TikTok is shutting down its Instagram competitor, TikTok Notes, on May 8. The photo-sharing app launched in testing in Canada, Australia, and Vietnam last year.
In a blog post, TikTok cited a “strategic realignment of priorities” as the reason for discontinuing Notes, emphasizing a renewed focus on improving its core short-form video app. The company also confirmed that existing TikTok Notes users are being encouraged to migrate to Lemon8, ByteDance’s lesser-known platform for lifestyle content. “We thank the creative community who supported Notes and invite them to explore Lemon8 for new opportunities,” the statement read.
TikTok Notes was initially positioned as a visual storytelling hub, allowing users to share high-quality images, behind-the-scenes moments, and curated galleries. However, the app struggled to compete with Instagram’s entrenched user base and feature-rich ecosystem. Analysts noted that TikTok entered the photo-sharing market too late and failed to differentiate Notes from its main app. Meanwhile, Lemon8—already popular in Asian markets—has emerged as ByteDance’s preferred alternative for absorbing Notes’ user base.
User feedback on TikTok Notes was mixed. While some praised its minimalist design and seamless TikTok integration, others criticized its lack of unique features. “It felt like a lightweight Instagram clone without Reels or Stories,” one beta tester said. Internal data reportedly revealed sluggish growth, accelerating ByteDance’s decision to sunset Notes and consolidate efforts behind Lemon8.
The shutdown aligns with a broader industry trend of social media giants abandoning standalone apps in favor of integrated platforms. Meta’s closure of projects like IGTV and standalone gaming apps mirrors this strategy. For ByteDance, shutting down Notes allows tighter focus on Lemon8’s expansion and TikTok’s core innovations, including AI-powered editing tools and e-commerce integrations.
Existing TikTok Notes users will receive notifications to download their content before the app is removed from stores. All public posts will be archived privately, and creators are urged to migrate to Lemon8 or TikTok’s main app. ByteDance has already begun rolling out incentives, such as enhanced visibility for Lemon8 content cross-posted to TikTok.
Though TikTok Notes failed to challenge Instagram’s dominance, its closure highlights ByteDance’s calculated shift toward Lemon8 as its stealth weapon in the social media wars. As one industry expert noted, “This isn’t a retreat—it’s a strategic play to funnel users into a platform they’re quietly betting on.”
Fast-forward to today, and TikTok continues to promote Lemon8 in its app as it faces a new ban deadline of April 5.
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