ByteDance has announced that TikTok users can now access Lemon8, its newer photo-sharing app, directly through their TikTok account.
This new integration aims to simplify photo-sharing for users, allowing creators to cross-post content seamlessly between TikTok and Lemon8, while maintaining the unique features of each platform.
Launched in Japan in 2020, Lemon8 is a visually-oriented app akin to Instagram and Pinterest, offering users a creative space to share photo slideshows and discover lifestyle content in beauty, fashion, and travel.
Users are provided with a range of editing tools, including filters, effects, and text templates, which support the creation of rich and interactive posts.
Following its initial success in Japan, Lemon8 has expanded to various international markets, including the United States and Southeast Asia.
ByteDance intends for this unified login feature to strengthen its creator ecosystem, enabling users to explore new formats for visual expression.
The company’s statement emphasised its current goal to enhance the platform experience, noting that this integration will enable deeper community connections and support creative exchange among users.
This development also comes as the United States investigates TikTok over Chinese ownership, leading to talks of a possible app ban.
ByteDance’s introduction of Lemon8 as a “sister app” may serve as a precautionary measure, giving TikTok creators an alternative platform within the ByteDance ecosystem.
However, given the interconnected ownership structure, Lemon8 may still face regulatory challenges if restrictions on TikTok move forward.
Notably, the photo-sharing functionality aligns with TikTok’s evolving content approach, which has gone beyond its signature short video format.
Since introducing photo carousels in 2022, TikTok has gradually expanded its photo abilities, experimenting with dedicated photo-sharing platforms like TikTok Notes.
