Backend Software Engineer Intern (Social) - 2026 Start (BS/MS)

Responsibilities

We are the messaging team on TikTok. Our team's mission is to facilitate meaningful user connections through TikTok's messaging experience, which is still in its infancy. We achieve our mission by building and shipping tools that help our users more easily connect and share the things they care about.

We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship in 2026*. Internships at TikTok aim to offer students industry exposure and hands-on experience. Watch your ambitions become reality as your inspiration brings infinite opportunities at TikTok

Candidates can apply to a maximum of two positions and will be considered for jobs in the order you apply. The application limit is applicable to [ByteDance / TikTok] (select one) and its affiliates' jobs globally.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis - we encourage you to apply early.

Successful candidates must be able to commit to at least 3 months long internship period.

Successful candidates must be able to commit to either of the following Internships

• From January to June
• From May to August (Summer)
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Develop large-scale software systems that powers TikTok app.
• Improve system design and architecture to ensure high stability, performance and reliability of the product.
• Collaborate with multiple cross-functional teams to deliver high quality work in rapid product development.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate or Postgraduate with background in Software development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline
• Have a passion for computer science and Internet technology, strong interest in software quality assurance
• Good computer foundation, highly proficient in at least one of the programming languages: Python, Java, Go, PHP.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Good logical thinking and team communication skills
• Prior internship in quality assurance work is a plus
  
  

By submitting an application for this role, you accept and agree to our global applicant privacy policy, which may be accessed here: https://careers.tiktok.com/legal/privacy

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected]

Job Information

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we also have offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Why Join Us

Inspiring creativity is at the core of TikTok's mission. Our innovative product is built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect – and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we work towards every day.

We strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team. We're resilient and embrace challenges as they come. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.

Diversity & Inclusion

TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.