Zhang Yiming Sets Direction for ByteDance AI: Doubao Takes Lead in B2B, Uncertain If It Can Become ByteDance’s 'Trunk'

Zhang Yiming has set the strategic tone for ByteDance's artificial intelligence efforts, with Doubao now shouldering the responsibility in the B2B market. The company is betting on Doubao to become a significant revenue and strategic asset. However, analysts question whether Doubao can achieve the scale and influence necessary to become what insiders describe as ByteDance's 'coarse trunk'—a term signifying a primary, robust business segment. The outcome is still uncertain, as Doubao faces intense competition and needs to prove its viability in the enterprise space.