BytePlus and ICONOME have announced a partnership which will provide comprehensive technology and services solutions for clients.

BytePlus is an enterprise service of ByteDance, recognized for powering some of the world's most popular applications with advanced AI solutions, while ICONOME is redefining the creator economy by delivering icon-led digital communities with unprecedented data insights and multi-channel revenues.

Together they will offer end-to-end solutions from concept ideation and domain expertise to tech-driven design, development, and deployment, as well as content creation, community engagement, growth, and monetisation. The partnership will leverage BytePlus' world-class tech building blocks while further enhancing ICONOME's own Launchpad tech platform.

This collaboration aligns with the core tenets of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to foster economic diversification and technological advancement while empowering a new generation of innovators.

By aligning with the Kingdom’s forward-looking ambitions, BytePlus and ICONOME are not only fuelling the evolution of the regional media landscape but also contributing to the broader cultural and economic transformation that Vision 2030 promises.

Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning media ecosystem - propelled by surging demand and progressive government incentives - has been instrumental in forging this strategic alliance.

"It's a great honour to partner with ICONOME to form a strong content, marketing and AI ecosystem that will enrich and enable the MEA region," said Long Li, BytePlus' General Manager for the Middle East and Africa.

"At BytePlus MEA, we don’t just deliver technology - we deliver possibilities. Partnering with ICONOME will turn vision into value, and together we’ll redefine what’s possible."

Jesper Schertiger, CEO and Co-Founder of ICONOME, added: "We are redefining the creator economy by shifting control back to celebrities, creators, and all types of interest-based communities including events, teams and destinations. This partnership with BytePlus allows us to super-charge this mission.

"By bringing together our tech capabilities and offering complete solutions that encompass multiple services from content to monetisation, we can achieve great things in the MEA region and beyond. We're so excited to get started."

This major milestone for BytePlus and ICONOME was celebrated at a partnership launch event at the iconic Beast House in Riyadh on Wednesday, which included a panel discussion on The Power of Building and Owning Digital Communities.

Moderated by Cassandra Heilbronn, the panel featured Dina Hassan from SURJ Sports Investment, BytePlus Head of Partnerships Hasnain Gilani, Jesper Schertiger and social media influencer Joshua Van Alstine.

Attendees also heard from Long Li and ICONOME President and Co-Founder Robin Shelley.

Speaking after the panel discussion, Van Alstine said: "Digital communities are much like traditional communities in Saudi, they are just as tight-knit and influential. And there are so many advantages to owning these digital communities, whether you're a creator, a brand, a team or a federation."

The initial focus of BytePlus and ICONOME's partnership will be in Saudi Arabia, which has the largest, most literate and technologically aware young adult population - nearly 70 per cent of whom are under 30.

Demand for relevant, high-quality content is skyrocketing in the Kingdom, and there is an emerging generation of talented, ambitious and relatable creators who are ready to deliver for that audience. This partnership will help to grow that influencer market across the region.