TikTok users can now directly access ByteDance’s latest social media app, Lemon8, using their TikTok login, enabling seamless cross-sharing between the two platforms.
Announced on Tuesday, the integration will let users access Lemon8 straight from their TikTok account, creating a unified login that simplifies sharing photos across both platforms. ByteDance says this change will allow creators to cross-post content easily and lean further into the photo-sharing space—a smart move as TikTok explores more ways to diversify its content amid ongoing scrutiny from U.S. regulators.
Launched in Japan in 2020, Lemon8 is known for its Instagram-and-Pinterest-style interface, where users can post slideshows, create photo collections, and navigate “Following” and “For You” feeds. With built-in creative tools like filters, stickers, text templates, and more, Lemon8 has been gaining traction in the U.S. and Southeast Asia as a fresh alternative in the social media space.
While the integration helps TikTok diversify content-sharing options, it arrives amid looming political challenges. The U.S. government continues to scrutinize TikTok’s Chinese ownership, raising concerns about national security and potentially extending the ban to ByteDance’s related apps, including Lemon8.
Former President Donald Trump’s recent re-election also adds uncertainty. While Trump initiated steps to ban TikTok during his first term, his current stance appears nuanced. During his 2024 campaign, Trump suggested that banning TikTok could unfairly benefit competitors like Meta, advising those against a ban to support him in the election.
As TikTok navigates these potential restrictions, it continues embracing broader content-sharing formats beyond its original short-video model. Since introducing a photo-sharing feature in 2022, TikTok has also been testing a dedicated app, TikTok Notes, to support its expansion into photo-focused content. ByteDance’s Lemon8 integration underscores this shift, potentially positioning the platform to maintain engagement as regulatory challenges unfold.
