ByteDance has expanded its AI portfolio with the introduction of Jimeng AI, a new software capable of generating videos from text prompts. This move places ByteDance alongside other Chinese tech giants in a rapidly growing market, also being targeted by OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.
OpenAI's text-to-video model, Sora, unveiled in February, remains unavailable to the public. In contrast, Chinese companies have quickly developed and launched similar tools accessible to users. ByteDance’s Jimeng AI, developed by its subsidiary Faceu Technology, is now available on the Apple App Store in China, following its Android release on July 31.
The release of Jimeng AI aligns ByteDance, the parent company of the popular short video app TikTok, with other recent model launches in China. Kuaishou, one of China's largest video apps, introduced its Kling AI text-to-video model to a global audience last month. Users can access the beta version worldwide with just an email registration.
Additionally, Chinese AI startup Zhipu AI launched its video-generating model Ying last month, and startup Shengshu followed with the official launch of its Vidu app.
Jimeng AI is integrated within ByteDance’s Jianying business, known for the video editing app CapCut. The AI offers various subscription plans: 69 yuan ($9.65) monthly, 79 yuan for a single month, or 659 yuan annually. Subscribers can create approximately 2,050 images or 168 AI videos per month.
ByteDance’s entry into the text-to-video market signals a significant step in the company’s AI advancements, promising new creative tools for users and potentially reshaping the digital content landscape.
