This Controversial TikTok-Competing App Is Climbing The Apple App Store Charts With DUBIOUS User Acquisition Tactics

Written By BlabberBuzz | Thursday, 30 March 2023 08:30 PM
Views 2.8K

This week, Lemon8, an app owned by ByteDance, the Chinese company behind the popular video-sharing app TikTok, made a surprise jump up Apple's App Store's Top Charts.

On Wednesday morning, it was ranked in the Top 20, surpassing popular apps such as Snapchat, Google Maps, Messenger, and Spotify. According to data shared by TechCrunch, the app had never before been ranked in the Top 200 Overall Charts in the U.S.

The outlet believes the app's sudden surge may be due to a user acquisition push on the app publisher's part. It has been reported that TikTok creators have posted positive content about Lemon8, which has sparked speculation about a 'conspiracy' among users. Additionally, some posts have recommended joining Lemon8 in case the recently-scrutinized TikTok is banned in the U.S., neglecting to mention that ByteDance is the app's owner. These posts, however, have not been marked as sponsored.

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Lemon8 has a 4.4 rating on the App Store's 5-star rating system and is No. 1 on the Lifestyle Chart. According to multiple reports, it initially and exclusively launched in Japan as Sharee a few years ago. Regarding user privacy, Lemon8 states that it automatically collects certain information, such as an IP address, browsing history, device ID, and operating system.

Neither ByteDance nor Lemon8 has responded to FOX Business' request for comment. This sudden rise of the app has created an interesting situation, and only time will tell if it can remain in the top rankings.

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