As the popular video-sharing app TikTok faces threats of bans and restrictive measures in the United States and several European Union countries, its parent company ByteDance is actively promoting another app called Lemon8. Like TikTok, Lemon8 is also developed by ByteDance and operates on a similar algorithm, often referred to as its “sister app.” However, Lemon8 shifts its focus to photos, distinguishing itself from TikTok’s emphasis on short videos.
The app’s homepage features a visually appealing layout where photos are displayed in two columns. Posts on the platform can include one or multiple images, offering a dynamic yet simple user experience.
Although Lemon8 supports video uploads, videos have not gained the same popularity on the platform. This is largely because ByteDance designed Lemon8 to compete with platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, aiming to carve a niche in photo-centric social media.
Interestingly, many American users who have recently flocked to Lemon8 may not realize that any potential ban on TikTok—or broader laws designed to mitigate foreign influence through apps—would likely apply to Lemon8 as well.
With ByteDance’s innovative approach, Lemon8 presents a new platform for creativity and social interaction, but its future remains uncertain amid geopolitical tensions surrounding its parent company’s apps.
