How Can Brands and Influencers Use Lemon8

The newest social media platform, Lemon8, is making a splash with its similarities to Pinterest and the original Instagram while also being different from other platforms. It seems to have some of the aspects social media are craving, like features that allow creativity. There have been complaints by Instagram users that the app has been overtaken by Reels, a confusing algorithm and perfectly curated feeds, so when life gives social media users lemons, they are trying Lemon8.

So what is Lemon8, and why was it created? Lemon8 was started by the parent company of TikTok, ByteDance, but only has a few similarities to the video-based app. It appears the app took off quickly, with influencers on TikTok and Instagram encouraging their followers to join them there.

Lemon8 even paid certain influencers to make posts on the app to get it going by following a few guidelines like making 10 posts in a month with captions of at least 150 words and a carousel of between three and 10 photos. The plan worked because Lemon8 flew off the app shelves and was number one in the App Store for lifestyle apps only a week after launch. The platform has seen 6.3 million downloads worldwide in the last six months and over 250K just in the U.S. since its soft launch in February 2023.

Getting started with Lemon8

When you start with Lemon8, you’ll be prompted to fill out a profile about yourself and pick topics that interest you, among the beauty, fashion, food, travel, wellness and pets categories. There is a “For You” and a “Following” page to scroll through based on those interests. Posts have cover images to which you can add titles, captions, labels and other text.

For now, this app is being called a “lifestyle community” where creators can share their lives while getting creative with the font, stickers and creative features the app offers. Some creators have even taken their Lemon8 accounts to the next level by making their posts more aesthetic in apps like Canva or Procreate. You can create content about nail art, home decor, coffee or anything else that you find interesting.

While aesthetic posts are popular and loved, like on all the other apps, many creators on Lemon8 are pushing for “realness” and authenticity in posts instead of the perfectly curated feeds you see on other social media platforms.

As an influencer or inspiring influencer, jumping on Lemon8 is a great way to get in front of a new audience, flex your creative muscles and see where this app’s algorithm can take you. Plenty of bigger creators have jumped on the app and encouraged their large audiences to follow, but don’t let that hinder you from getting started. Not every influencer can be on every platform, so if Lemon8 is the one for you, get started with the app as soon as possible to be one of the original creators.

How can brands use Lemon8?

Brands can meet their audiences where they are by joining Lemon8, although some may be hesitant to invest in the content on Lemon8, given its close ties to TikTok.

Here are some ideas for leveraging the platform for your brand:

Create engaging content — videos, GIFs, and images — that feature your product or service in a lifestyle setting. Make sure the content fits within one of the content categories.
Connect directly with influencers. Follow and engage with influencers who may potentially be a good fit for a collab.
Utilize user-generated content (UGC). Invite followers to post their own content related to your brand and share it on Lemon8.
Share authentic, diverse content. Lemon8 is all about showcasing genuine moments, so posting relatable content is key to engaging users. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business, customer stories, or showcasing your brand’s personality, Lemon8 is a platform that values authenticity.

While there isn’t a monetization program for Lemon8, some brands may be open to working with creators on sponsored content within the new app.

Whether you’re on board for Lemon8 or think it’s just the next new social media fad, the app does boast a space for influencers and brands alike to share their engaging content and make a community with like-minded people.