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 Retailer charts.
Seems to be acquainted proper?
Lemon8, which is described as ‘a spot for younger creatives to share a variety of content material’, form of appears to be like like a cross between Instagram and Pinterest, with a concentrate on merchandise, and highlighting content material from particular product classes, together with trend, make-up, meals, and journey.
The app has truly been obtainable since 2020, and has been considerably fashionable in Asian nations. However now, it’s on the rise within the US as properly, with Lemon8 reaching the prime 10 for general app downloads during the last week.
Which, as TechCrunch notes, is uncommon:
“It is a dramatic transfer for the little-known app and one which factors to paid consumer acquisition efforts powering this surge. Previous to yesterday, the Lemon8 app had by no means earlier than ranked within the High 200 General Charts within the U.S.”
It appears, then, that ByteDance is seeking to increase Lemon8 within the American market – which could possibly 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, with a view 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 fashionable with US customers, that would cushion the blow of a potential TikTok ban indirectly.
Or it might amplify issues 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 finally see it turn out to be an even bigger consideration.
As Insider reported final month, ByteDance has truly been paying creators to put up to Lemon8, as a part of a broader plan to develop the platform.
“ByteDance has been paying creators within the UK to put up on the app in latest weeks, three influencers informed Insider. One creator who had posted on the app shared documentation displaying they had been getting paid to put up on the platform, whereas two others shared emails they acquired from Lemon8 outlining the cost construction.”
These creators have shaped not less than 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 kind a part of ByteDance’s plan to get creators paid, which has confirmed problematic on TikTok itself, as a result of issues of including advertisements into quick video clips.
Possibly, via a Pinterest-style format, Lemon8 might turn out to be 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 could possibly be ill-timed as soon as regulators get wind of its rising presence.
Both approach, it’s attention-grabbing to notice this newest push on the app, and the way ByteDance is wanting to make use of its US market presence to develop one other platform.
May Lemon8 turn out to be a brand new platform for entrepreneurs to contemplate? Given the attain and affect of TikTok, that’s undoubtedly a chance, and it’ll be attention-grabbing to see how the app grows within the coming months – if it avoids restrictions.
