As the popularity of TikTok continues to soar, many investors are eager to get a piece of the action. However, since ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is not publicly traded, buying TikTok stock directly is not an option. Nevertheless, there are alternative avenues to gain exposure to TikTok's success.

TikTok, a widely beloved social media platform where users create and share short videos, boasts a staggering 1.5 billion monthly active users worldwide. Despite its immense popularity, ByteDance remains a privately owned company, complicating direct investment in TikTok stock.

While TikTok's parent company is not publicly traded, certain publicly traded companies hold stakes in ByteDance, offering investors indirect exposure to TikTok's success. Notably, investors can consider companies like KKR & Co. Inc. and SoftBank, both of which have invested in ByteDance in the past.

KKR & Co. Inc., a global investment firm based in the U.S., has made multiple investments in ByteDance, while SoftBank, a Japanese investment holding company, also holds a stake in the company through its SoftBank Vision Fund.

Alternatively, investors can explore platforms like EquityBee and EquityZen, which facilitate investments in privately held companies, potentially including ByteDance.

While investing in TikTok may seem enticing given its massive user base and revenue growth, potential investors should also consider the associated risks. TikTok's controversial status has led to bans and restrictions in several countries, including India, Iran, and Pakistan. Additionally, regulatory scrutiny in countries like the United States poses further risks to TikTok's future.

Despite rumors of a potential TikTok IPO in the past, ByteDance has not announced any plans to go public. However, this could change in the future, potentially offering investors a more direct route to invest in TikTok's success. Until then, exploring indirect investment options remains the primary avenue for those looking to capitalize on TikTok's popularity.

While the prospect of a ByteDance IPO holds promise for future investment opportunities, there is also speculation that ByteDance may opt to spin off TikTok as a separate entity, potentially paving the way for a TikTok IPO. However, until such developments materialize, the average investor must explore alternative investment options to gain exposure to TikTok's success.