Is Lemon8 owned by TikTok? Netizens react as app also faces risk of being banned

As many netizens in the U.S. prepare for the looming ban on TikTok, others have been discussing possibly pivoting to Lemon8, a sister app of the video-sharing platform.

As per The Free Press Journal, on Friday, January 11, the US Supreme Court seemed likely to uphold a law that could lead to a ban on the short-video platform TikTok in the United States starting January 19 unless ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, separates from the app. The case, "TikTok vs. Garland," holds significant implications, as it could result in the banning of a platform used by over 170 million Americans.

For those uninitiated, Lemon8 launched in the U.S. in 2023 after popping up in Asian markets. The application combines TikTok’s short-form videos with its Pinterest and Instagram-like feed. Straight Arrow News says the platform mostly focuses on "visual aesthetics" and "storytelling." On Instagram, the app describes itself as:

“Internet-based lifestyle community where users discover and share content related to fashion, beauty, food, travel, wellness and so much more.”

Although TikTok does not own Lemon8, both apps are owned by ByteDance.

NBC 5 Chicago reported in October that the Lemon app had amassed over 12.5 million downloads in the United States, becoming a top-ranking free app on Apple’s app store as well.

Netizens have taken to X to discuss the apps in recent weeks, considering TikTok will likely be banned in the States soon. Some comments online read:

“This Lemon8 sh*t is not a good replacement for Tik-Tok,” an X user said.

“And if they really do ban tiktok i’m not downloading no lemon8 sh*t so stop requesting me,” a platform user said.

“Just downloaded lemon 8… tiktok if u can hear us, tiktok please save me I can’t use that app,” a netizen said.

Evidently, not many were pleased with the app possibly getting banned in the States. Other reactions read:

“Gang I’m not getting a lemon*. TikTok blow up was luck and I’m not trying again *I’ll get a lemon 3 years after I should,” a netizen said.

“me watching yall say lemon8 is the next tiktok knowings its owned by them and will be banned too,” an X user said.

“I’m not downloading no lemon app or nothing. Once TikTok is gone I’m fixing my dopamine levels,” another internet user said.

Several others hoped that the app would end up having the same user interface as TikTok. Some reactions read:

“tiktok needs to stop forcing that stupid ass duet and lemon app onto me wtf,” an X user said.

“Well time to download all 3-5K TikTok’s I can’t lose," a netizen said.

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Discussions of Lemon8 being banned loom amid TikTok potentially disappearing from U.S.

According to Forbes, although Lemon8 has not been explicitly named in the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Control Applications App, which implements the ban on TikTok, the legislation mentioned that other applications produced by ByteDance could be banned from the United States.

Christopher Krepich, the communications director for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, told Forbes that the Lemon app would also be banned by the legislation mentioned above if TikTok were banned.

The Supreme Court announced that the app would be banned from the States by January 19 unless ByteDance sold it to another organization.

As per Forbes, Donald Trump, now President-elect, notably took a different stance on TikTok in 2024 despite attempts to ban the app during his first term. He actively used the platform during his presidential campaign, gaining over 14 million followers.

In early January 2025, Trump submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court, requesting an extension of the January 19 deadline for the app's ban while legal proceedings continue. This move came weeks after reports surfaced of Trump reportedly meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at his Mar-a-Lago residence.