Lemon8 is a trendy new social media platform that has a similar feel and aesthetic to Pinterest, and Instagram. Launched by ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, this application has been growing in popularity around the globe. Let’s break this social platform down and dive into the details.
Currently in the United States there is a total of 4.25 million active users.
The social app is open to all audiences over the age of 13 but themain demographic is Gen Zer’s.
Several influencers are being paid from the U.S. and the U.K. to promote the app, but there is no clear way to make money off the app, yet.
Lemon8 does not feature advertising, yet.
The browsable categories for Lemon8 include fashion beauty, food, wellness, travel, home, and pets.
Diving into the Details
After downloading the application, I was taken to a screen where I entered my birthdate. Although they state in their disclaimer this information will not be shared with anyone, they mention this information being used to personalize my experience. Next a question on my pronouns is asked followed by what my interests are. From there you can choose a way to login to your account. Once you login, monetized content is shown throughout your newsfeed. The layout feels very similar to Pinterest and Instagram, being user friendly and inviting. Like Instagram, you have the normal array of icons: Home: This shows your monetized newsfeed. Search Icon: This takes you to a search icon where you have the capability to search usernames, accounts, hashtags, and posts. After the initial search icon, advertisements are displayed, while below viral hashtags are featured that you can click into. Notification Icon: This icon looks like a bell, which notifies you of new followers, likes and saves, comments, and mentions. Account Icon: The person icon takes you to your account information. Clicking into someone’s post allows you to view the user who posted the image/video(s), the post itself, and then scrolling down allows me to see hashtags associated with the post, a date stamp of when it was posted, and a list of all the individuals who commented on the post and when.
How does the Lemon8 algorithm work?
According to HypeBot, Like Lemon8’s ByteDance sibling TikTok, it has a “For You Page” (FYP) that shows what the user is interested in as soon as they open the app. The more they interact with their FYP, the more accurate the algorithm becomes in terms of suggesting user-specific content. In contrast to TikTok, Lemon8 displays more current content, while TikTok can show content uploaded a few days ago. Hashtags appear to play an important role in driving the Lemon8 algorithm. Like Instagram and TikTok, trending hashtags are also a thing on this app. Therefore, aligning your content with these trending hashtags and categories is a good way to drive the algorithm and increase the visibility of your content. Moreover, incorporating keywords in your post titles increases the chances of your content reaching more people. In addition, content that tells a story has a greater chance of being shared and going viral, while the algorithm and users prefer carousels to single photo posts. The most game-changing tip is to aim for more saves – the more saves there are, the greater the chance of getting the algorithm to drive it forward.
Will Longevity be at the four corners for Lemon8?
This is up for debate. Although this app is picking up in popularity, there is always a surge of new users within a platform in the beginning. Take Clubhouse and BeRealfor example. Two platforms that had excessive hype in the beginning, that no longer hold the attention of users.
Once again, the landscape of social media is undergoing transformation. Emerging platforms are gaining traction and popularity, prompting us to ponder whether they truly live up to the buzz. Fortunately, we’ve delved into the depths to spare you the effort. One of the platforms purportedly riding the wave of attention is Mastodon Social.
Mastodon Social
Mastodon Social, named after the heavy metal band hailing from Atlanta, GA, was brought into existence by Eugen Rochko in October of 2016. Rochko, a German software developer and entrepreneur, grew up accustomed to the universal social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Frustrated by the dominance of American corporations and their governance of these platforms, Rochko took matters into his own hands and conceived Mastodon.
This innovative platform took the form of an open-source, decentralized social network, comprising independent servers organized in a federated structure. This arrangement empowers users to establish their own servers. Notably, in 2022, when Elon Musk assumed control of Twitter, Mastodon witnessed a significant surge in growth. It was recorded that 800,000 accounts were established on Mastodon, but this figure swiftly declined by 30%. The reason? Novice users felt that the platform was dominated by tech-savvy individuals, which made those less tech-savvy feel unwelcome.
Functionality of the Platform
At first glance, the platform can be overwhelming for outsiders. As previously mentioned, it consists of myriad social networks, all running on distinct servers, or ‘instances,’ as they are referred to. These instances communicate with one another through a mechanism known as the Fediverse. What exactly is the Fediverse? To add a touch of complexity for the average user, the Fediverse constitutes a loosely connected group of decentralized servers that operate on open-source standards. This setup permits users to interact and engage across multiple platforms. In simpler terms, it’s akin to liking a Tweet on Facebook or viewing an Instagram Reel on TikTok. Notably, Mastodon instances or servers are not obliged to be connected to the Fediverse, and the majority aren’t. A case in point is Truth Social, the social network linked to former US President Donald Trump, which remains disconnected from the Fediverse and has garnered a reputation as the most renowned Mastodon instance.
