ByteDance raises pay, boosts bonuses to retain staff amid AI talent war

Core Insights - ByteDance is enhancing compensation packages and incentives to attract and retain talent globally, coinciding with progress on its US business negotiations [1][6] Compensation Adjustments - For the full-year 2025 performance cycle, ByteDance will increase its total bonus pool by 35% compared to the previous year, and compensation adjustments will rise 1.5 times [2] - The company is raising the cash portion of compensation while decreasing stock-based awards, with equity incentives now vesting over three years instead of four [4] Job Grading and Standards - ByteDance is streamlining its job-grading system into 10 levels (L1 to L10), redefining capability requirements to higher standards, which will create more opportunities for future pay increases [5] Recruitment and Market Position - ByteDance has emerged as the top recruiter in China's tech sector this year, with a hiring index of 897, significantly ahead of competitors like Meituan and Alibaba [6] - AI-related job listings have surged by 543%, indicating intensified competition for talent in the sector [6] US Business Developments - The company is nearing the conclusion of negotiations regarding its US business, having signed agreements with investors such as Oracle Corporation and Silver Lake to form a new joint venture, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC [7]