TikTok adds $1bn to Saudi GDP, supports 25,000 jobs in 2024

TikTok contributed SAR 3.9 billion ($1.04bn) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP in 2024, supporting more than 25,000 jobs, according to the platform’s first socio-economic report in the Kingdom.

The study highlights TikTok’s growing role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, particularly in supporting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), boosting consumer spending, and strengthening cultural identity.

Driving SMB growth and entrepreneurship

TikTok reported more than one million active creators and 170,000 SMBs on its platform in the Kingdom. SMB activity alone contributed SAR 3.9bn to GDP last year, underscoring the platform’s role as a key driver of Saudi Arabia’s digital and creative economy.

TikTok’s advertising tools and free services helped generate an additional SAR 3bn ($800m) in revenue for SMBs, with 61% of businesses reporting stronger brand visibility. Nearly half said the platform enabled them to launch new products, while 42% credited it with saving time on marketing efforts.

The app is also encouraging youth entrepreneurship, with 55% of SMBs saying TikTok inspires young Saudis to start businesses. Among female entrepreneurs, 23% said TikTok motivated them to launch their ventures.

Cultural and consumer impact

Beyond economics, TikTok is shaping cultural engagement in the Kingdom. The report found that 88% of Saudis believe the platform fosters national pride, while 42% said it helped them discover new domestic destinations.

Globally, 30% of TikTok users said Saudi content on the app inspired them to visit the country.

TikTok also played a major role in consumer spending, influencing SAR 110bn ($29.3bn) worth of purchases in 2024 and generating SAR 19bn ($5.1bn) in consumer surplus.

A platform beyond entertainment

“TikTok’s impact in Saudi Arabia extends well beyond entertainment,” said Dr. Hatem Samman, Executive Director, Government Relations and Public Policy for Saudi Arabia, TikTok. “The platform is fostering entrepreneurship, enabling job creation, and strengthening cultural identity.”

The findings position TikTok as a central player in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, as the Kingdom pushes toward Vision 2030’s target of raising SMBs’ GDP contribution to 35%.