Social media users turn to Lemon8 and REDnote amid possible ban on TikTok in the United States

If you’re a regular TikTok user, you’ve probably noticed the names REDnote and Lemon8 recently.

Downloads of these two social media apps exploded as US TikTok users looked for a new vertical video platform.

A law will ban the application in the United States if its owner, ByteDance based in Chinarefuses to sell its American operations by January 19.

If the U.S. Supreme Court rules the law constitutional, American users could be locked out of the popular social app.

Here’s what you need to know about these two apps that are considered alternatives to TikTok as a possible ban looms.

Where are users going?

At this point, two applications are the subject of massive downloads by TikTok users: Lemon8 et REDnote.

Although the exact number of active users on these apps is uncertain, both rose to the top of the app store charts this week.

On Tuesday, REDnote was in first place and Lemon8 in second in the Apple App Store.

What is REDnote?

Also known as Xiaohongshusome see REDnote as a copy of TikTok.

It is owned by the company Shanghai Xingyin Information Technology.

REDnote’s description on the app stores states that it is a “dynamic youth-oriented lifestyle platform for share experiences, explore a real, beautiful and diverse world, and find the lifestyle they desire“.

US TikTok users are encouraging their followers to download REDnote in defiance against both the US government and social media company Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook.

Meta reportedly hired a Republican lobbying firm in 2022 to spread negative stories on TikTok.

At the time, Meta said it was appropriate for TikTok to be under scrutiny given its popularity.

Chinese users on the platform explained that they tend to use the app as a guide for restaurant and activity recommendations, but the content offering could become more varied if American users join the platform in mass.

What is Lemon8?

It’s a community-focused app, where users can edit and share photos and videos.

Lemon8 presents itself as a space where you can connect, inspire and support each other, according to its description on Google Play.

Launched for the first time in Japan in 2020, it has gradually been deployed in several other countries.

Currently, Lemon8 is not available in Australia on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Although it offers a scrollable “For You” page similar to TikTok, it also offers user experiences similar to those of Pinterest and Instagram.

Also owned by ByteDanceLemon8 is described by influencers as the “backup” app and appears to be where the company hopes disillusioned TikTok users will turn in the event of a ban.

Since Lemon8 launched in the United States in 2023, US TikTok users have reported being “bombarded” with ads for the platform, which is seen by some as a covert attempt to push users to download the app.

Lemon8 also allows users to transfer their TikTok account credentials and data when setting up their accounts on the platform.

Could these apps be banned too?

Although REDnote and Lemon8 dominate the app charts, their success might be short-lived.

In Lemon8’s case, its ownership could mean it’s subject to the same law that threatens to eliminate TikTok in the United States.

Although not explicitly mentioned in the bill banning TikTok, the legislation applies to “all other applications or services developed by ByteDance.”

Christopher Krepich, communications director for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, told Forbes that the stipulation meant Lemon8 would also be banned.

Perhaps this is another reason why REDnote is such an attractive option for those looking for a new platform.

Are there American alternatives?

The most established platforms Americans have are Instagram et YouTube.

Each offers its own version of the short vertical video format with Reels and Shorts respectively.

However, for many users, supporting Meta is not an option, with some going so far as to plan a week-long boycott of all of its platforms.

Looking further afield, there are several other US apps that appear to offer vertical video experiences similar to TikTok, but which, for one reason or another, have yet to break through.

This is the case of Trillsowned by Proxima Media, a film financing company led by Ryan Kavanaugh.

Triller has for years tried to enter the vertical video market and capitalize on the uncertainty of TikTok’s future, even going so far as to partner with celebrities such as Chance the Rapper, Post Malone and Kevin Hart .

However, a review of reviews on the app indicates that many users are dissatisfied with their experience on the platform.

The void left by a possible removal of TikTok could also create opportunities for the development of yet-to-be-designed apps.