Backend Software Engineer Intern (TikTok-PGC-UCP) - 2026 Summer(BS/MS)

Responsibilities
About the team TikTok's User & Creator Product (UCP) team brings together diverse cross-functional teams, including engineering, data science, recommendation/algorithm, product, marketing, and operations, all driven by a data-centric approach to fuel creator and content growth. Our team works collaboratively to empower creators worldwide, helping them express their creativity, grow their audiences, and monetize their content to build sustainable careers. We aim to enhance the creator experience on TikTok while fostering content diversity across the ecosystem. Within the UCP, our engineering team focuses on building cutting-edge backend systems to support creators' diverse needs across platforms. We are responsible for developing TikTok Studio, an all-in-one cross-platform creator product with both web ( and standalone mobile app ( versions - alongside a suite of innovative tools within the TikTok mobile app. Our efforts also extend to AI-powered inspiration tools, creator analytics, monetization, educational resources, and new products in the pipeline. We are dedicated to leveraging AI to optimize creator growth across audience engagement, content creation, and monetization, ensuring our creators thrive in the constantly evolving ecosystem. 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. Turn your ambitions into reality as your inspiration brings infinite opportunities at TikTok. Internships at TikTok aim to provide students with hands-on experience in developing fundamental skills and exploring potential career paths. A vibrant blend of social events and enriching development workshops will be available for you to explore. Here, you will utilize your knowledge in real-world scenarios while laying a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. It runs for 12 weeks. 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 TikTok and its affiliates' jobs globally. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as early as possible. Please state your availability clearly in your resume (Start date, End date). Summer Start Dates: - May 11th, 2026 - May 18th, 2026 - May 26th, 2026 - June 8th, 2026 - June 22nd, 2026 Online Assessment Candidates who pass resume screening will be invited to participate in TikTok's technical online assessment. Responsibilities: - Collaborate with product managers, designers, and senior engineers to contribute to state-of-the-art user experiences in creator-focused products. - Participate in building scalable, maintainable backend systems under mentorship and guidance. - Gain hands-on experience understanding how TikTok products work and contribute to end-to-end solutions. - Develop technical skills through challenging projects and learn from experienced colleagues. - Share fresh perspectives and innovative ideas while growing your expertise in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: - Currently pursuing an Undergraduate/Graduate in Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline. - Strong knowledge of data structures and algorithms, proficient in at least one coding language, including but not limited to Go, Java, Python, C++, JavaScript, TypeScript. - Strong communication and excellent teamwork skills; being agile and a self-starter. Preferred Qualifications: - Graduating December 2026 onwards with the intent to return to the degree program after the completion of the internship. - Good grasp of software engineering and how to build a system in a scalable and extensive manner. - Passion for delivering products end-to-end, from ideation to planning/scoping to implementation and experimental A/B testing, and launch decision. By submitting an application for this role, you accept and agree to our global applicant privacy policy, which may be accessed here:
Job Information
(For Pay Transparency)Compensation Description (Hourly) - Campus Intern
The hourly rate range for this position in the selected city is $45- $45.
Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Interns have day one access to health insurance, life insurance, wellbeing benefits and more. Interns also receive 10 paid holidays per year and paid sick time (56 hours if hired in first half of year, 40 if hired in second half of year). Interns who are not working 100% remote may also be eligible for housing allowance.
The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.
For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:
1. Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
2. Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and
3. Exercising sound judgment.
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.
TikTok Accommodation
TikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at