As TikTok faces potential ban, ByteDance’s new app Lemon8 surges to top spot in Apple’s App Store, sparking both interest and controversy.
At a Glance
- Lemon8, owned by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, has become the top free app on Apple’s App Store
- A new law could ban both TikTok and Lemon8 unless ByteDance sells them by January 19
- Lemon8 features photo slideshows, blending elements of Instagram and Pinterest with TikTok’s algorithm
- TikTok users are promoting Lemon8 as an alternative, though it may face the same regulatory challenges
- Experts suggest ByteDance is diversifying its offerings to navigate potential bans
ByteDance’s New Social Media Venture
As discussions intensify about a possible TikTok ban in the United States, ByteDance has introduced Lemon8, a new social media platform that has quickly captured users’ attention. Lemon8 differentiates itself by focusing on photo slideshows, merging the aesthetic sensibilities of social platforms like Instagram and Pinterest with TikTok’s algorithmic prowess.
The app’s appeal is reflected in its rapid ascent to the top position in Apple’s App Store free app rankings. However, Lemon8 faces an uncertain future amid legislative threats aimed at TikTok, which could potentially extend to its sister app.
TikTok's sister app, Lemon8, is now one of the most popular on Apple's App Store https://t.co/e2U1kfgDTx
— Insider Tech (@TechInsider) January 4, 2025
Regulatory Challenges Ahead
A bill signed by President Biden could ban both TikTok and Lemon8 unless ByteDance sells them by January 19. This legislation targets companies owned by foreign “adversaries” that allow content creation and sharing, potentially impacting both platforms.
“This is a huge business for ByteDance. They’re not gonna go down without swinging,” David Glancy, a professor at the Institute of World Politics, said.
The law’s broad language has raised concerns about its potential impact on other foreign-owned companies that allow user-generated content. TikTok has filed a lawsuit claiming the law violates the First Amendment, with arguments expected at the Supreme Court on January 10.
User Confusion and Promotion
As uncertainty looms, some TikTok users are promoting Lemon8 as an alternative platform. However, there is widespread confusion about whether Lemon8 would also be subject to the potential ban.
Critics have expressed skepticism over the sudden promotion of Lemon8 on TikTok, with some users referring to it as a “backup app.” This promotion strategy has led to discussions about ByteDance’s intentions and the future of both platforms in the U.S. market.
ByteDance’s Strategy and Future Outlook
Experts suggest that ByteDance’s launch of Lemon8 signifies a strategic approach to diversifying its offerings while preparing to navigate potential regulatory hurdles. By integrating TikTok and Lemon8, allowing users to sign into Lemon8 with TikTok credentials, ByteDance appears to be building a more interconnected ecosystem of apps.
