After briefly shutting down on January 19, 2025, TikTok and other ByteDance apps are back online and the deadline for the ban against the apps has been extended. This app is currently not available for download in the app store.

Navigating the maze of social media platforms can be a challenging task for parents. Lemon8, developed by ByteDance, the creators of TikTok, is quickly gaining traction among teens and young adults. Lemon8 provides a platform for users to explore, share, and engage with lifestyle-focused content such as food, fitness, and fashion. It is used to share graphics and short-form videos, and many are using it as an alternative to TikTok.

Parent & Student Video

What is Lemon8?

• Lemon8 is a social media app developed by ByteDance, the owners of TikTok
• Many describe the app as a cross between Instagram and Pinterest that focuses mainly on lifestyle content such as fashion, food, fitness, travel, etc
• Users can explore others’ posts, create and post their own posts, or scroll through the “For You” section that has been personalized based off the app’s algorithm
• Lemon8 allows users to post TikTok-like videos and some use it as an alternative to TikTok

Is Lemon8 safe for kids?

• Lemon8 states “If we become aware an account holder has a severe violation or has committed a sexual offense against a young person, we will ban the account,” however, it is not clear how they are verifying this information (Source: Lemon8)
• The social media app is owned by the same Chinese parent company as TikTok and the same security and data collection concerns surrounding TikTok also apply to Lemon8 (Source: NBC News) 
• Like TikTok, Lemon8 has a never-ending stream of photos and videos to offer users, which can make the app addictive and undermine users’ ability to manage screen time
• Users cannot set up a private account, everything a student posts will be public. Students can make private their “saved” and “liked” posts
• There are no parental controls built into the app
• With a heavy emphasis on fashion, beauty, food, and wellness, Lemon8 could perpetuate a “toxic” diet culture among students and have negative mental health effects (Source: Healthline)
• Content on Lemon8 can still be viewed without setting up an account, but the user cannot interact with the content or other users without registering
• Mature content including nudity can be found on the app

What can parents and educators do?

• Create a family media agreement with your student to help establish rules and expectations surrounding social media and device usage
• Use the parental controls built into your specific device to set time limits for daily Lemon8 usage or use a third-party app to help monitor the content that is being shown to students
• Remind students to never share personal or private information on social media or with strangers

Privacy/setting recommendations for Lemon8

• There are very few privacy or safety options but users can prevent Lemon8 from using their posts in promotional materials by going to “profile,” “settings, then “account” and then clicking the slider to turn it green next to “Disallow Lemon8 to use my posts”
• Users can prevent others from seeing the posts that they have liked by going to your profile and selecting “settings”, “privacy”, and clicking the slider to turn it green next to “hide liked posts”

What is Lemon8 rated?

Apple App Store Rating: 12+

Google Play Rating: T (Teen) 

Based in China owned by ByteDance

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Examples of Lemon8 in the news

With a heavy emphasis on fashion, beauty, food, and wellness, Lemon8 could perpetuate a “toxic” diet culture among students and have negative mental health effects.- Healthline

Lawmakers and officials say the company (Lemon8 and TikTok owners, ByteDance) has links to the Chinese Communist Party, prompting concern that it could be forced to hand over data about American users to Beijing. - MSN

More resources for parents, students, & educators

Parents Guide to iPhone Parental Controls (and Other Apple Devices)

Safeguard Your Student's Future with Our Free Printable Social Media Agreement

How to Use Screen Time Productively

Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls for Android: Complete Guide for Parents

Negative Impact of TikTok on Teens

Alternatives to TikTok: Short Form Video Guide for Parents, Educators, & Students

Conclusion

In this ever-changing digital world, apps like Lemon8 are continuously reshaping the social media landscape. While Lemon8 offers an innovative platform for digital interaction for students, it's important for parents and students to understand the pros and cons of the app.