Integration of Several Platforms
Mastodon seamlessly amalgamates several familiar platforms into a unified experience. Much like Twitter, users can share brief messages, referred to as ‘toots,’ either with the world at large or specifically with chosen individuals. Each post is capped at a maximum of 500 characters (a substantial leap from Twitter’s 280-character limit). The platform facilitates the sharing of links, images, audio files, and videos. Users retain the autonomy to decide with whom they share, allowing for posts to be either public or private, accessible solely to their followers. Unlike platforms that employ algorithms to curate content, Mastodon displays posts from accounts users follow, with much of it organized through hashtags. Just like other networking sites, users follow hashtags that align with their interests, exposing them to content associated with those hashtags. Posts are presented in a timeline, sequenced chronologically, though not just one timeline—there are three. First, the Home Timeline encompasses all posts and reblogs from those you follow, providing the most familiar experience. Next comes the Local Timeline, showcasing content solely from your server if you possess one. Lastly, the Federated Timeline displays posts from Mastodon servers that you follow.
Mastodon Followers
Mastodon employs a concept of ‘followers,’ although it diverges significantly from the conventional notion of followers or friends. Users can follow any account, even if it’s on a different server, and the content from that account will feature on their Home Timeline. Accounts set to private require review and approval for followers. The platform permits users to mark posts as favorites, but the count of likes or favorites doesn’t surface on timelines. If you wish to amplify someone else’s post, you need to ‘boost’ or reblog it. Comparable to TikTok or Instagram, you can ‘bookmark’ posts or toots without notifying the account that shared them. A distinctive feature that contrasts with other social sites is Direct Messaging. However, it’s not what you might anticipate. While you can engage in back-and-forth messaging with other users on Mastodon, the messages aren’t strictly private. Instead, you create a post much like any other and restrict its visibility to only those tagged in the post. This approach ensures that the post is concealed from those who haven’t been tagged, yet it remains a post, potentially leading some users to be cautious about sharing private or personal information through this method.
Platform Moderation
Now, onto the topic of moderation. Traditional social networking sites typically employ centralized moderators to determine what content is considered safe or acceptable for sharing. Given Mastodon’s decentralized structure, users take on the responsibility of moderating content on their own servers. As one might expect, this arrangement has led to some challenges. Research conducted by Stanford University revealed alarming findings regarding the presence of child sexual abuse material. Over a span of two days, researchers identified 112 instances of child sexual abuse material out of approximately 325,000 analyzed posts. Shockingly, the first instance of such content was located within just five minutes. Furthermore, an examination of the Fediverse for the use of the top 20 child sexual abuse-related hashtags yielded 713 instances of hashtag use and 1,217 posts without associated media. While Mastodon users can report items, and the platform does offer moderator tools for review, it lacks built-in mechanisms for reporting child sexual abuse material
This leads us to the issue of sharing general NSFW (Not Safe For Work) content on the platform. Formerly, Tumblr served as a sanctuary for NSFW content creators, but as the platform implemented stricter policies against such content, users have migrated to Mastodon. The platform encompasses multiple instances or servers that predominantly focus on sharing explicit content. For instance, Switter, a hub for users and clients to connect with sex workers, boasts a user base exceeding 200,000. Numerous popular instances or servers have become havens for users seeking refuge from platforms like Tumblr and Twitter due to their content restrictions. These facts bring to the surface another question. As many users are trying to find a safe place to land, in terms of leaving Twitter, are they prepared to be introduced to content with no trigger warning or blurring of explicit content?
The overarching question remains: Can Mastodon sustain the growth of its user base, or will this momentum taper off? With Twitter’s rebranding as X and the ensuing frustrations of its users, a hunt for a new virtual haven to express thoughts and opinions is underway. Whether the discontented trickle of users will eventually cease or continue to seep into other platforms is uncertain. Predictions suggest that Mastodon’s growth might be curtailed due to its intricate framework. The platform is anticipated to cater to a niche audience, primarily due to its complexity. Notably, the absence of paid advertising or marketing means that there are no businesses driving the platform’s expansion. Will this platform eventually strike a chord with the average user, or will it eventually fade into obscurity? Only time holds the answer.
The Fediverse, short for “federated universe,” refers to a collection of interconnected social media platforms and online communities that are built on the principles of federation and decentralization. It provides an alternative to traditional social media networks that are usually controlled by a single company.
In the Fediverse, each platform or community is known as an “instance” or a “node.” These instances are independently operated by different individuals, organizations, or communities, and they can have their own rules, policies, and moderation guidelines. Each instance is responsible for its own hosting, moderation, and user management.
Stricter Privacy
What makes the Fediverse unique is its federated architecture. It is based on a set of open protocols and standards, such as ActivityPub, which allow different instances to communicate and share content with each other. This means that users on one instance can interact with users on other instances, regardless of which platform they are using. For example, a user on one instance can follow and interact with a user on a completely different instance.
