For an optimal experience, please rotate your device to portrait mode

Loader Logo
Loading
 
 

What is Lemon8: The Social App Making a Comeback

Debora John
Written By
Debora John
February 27, 2025
8 minutes read
Shares

We all know it – the TikTok ban hangs over the US due to a bill signed in April 2024, which actually handed over complete control to the federal government to ban foreign apps that can harm national security.

However, TikTok returned to the U.S. app stores of Apple and Google on Feb 13 as President Donald Trump delayed a ban on the Chinese-owned social media app and assured the tech giants they would not be fined for distributing or maintaining it. – Said the Reuters.

While waiting for TikTok’s fate, US users were exploring an app named Lemon8 to see if it could be the “next” TikTok. If you are wondering, when did Lemon8 come out? Let us tell you, Lemon8 is not a new app; it has held millions of downloads since its launch in the US in 2023.

The hype for it died shortly after, but it’s rising in popularity again.

What is Lemon8?

Lemon8 is an app that allows you to share videos and photos. Unlike TikTok, it does not allow you to scroll vertically through videos. The content on Lemon8 usually focuses on specific topics.

The most popular topics on the app are fashion, beauty, food, health, and travel. For each topic, you can find suggestions, recommendations, videos showing how to get ready, and well-organized, pretty content.

Who owns Lemon8?

Here is fun fact – Lemon8 is owned by ByteDance, the same company that owns TikTok (Winky). It is ByteDance’s attempt to compete with US-based Instagram, an app owned by Meta. Meta is slowly losing approval among American users, and users are searching for alternatives.

Can Lemon8 replace TikTok? – You Thought So!

Lemon8 and TikTok are two different apps that attract different users. TikTok is mainly a video app that allows you to watch short clips. Its system is very good at showing you videos you like.

Lemon8 is more about pictures and focuses on nice-looking lifestyle content, like fashion, makeup, skincare, and travel. From my time using both apps, I see that TikTok is for a wider range of people. Anyone can use TikTok to find videos and creators that match their interests, even on specific topics.

Can You Make Money on Lemon8?

If you are thinking of earning some money from Lemon 8 – Well, as of now, lemon8 doesn’t offer any proper monetization programs like YouTube or TikTok. However, content creators can still make money via their brand partnerships and influencer marketing. So, if you have a dependable number of followers, businesses might approach you to promote their products or services.

However, it is crucial to note that as the platform becomes more popular, there will probably be more ways for creators to make money. Right now, the best way to earn is to create a strong, engaged audience that keeps coming back.

Lemon8 vs. TikTok: Key Differences

It might sound strange to you that both Lemon8 and TikTok are owned by ByteDance. However, both apps cater to different segments of audiences. Let’s compare them in a short Lemon8 vs. TikTok match.

Lemon8

TikTok

Content Focus

Lemon8 leans towards lifestyle topics like fashion, beauty, food, and travel with a focus on detailed tutorials and polished visuals.

TikTok is more diverse with a mix of comedy, dance, challenges, and trending sounds.

Visual Format

Lemon8 offers you an Instagram and Pinterest-style user interface with a photo carousel.

TikTok features a vertical scrolling feed with short videos.

Caption Length

Lemon8 aims to provide a more niche and engaged community with a focus on collaboration and sharing informative insights.

When it comes to TikTok usually has short and to-the-point caption or video descriptions.

Community Vibe

With Lemon8, users can see more niche-focused content in an informational sense.

TikTok has a more rapid and competitive community with some viral trends.

Algorithm

Both platforms use algorithms to personalize feeds, but Lemon8 may prioritize content that aligns with specific interests and aesthetics

TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes highly engaging and viral content.

How To Start Using Lemon8

Using Lemon8 is as simple as a piece of cake — here’s how to get started.

Step#1 – Download the App

Go to your mobile app store or play store, download Lemon8 to your device. It’s available on both iOS and Android, making it accessible to most users.

Step# 2 – Create Your Account

Once you are done with app installation, you’ll need to create an account. For an easier setup, you can sign up using your email or connect your account through social media handles like Instagram or TikTok.

Step#3 Choose Your Interests

Lemon8 will ask you to choose your interests, such as fashion, travel, or food. You can choose between these categories to help the app personalize your feed and recommendations to match your passions.

Step# 4 Explore the Platform

You can now follow creators, like their posts, and talk with others in your community. Feel free to explore the content you enjoy and begin creating your own profile!

How Can Businesses Use Lemon8?

Lemon8 is a unique platform for businesses to connect with potential customers and promote their products. Here’s how you can use it for marketing.

1. Create Attractive Posts — For Your business, you can use Lemon8’s photo feature to share pictures of your products and show what your brand is about. Make sure each picture looks nice on its own and also works well with the others.

2. Work with Influencers —Team up with influencers or content creators who can feature your products in their posts. They can also do reviews, give styling tips, or make unboxing videos. This helps more people see your brand and encourages customers to stay loyal.

3. Talk to Your Audience —You can create fun and interactive content that lets you connect with your audience. Use popular hashtags to reach the right people, and reply to anyone interested in what you offer.

Summing Up

The ban on such trendy mobile apps – actually increases the chances of success for newly launched mobile apps. Meanwhile, if you are looking to take the leverage of this ban as a competitive edge – you should consider enlisting a reliable Mobile app development services provider – like Digital Gravity.

At Digital Gravity, we have a team of expert mobile app developers – If you are wondering about launching an alternate app for Lemon8 or Tiktok, feel free to reach out to us.

FAQs

– What Is Lemon8 Used For?

Lemon8 is a social media app primarily used for sharing visually appealing photos and short videos focused on lifestyle topics like fashion, beauty, food, travel, and wellness Just like Instagram.

Can You Make Money on Lemon8?

Currently, there is no formal monetization announcement by lemon8; however, different brands might reach out to you for their brand promotion and Social media marketing.

– Why Is Lemon8 Banned ?

In April 2024, the US government passed a bill, signed into law by Biden, giving Byte Dance nine months to find a U.S.-approved buyer. On the other, the app will be banned.

– What Is Lemon8 On Tiktok?

“Lemon8” is a different social media app made by the same company that owns TikTok called ByteDance. Many people call it TikTok’s “sister app.”

– Who Owns Lemon8?

Lemon8 app is owned by ByteDance (a parent company of TikTok).

– Will Lemon8 Be Banned?

All the mobile apps that rely on the umbrella of ByteDance ownership, including Lemon8, CapCut, and Marvel Snap, are unavailable in the USA until the Supreme Court decision. Already downloaded banned apps will remain on devices, but they are likely unusable already.

– What Is the Point Of Lemon8?

Lemon8 aims to be a platform for creators to share in-depth guides and recommendations across various lifestyle topics.

– What Is The Difference Between Tiktok And Lemon8?

Lemon8 and TikTok are both considered aesthetically pleasing visual experiences that focus on lifestyle content like fashion, beauty, and food, similar to Pinterest. In contrast, TikTok leans toward short video content, emphasizing vertical scrolling and quick content consumption.

– Is the Lemon8 App Safe?

Although it might look like just fun, Lemon8 can actually be harmful to children and teenagers as it gets more popular.

– Does the Lemon8 App Cost Money?

No, the Lemon8 app is free to download and use. It’s available on the App Store and Google Play.