steps to Find Your Perfect Franchise
Entrepreneur US

3 Steps to Find Your Perfect Franchise

There are many brands out there. Finding the right one is up to you.

time-read
3 mins  |
Startups - Fall/Winter 2024
This Fencing Franchise Is Ready for Growth
Entrepreneur US

This Fencing Franchise Is Ready for Growth

Superior Fence & Rail nearly doubled its sales in one year. How? By stepping back and focusing on fundamentals.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Fall/Winter 2024
What Are a Franchisee's Role and Responsibilities?
Entrepreneur US

What Are a Franchisee's Role and Responsibilities?

If you're going to be a franchisee, you should know exactly what's expected of you.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Fall/Winter 2024
This Dog-Training Franchise Is Zooming Ahead
Entrepreneur US

This Dog-Training Franchise Is Zooming Ahead

After a rough few years, Zoom Room made major changes...and has emerged as a stronger, faster, very well-behaved business.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Fall/Winter 2024
What's the Real Damage?
Entrepreneur US

What's the Real Damage?

Most clean-up companies just fix messes, like fire or flood damage. But 911 Restoration's new CEO saw an opportunity to help with the other emergency they often encounter: customers' emotional trauma.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Fall/Winter 2024
Mental Health Services, Franchised
Entrepreneur US

Mental Health Services, Franchised

The U.S. is facing a growing mental health crisis. Ellie Mental Health wants to be the solution.

time-read
2 mins  |
Startups - Fall/Winter 2024