TikTok recently announced that social media app Lemon8 will be integrated into its interface on November 20th, 2024, sparking a wave of rumors, questions, and confusion among users.

In April 2024, former President Joe Biden signed a law that would ban TikTok in the USA unless it is sold to an owner outside of China within a year.

Since then, everyone from A-list tech leaders to Z-list influencers has been keeping a close eye on the company's movements.

The new integration with Lemon8 encourages users to sign in to both apps, fueling speculation that it may be an attempt to shift TikTok’s user base to Lemon8 in preparation for a potential national ban.

With news spreading fast that Lemon8 is the 'new TikTok', content creators across the United States are racing towards the app to explore how it works.

• Why was TikTok banned?
• Why has TikTok integrated Lemon8?
• Who owns Lemon8?
• Is Lemon8 safe?
• What is the Lemon8 app?
• Will TikTok change after November 20th?
• Do I need to have a Lemon8 account to use TikTok?
• How to use Lemon8 and TikTok

Why Was TikTok Banned?

TikTok faces a potential ban due to data privacy and national security concerns. Officials worry that the app, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, could be compelled to share American user data with the Chinese government.

However, there is the potential for the decision to be reversed under President Donald Trump, who recently came into power for a second term.

Why Has TikTok Integrated Lemon8?

Of course, TikTok did not mention the potential ban when announcing its integration with Lemon8. The last thing they want is to induce panic over a possible shutdown, especially as figures like Donald Trump could still challenge the decision.

Instead, TikTok described its partnership with Lemon8 as an integration designed to help users create, edit, upload, and share photos. Given TikTok’s focus on short-form videos since its rising popularity in 2018, the announcement has caught many by surprise.

Who Owns Lemon8?

Lemon8 is owned by ByteDance, the same Chinese company that owns TikTok. However, the app officially lists Heliophilia as its developer, a private company based in Singapore.

Is Lemon8 Safe?

Yes, Lemon8 is safe to download and use.

The app was first launched in Japan in 2020 and has expanded to markets across the US and Southeast Asia over the past four years.

It currently has over 17 million installations, a 4.5 rating, and is currently the second most downloaded 'Lifestyle' app in the USA.

What is the Lemon8 App?

Lemon8 is a video and photo-sharing app that has been likened to both Instagram and Pinterest.

Targeting a Gen Z and Gen Alpha audience, Lemon8 provides users with unique creative tools, collages, filters, effects, stickers, and text templates to create vibrant posts.

Similar to TikTok, their standout features include a community-based 'For You' section, discover-themed hashtags, and in-app editing functions.

Lemon8 state on the App Store: "You'll find a whole library of intuitive templates, stickers, filters, and fonts for your photos and videos,"

Users are encouraged to share reviews, recommendations, and tips on a wide range of topics. Popular hashtags include #beauty (1.8 million), #food (1.5 million), #fashion (1.3 million), and #travel (1.2 million).

Will TikTok Change After November 20th?

The integration between TikTok and Lemon8 will be available from November 20th, 2024. Following the merge, there are expected to be some changes to the TikTok interface.

Changes could include a 'share to Lemon8' icon on posts and a 'Lemon8' icon on profiles, similar to Instagram's integration with Threads. However, these changes have not been officially confirmed despite rumors on social media.

A screenshot from a Lemon8 user in Singapore highlights some significant changes that are happening on the Lemon8 app.

Changes to the Lemon8 app include:

• Your TikTok username will be used on Lemon8
• Your Lemon8 profile link will be shown on your TikTok profile publicly by default (you can choose not to show it by editing your TikTok profile)
• Lemon8 direct messages will be disabled
• Lemon8 private pos feature will be disabled
• If you choose not to log in with a TikTok account, you may continue using the app until May 2025

The news has left many users frustrated, as their Lemon8 experience is being significantly altered by the TikTok integration.

While the exact changes to TikTok remain uncertain, the move signals a serious commitment from ByteDance, one that could evolve significantly in the lead-up to April 2025 when the ban would be imposed.

Do I Need a Lemon8 Account to Use TikTok?

No, despite the integration on November 20th, you do not explicitly need a Lemon8 account to continue using TikTok.

However, this may change in the future, which is why many people are looking to sign up before any mandatory ruling.

How to Use Lemon8 and TikTok

Download Lemon8

It has been confirmed that TikTok and Lemon8 will share a unified user login. This means creators can use one account to log in to both platforms, promoting the ability to cross-share content between the two apps.

To create an account, search 'Lemon8' in the Google Play or Apple App store.

Sign up (use your TikTok email)

Next, sign up to Lemon8.

To fast-track the process of integrating TikTok and Lemon8, you will need to use the same email address used to register with TikTok.

Enter your personal preferences

Submit your date of birth, pronouns, and information about your hobbies and interests. If you don't have any interest in posting on Lemon8 and simply want to register for TikTok integration purposes, you can skip these preferences.

Prepare for the TikTok and Lemon8 Integration

Until the integration is complete on November 20th, it is unclear how cross-posting will work.

However, TikTok officially spoke of the integration explaining:

"This integration is designed to make photo sharing more feasible and fluid for all TikTok creators, expanding their reach and engagement potential,"

We will update this story on the day with relevant information — stay tuned!