If you're an avid TikTok scroller, you'll have no doubt seen a fair bit of hype around a certain new social media app—with its yellow and black branding—called, Lemon8. But what is the Lemon8 app exactly and how does it differ from its big sis, TikTok?
While TikTok is, at this moment in time, our go-to for all things trends and beauty—like the rising 'coastal-cowgirl' aesthetic and must-have lip oil nails—the future of everyone's fave video-centric app is a little uncertain.
Amidst the US TikTok ban murmurings though, a new platform from TikTok's parent company ByteDance has launched, with users dubbing it a blend of Pinterest, Instagram and of course, TikTok itself. But before we all add yet another app to our scrolling routine that fills our downtime (or work time, not speaking from experience, we obvs don't do that...), here's the 411 on Lemon8...
What is the Lemon8 app?
So, what is the Lemon8 app? Essentially, it's a content-sharing app with a similar layout to Pinterest, so rather than TikTok's linear one-video-at-a-time interface, you see a variety of content from your fave creators laid out—much like your Pinterest home or Instagram search pages.
According to Forbes, the app allows users to upload 60-second video clips, stills and scrollable carousels, based on specific topics like food or makeup. So, it definitely has the potential to be a big hitter in the beauty, lifestyle and fashion game, much like Pinterest and Instagram are. Lemon8 also features a ton of customization, where creators can add graphics, backgrounds and fonts to their posts.
Like with all apps, it also has affiliate tags and links that enable creators to make money from their posts.
Is Lemon8 similar to TikTok?
Yes and no. Like TikTok, your Lemon8 feed has a very similar bar at the bottom of the screen with your creation button, notification and home icons, as well as the 'Following' and 'For You' category that shows you content from the people you follow and based on your interactions and interests. You can also share videos and still image carousels (like how TikToker's share product recommendations for things like the Vanilla Girl aesthetic or their favorite memes, accompanied with a song).
That's pretty much it though, Lemon8 layout-wise, is closer to that of Pinterest and Instagram than TikTok.
How do you use Lemon8?
To use Lemon8, all you have to do is download it from the app store (it's free!) and create an account. You'll be prompted to enter your birthday and create a user name, before getting to select your pronouns and then your interest—i.e beauty and fashion—which will help curate the content you see. In turn, you can like and interact with the posts like you would on any other social media platform.
The app initially launched in Singapore in 2020, before then making it across the pond to the US and UK in February 2023. So far, the app seems to be a hit among content creators and influencers alike, with downloads surging but only time will tell if this app becomes the next TikTok...
