Lemon8, ByteDance's picture-focused social media app, is experiencing a surge in popularity, coinciding with the looming uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future in the U.S. The app's recent rise, including a 150% increase in global downloads in December, is largely attributed to TikTok influencers promoting Lemon8 as a potential alternative should the platform be banned.
This push comes as TikTok's fate hangs in the balance. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this week regarding the legality of a federal law that could force TikTok to sever ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban.
Influencers are actively promoting Lemon8, which mimics TikTok's short-form video style and Instagram/Pinterest's aesthetic. This strategy mirrors a recent corporate effort to attract users, with sponsored posts featuring the #lemon8partner hashtag. However, the legal situation poses a potential threat.
The law in question affects all ByteDance-owned apps, including Lemon8, even if not explicitly named. Analysts suggest that ByteDance may be hoping the legal focus on TikTok will allow Lemon8 to avoid scrutiny.
Despite this uncertainty, Lemon8's user base saw significant growth in December, with the U.S. accounting for a substantial portion of new downloads. This coincides with increased interest following the Supreme Court's decision to hear arguments on the TikTok ban.
Similar to TikTok, Lemon8 offers a "following" section and a "For You" page, categorizing content into various topics like relationships, wellness, and skincare. Currently, estimates indicate a daily active user base of just over 1 million globally.
ByteDance has yet to publicly disclose specific user figures for Lemon8. Despite the recent growth, Lemon8's popularity remains significantly lower than TikTok's.
The recent surge in Lemon8's downloads suggests a potential for increased usage, but the fate of other ByteDance apps remains linked to the ongoing legal battle over TikTok. The ultimate outcome of the Supreme Court hearing will significantly impact the future of both TikTok and Lemon8.
