Triller appointed former TikTok product head Sean Kim as CEO of its video app division, marking a strategic pivot for its social media platform. 

Kim, who most recently served as chief product officer and president at creator monetization platform Kajabi, will assume his role on December 2.

As per Business Insider (BI), the appointment comes as Triller reverses its previous stance on app monetization. In a 2023 SEC filing, the company had stated the Triller App would not be a revenue-generating business model. Now, the platform is targeting bottom-line profitability for the app as a standalone entity.

Kim will oversee the Triller app alongside several subsidiary platforms, including influencer-marketing platform Julius, fan engagement tool Fangage, and AI engagement business Amplify.ai. His appointment excludes leadership of Triller Group holdings such as text-marketing tool Cliqz, analytics platform CrossHype, and combat-sports streamer TrillerTV.

BI reports that the leadership transition occurs amid ongoing legal challenges. Triller faces music licensing disputes, with the company owing $27.3 million in unpaid license amounts as of December 2023. These challenges emerged after Sony Music and Universal Music Group filed lawsuits, leading Triller to remove major label songs from its platform in late 2022.

Kim’s appointment coincides with potential industry disruption. Following Congress’ April divest-or-ban legislation, TikTok could face a possible U.S. ban on January 19, 2025. While President-elect Donald Trump has expressed support for keeping TikTok operational, implementation may prove challenging.

Currently ranked 138th among photo and video apps in Apple’s App Store, Triller is preparing to launch its “next generation” app in early 2025. The company recently went public through a reverse merger with AGBA Group Holding Limited.