SAN ANTONIO – The Google and Apple app stores are expected to take TikTok off their platforms in just two days.
As content creators and people who enjoy watching TikToks are seeking another app, I downloaded Lemon8 to see if it could be a possible replacement.
What is Lemon8?
Lemon8 is like Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok altogether in one app.
The app is described as a “lifestyle” social app that allows you to share photos and videos of your daily routines.
Lemon8 was developed by the same Chinese company as TikTok, ByteDance. Logging into Lemon8 prompts you to log in with your TikTok account.
One big question is — if TikTok is banned — will Lemon8 be banned as well? It is possible.
According to the Associated Press, “the law that targets TikTok also states the divest-or-ban requirement for ByteDance applies generally to apps that are owned or operated by the two companies or any of their subsidiaries. That means even though Lemon8 is not explicitly named in the statute, its future in the U.S. is also in jeopardy.”
Despite the potential ban, Lemon8 has surged in popularity and is second among the most trending apps, according to Sensor Tower. TikTok is ranked No. 13 on the list.
Lemon8 looks similar to Pinterest. The home screen is divided into different topics like recipes, fashion, fitness, education and more.
As you click through posts, you can see and interact with other users’ comments similar to TikTok.
Lemon8 also asks you about your interests after you log in to create an algorithm to your liking. Ideally, your “For You” page would look the same in Lemon8 as it would on TikTok.
Though the Supreme Court unanimously upheld a federal law that could ban TikTok nationwide on Friday, it’s unclear how a shutdown of the popular social media platform will play out or what Americans will see when the clock strikes midnight on Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.