This decentralized nature of the Fediverse has several advantages. It promotes user privacy and data ownership since users have more control over their data and can choose the instance that aligns with their privacy preferences. It also allows for greater diversity and customization since each instance can have its own community guidelines and rules.
Fediverse’s Ecosystem
The Fediverse encompasses a wide range of platforms and communities, including microblogging platforms like Mastodon, which is often considered one of the most popular and prominent platforms in the Fediverse. Other examples include Pleroma, PeerTube for video sharing, Pixelfed for image sharing, and many more. Each of these platforms serves different purposes and caters to various interests.
Overall, the Fediverse provides a decentralized and interconnected social media ecosystem that encourages user freedom, privacy, and community self-governance. It offers an alternative to centralized social media networks by giving users more control over their online experiences and fostering a diverse and distributed online community.
In the realm of social media, Instagram introduces Threads, a captivating new application that offers users a fresh and engaging experience. Threads, which requires users to have an Instagram account, was created to compete with Twitter. Upon downloading and launching the app, individuals are presented with the option to either create a new profile or seamlessly log in using their existing Instagram account credentials.
Threads welcomes users to customize their profiles by crafting unique bios and incorporating relevant links. Moreover, it grants the ability to effortlessly import information from their Instagram accounts, fostering a smooth transition into the Threads platform. With the flexibility to choose between a public or private profile, individuals can curate their online presence according to their desired level of privacy.
To enhance user connectivity, Threads also offers the opportunity to follow the same accounts as their Instagram counterparts. This feature allows for a seamless integration of existing social networks, enabling individuals to effortlessly stay connected with their preferred accounts across platforms.
With Threads, Instagram introduces a dynamic social media experience that amalgamates the familiarity of its predecessor with exciting new features, providing users with a truly captivating and immersive platform.
Privacy and Personal Data Collection
As you create your own account and begin to follow the prompts to join Threads, the following content is provided to you. Once you read the terms you are able to join the platform.
Powered by Instagram
Threads is part of the Instagram platform. We will use your Threads and Instagram information to personalize ads and other experiences across Threads and Instagram.
The fediverse
Future versions of Threads will work with the fediverse, a new type of social media network that allows people to follow and interact with each other on different platforms, like Mastodon.
Your Data
By joining Threads, you agree to the Meta Terms and Threads Supplemental Terms and acknowledge you have read the Meta Privacy Policy and Threads Supplemental Privacy Policy.
Is Thread’s a Safe App to Use?
Cyber Security experts and privacy experts warn consumers of the dangers associated with this platform.
In a recent CBS News article an associate professor of criminology and justice studies at Drexel University warns users to be on the lookout for privacy issues. The app is currently not available in the European Union, as they have strict privacy laws in place. Something to take note of since they have better consumer protection laws in place.
Although there are privacy concerns many users do feel as though their personal data, the success of Threads so far clearly shows many do not care about the personal data collected.
Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s head, confirmed a significant milestone on June 5th stating, “100 million people signed up for Threads in five days. I’m not sure I can wrap my mind around that fact. It’s insane; I can’t make sense of it.”
As this application continues to grow in popularity, it is being compared to its rival Twitter. Some are even calling Threads “The Twitter Killer”. Here’s why:
Threads is a text-based app allowing for pictures and videos to be uploaded as well. Users can have real-time conversations with one another allowing text posts to have a 500-character limit. With a similar appearance to Instagram Threads allows for users to share their posts from Threads directly to Instagram Stories.
As a Private Investigator, or someone conduct an online investigation, or social media investigation, this application is just another one to add to your list. If your person of interest has an Instagram account, checking Threads will be an important additional step to take when searching. Your subject may or may not have a public or private Threads account. According to Sportskeeda a gaming and tech site, “If someone you’re trying to follow has yet to join Threads, you will automatically follow them when that person joins the platform. Apart from that, you also have the option to follow specific friends by searching their names. Tap the Search Bar on the Search page to find your Instagram friend. Once you find them, tap the Follow button next to their profile name. You won’t find your Instagram friends in the search results if they haven’t joined Threads yet.
Will I be able to see a Public Threads account?
According to the Instagram help center, if a Threads profile is public, it is visible to everyone on Threads. You are also able to see the private profiles they follow and the private profiles that are following that account, like how Instagram currently works. Anyone and everyone will be able to see posts and feed on a public Threads account. Anyone can share links to an individual’s threads and all content is available to be shared through Instagram Stories. When public, any other users can share, repost, or quote another individual’s Thread content. Anyone on or off Threads can also embed another users’ posts.
As additional features are offered, and this app continues to gain traction more searching capabilities may become available. As always, this is something we will be monitoring at E-CHATTER, stay tune further additional information.
