TikTok creators have recently been abuzz with discussions about a peculiar app called Lemon8, leading some to question if there’s a concerted effort to promote it on the platform. With the potential ban of TikTok looming in the U.S., Lemon8’s rise in popularity has drawn attention, garnering an astounding 2.4 billion views under the #lemon8 hashtag. Furthermore, Lemon8 climbed its way into the top 10 of the U.S. Apple App Store’s charts in late March, creating a media frenzy.
Described as a hybrid of Instagram and Pinterest, Lemon8 is a photo and video-sharing app that brands itself as a “lifestyle community app.” Focusing on themes like beauty, fashion, food, and travel, Lemon8 allows users to explore curated feeds based on these categories, offering content ranging from insightful product recommendations to captivating “get ready with me” videos. The app’s visually appealing interface, with its sleek and modern design, has captivated users. Its user-friendly navigation and thoughtful layout contribute to a seamless experience, setting it apart from other apps.
Owned by ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, Lemon8 has been available for download on iOS and Android since 2020. However, it only started gaining attention in the United States in February. Speculation has arisen that Lemon8 might serve as ByteDance’s backup plan in the event of TikTok’s ban in the country.
Insider and The New York Times reported that Lemon8 has indeed been paying influencers to post on the platform, aiming to expand its presence in the U.S. and the U.K. The app’s growth has even raised suspicions of an aggressive paid user acquisition strategy, suggesting that Lemon8 may be paying for users as well.
The creators of TikTok have spoken out about their experience with Lemon8, often calling it the baby of Instagram and Pinterest. The app’s similarity to Instagram is evident in its Explore tab, which is categorized by topics such as beauty and food, as well as its post interface with captions, hashtags, and comments. Lemon8 also offers design features similar to Canva, allowing users to add text, stickers, and even remove image backgrounds within the app itself.
As the Lemon8 phenomenon continues to captivate the TikTok community, it is evident that the app has tapped into a growing desire for accessible yet professional-quality video editing tools. With its visually striking effects and user-friendly interface, Lemon8 empowers creators to produce content that stands out in a crowded digital landscape.
