ByteDance-Owned Product Showcase App ‘Lemon8’ is Rising Up the App Store Charts

Whereas US senators debate whether or not to ban its main app, TikTok proprietor ByteDance is already engaged on constructing its American presence, with its Instagram-like Lemon8 app now rising up the App Store charts.

Seems to be acquainted proper?

Lemon8, which is described as ‘a place for young creatives to share a diversity of content’, type of seems to be like a cross between Instagram and Pinterest, with a deal with merchandise, and highlighting content material from particular product classes, together with vogue, make-up, meals, and journey.

The app has truly been out there since 2020, and has been considerably standard in Asian nations. However now, it’s on the rise within the US as nicely, with Lemon8 reaching the prime 10 for general app downloads during the last week.

Which, as TechCrunch notes, is uncommon:

“This is a dramatic move for the little-known app and one that points to paid user acquisition efforts powering this surge. Prior to yesterday, the Lemon8 app had never before ranked in the Top 200 Overall Charts in the U.S.”

It appears, then, that ByteDance is seeking to increase Lemon8 within the American market – which might be an ill-timed transfer on its half.

However then once more, possibly they need to get in now earlier than a potential TikTok ban, in an effort to have a back-up connection into the area. You’ll assume, at some stage, the Lemon8 would even be included throughout the ban talks (if it’s not already), however possibly, by having a secondary platform that’s standard with US customers, that would cushion the blow of a potential TikTok ban not directly.

Or it might amplify considerations in regards to the Chinese language firm’s rising presence within the area. Both approach, ByteDance is clearly pushing to develop the app, which might ultimately see it turn into an even bigger consideration.

As Insider reported final month, ByteDance has truly been paying creators to publish to Lemon8, as a part of a broader plan to develop the platform.

“ByteDance has been paying creators in the UK to post on the app in recent weeks, three influencers told Insider. One creator who had posted on the app shared documentation showing they were getting paid to post on the platform, while two others shared emails they received from Lemon8 outlining the payment structure.”

These creators have shaped at the very least a part of this new promotional push, with many sharing constructive critiques of the app to TikTok, resulting in extra downloads of the app.

It’s potential, inside this context, that Lemon8 might additionally type a part of ByteDance’s plan to get creators paid, which has confirmed problematic on TikTok itself, because of the issues of including advertisements into quick video clips.

Possibly, via a Pinterest-style format, Lemon8 might turn into a showcase of influencer-recommended merchandise, for which these influencers might receives a commission a fee on gross sales generated by their posts.

It looks as if a logical addition on this respect – however as famous, it might be ill-timed as soon as regulators get wind of its rising presence.

Both approach, it’s fascinating to notice this newest push on the app, and the way ByteDance is trying to make use of its US market presence to develop one other platform.

Might Lemon8 turn into a brand new platform for entrepreneurs to contemplate? Given the attain and affect of TikTok, that’s undoubtedly a chance, and it’ll be fascinating to see how the app grows within the coming months – if it avoids restrictions.