Snapchat was created by Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and Reggie Brown. Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy, who were Stanford University students at the time, came up with the initial concept for the app. Reggie Brown was also involved in the early development stages but later parted ways with the company. Evan Spiegel is often credited as the primary founder and CEO of Snapchat.
Snapchat is particularly popular among younger demographics, including teenagers and young adults. According to The Social Shepherd, Snapchat has over 365 milliondaily active users worldwide, with India having the largest audience to date. In the past, the app gained significant traction among high school and college students. However, it has since expanded its user base to include a wider range of age groups. While Snapchat’s primary user base consists of people between the ages of 13 and 34, there are also older users who enjoy the platform’s features and functionalities. It’s important to note that user demographics can vary across different regions and over time as social media usage patterns evolve.
Why is Snapchat so Popular?
Snapchat became popular for several reasons, which contributed to its appeal among users.
Snapchat introduced the concept of disappearing messages, photos, and videos, which created a sense of privacy and encouraged more spontaneous and authentic communication. This feature attracted users who wanted a more ephemeral and less permanent form of sharing.
One of the first platforms to popularize augmented reality (AR) filters and lenses, Snapchat allows users to add fun and interactive elements to their photos and videos. These AR features, including face filters and animations, offered a unique and engaging way to express oneself and became a major draw for users.
Creative tools, such as drawing, stickers, text overlays, and geofilters, allow users to personalize their content and make it more engaging and entertaining. The platform’s playful and innovative nature makes it attractive to users looking for a fun and expressive social media experience.
It also provides a convenient and intuitive way to communicate with friends through private messages, group chats, and its Stories feature. Users share moments from their day and create narratives with photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. This emphasis on sharing and storytelling resonates with users who want to connect and engage with their friends in a more dynamic and visual manner.
With the introduction of the Discover feature, Snapchat offers a wide range of content from publishers, influencers, and brands. Users explore news, entertainment, and lifestyle content within the app, making it a hub for staying informed and entertained.
Snapchat Features -Present & Future
Features come and go through a variety of social platforms and the same applies to Snapchat while some of the basic features have stayed the same. New features are also being added. We look at why so many individuals turn to Snapchat daily and the future of this app below.
Disappearing Messages- One of Snapchat’s signature features is the ability to send messages, photos, and videos that automatically disappear after being viewed, adding a sense of privacy and spontaneity to conversations.
Snap Map- The Snap Mapfeature allows users to share their location with friends on a map. Users can choose to enable or disable location sharing and customize the level of privacy. It also shows “Our Story” content from various locations and events.
AR Lenses and Filters- Snapchat offers a wide range of augmented reality lenses and filters that overlay animations, effects, and filters on users’ faces or in their surroundings. These lenses can be applied during photo or video capture and often change based on facial expressions or gestures.
Stories- Users can create Stories by posting photos and videos that are available for 24 hours. Stories can be enhanced with text, drawings, stickers, and filters. Users can also choose to make their Stories visible to all their friends or select a specific audience.
Discover- Snapchat’s Discover section provides content from publishers, influencers, and brands. Users can explore articles, videos, and other media from various sources within the app.
Snap Originals- Snapchat produces its own original shows and series called Snap Originals. These shows are designed to be watched vertically on mobile devices and offer interactive and immersive experiences.
My AI – Snapchat launched ‘My AI this past February and it has taken off. A user can chat with an AI bot, ask questions, and create their own AI persona. The ultimate goal for all new AI technology is to maximize engagement. Following this newly added feature comes another similar concept called Dreams.
Dreams– Another AI element being added, ‘Dreams’ will allow you to upload several selfies that then generate “fantastical Snaps” of yourself. This will place yourself into different AI generative realms.
Additionally, Snapchat is offering several other features including Generative AI Lenses, After Dark Stories, Friendship Flashbacks, Communities for more Schools (allowing classroom messaging in a school community), Snap Map Updates (providing live shared locations with friends), Bitmoji Depth (allowing Bitmoji’s to appear less cartoony and more 3D), and last but certainly not least, more AI features.
Did You Know?
There are public profiles through Snapchat along with private ones. A public profile let’s you be discovered in the app, showcase your creativity publicly, and grow an audience on Snapchat. There are several features available to an individual who has a public Snapchat account, which may assist during an online search or investigation to know. Public Snapchat story tiles show the viewers and number of Snaps in that Story, according to an article through Snapchat.com. Tap a Public Story tile to see the views, viewers, screenshots, swipe-ups, and interactions per Snaps. There’s a lot a public user can view on who is interacting with their account.
Snapchat has certainly evolved over the years, allowing users to interact with their peers in unique ways. Users have ability to interact with whom they choose, share content they want, but also view who is seeing their snaps and stories shared. The future of Snapchat is bright and filled with intertwined features and technology. Stay tuned!
