Is ByteDance Using Lynx to Kill Meta’s React Native?

Amna ManzoorPosted on March 7, 2025

13 Min Read Time

ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, has introduced Lynx, a new open-source framework designed to change how developers build mobile and web applications. With its high-performance Rust-based engine and support for standard web technologies, Lynx aims to simplify cross-platform development. This means developers can use a single codebase to create native applications for Android, iOS, and the web while benefiting from improved speed and efficiency.

Lynx has already been battle-tested within ByteDance’s ecosystem, powering key features in TikTok, the TikTok Studio app, and ByteDance’s e-commerce storefronts. Given its robust performance and smooth development experience, Lynx is positioned as a strong alternative to existing frameworks like React Native. But what exactly makes Lynx different, and why is it gaining attention? Let’s explore everything you need to know about this innovative framework.

So, What is Lynx?

As discussed above, Lynx is a framework for building mobile and web apps. React Native uses JavaScript bridges to connect with native code. But Lynx is built on Rust, which makes it faster and more efficient.

Key Benefits of Lynx:

• Runs fast because of Rust’s speed.
• One codebase works for web and mobile apps.
• Uses CSS for styling, making it easy for web developers.
• No JavaScript bridge, so apps run smoothly.
• Supports multi-threading for better performance.

These features make Lynx a strong alternative to React Native.

Why Choose Lynx? Here Are Some of the Key Features

1. Built on Rust for Speed

Lynx runs on Rust, a language known for being fast and safe. This makes Lynx faster than frameworks that use JavaScript bridges. It may be a strong contender among the top 10 mobile app development frameworks in 2025.

Rust does not need a middle layer to connect with native modules. This means apps load quickly and run smoothly. React Native, in contrast, sometimes slows down due to JavaScript bridge delays.

Rust also manages memory well. This reduces crashes and performance issues. This makes Lynx a good choice for mobile app development.

2. One Codebase for All Platforms

Lynx lets developers create apps for Android, iOS, and the Web using one codebase. This saves time because developers do not need to write separate code for each platform.

React Native also supports multiple platforms, but Lynx has better web integration. This makes it easier to develop web apps alongside mobile apps.

With Lynx, developers can create smooth experiences across devices without performance issues.

3. Simple CSS Styling

Lynx makes styling easier by using standard CSS. React Native requires a different approach to styling, which can be harder for web developers.

• Supports gradients, animations, and transitions.
• No need to learn a new way of styling.
• Uses regular CSS, making it familiar for developers.

Since web developers already know CSS, they can use Lynx without learning new styling techniques. This saves time and effort.

4. Multi-Threading for Faster Apps

Lynx supports multi-threading, making apps run more smoothly. It has two types of tasks:

• Background Thread: Handles tasks like data fetching to avoid lag.
• Main Thread: Controls UI functions for smooth interactions.

This feature keeps apps fast and prevents freezing. Multi-threading is important for social media and real-time apps.

5. Web-Like Development Experience

Lynx has a structure similar to HTML. This makes it easy for web developers to learn and use. React Native uses PascalCase for components, but Lynx uses simple lowercase tags like view, text, and image.

Example:

<view>

  <text>Hello, Lynx!</text>

  <image src="logo.png" />

</view>

This simple and readable structure makes the transition from web development to mobile development much easier.

Getting Started with Lynx

ByteDance made Lynx easy to set up. Developers do not need to install heavy software like Xcode or Android Studio to test projects. Instead, they can use the Lynx Preview App to run projects without a full build.

Steps to Create a Lynx Project

1. Download the Lynx Preview App (APK for Android or IPA for iOS).
2. Start a new Lynx project:

bun create lynx-app myProject

cd myProject

3. Run the project:

bun run dev

4. Open the Lynx Explorer App, paste the bundle URL, and click “Go.”

This makes it easy to start using Lynx without a complicated setup.

Lynx vs. React Native: A Quick Comparison

How Will Others React to Lynx?

Lynx is bound to spark different reactions across the tech industry. Let's explore how various groups might respond to its rise.

Developers: Excitement or Skepticism?

For web developers, Lynx might feel like a dream come true, a way to build mobile apps without struggling with React Native’s quirks. The ability to use standard HTML-like components and CSS could win over many frontend developers who found React Native’s styling system frustrating. But will React Native developers be so quick to embrace it?

Probably not. Many experienced React Native developers might dismiss Lynx as just another framework trying to compete with an already dominant ecosystem. After all, how many React Native killers have we seen come and go? The idea of ditching years of experience in React Native to switch to Lynx could be a hard sell, unless ByteDance aggressively pushes adoption.

Tech Companies: The Next Big Migration?

If Lynx lives up to its promise of better performance and efficiency, tech giants might start eyeing it as a serious alternative to React Native. Given that ByteDance is behind Lynx, it’s almost certain that TikTok and its ecosystem of apps could be the first to fully embrace it.

But will companies outside of ByteDance follow? That depends. Meta has a strong interest in keeping React Native strong, and many companies are deeply embedded in the React Native ecosystem. Unless Lynx can prove to be a massive improvement and not just slightly better, businesses might hesitate to make the switch.

The React Native Community: Resistance or Inevitable Shift?

React Native isn’t just a framework, it’s an entire movement backed by Meta, with thousands of developers, plugins, and libraries supporting it. The biggest challenge for Lynx won’t be technical, it’ll be cultural. Developers who have spent years mastering React Native might resist Lynx, not because it’s bad, but because change is inconvenient.

But here's where it gets interesting: If Lynx offers a much better experience and performance, many developers might start leaving React Native for it. Developers are always looking for faster, simpler ways to build, and if Lynx can prove itself, React Native could start losing ground. Could this be the beginning of a framework war between Meta and ByteDance? Only time will tell.

Is Lynx the Future of Mobile Development?

Lynx is an exciting new framework that offers faster performance, easy styling, and better web integration compared to React Native. However, since it is still new, it will take time to build a large developer community and gain widespread adoption.

Overall, Lynx has the potential to be a strong competitor to React Native. It will be interesting to see how ByteDance develops it further and how the developer community reacts in the coming years.

FAQs

1. What makes Lynx different from React Native?
Lynx is built on Rust, which makes it faster and more efficient than React Native, which relies on a JavaScript bridge. It also has better web integration and supports standard CSS for styling.

2. Can Lynx be used to build both mobile and web apps?
Yes, Lynx allows developers to use a single codebase for Android, iOS, and Web applications, reducing development time and effort.

3. Is Lynx easier to learn for web developers?
Yes, Lynx uses a structure similar to HTML and supports standard CSS, making it easier for web developers to transition compared to React Native.

4. How does Lynx improve app performance?
Lynx eliminates the JavaScript bridge, supports multi-threading, and efficiently manages memory using Rust. These features result in faster load times and smoother app performance.

5. How can I start developing with Lynx?
Developers can quickly set up Lynx by installing the Lynx Preview App and using simple commands to create and run projects without the need for heavy software like Xcode or Android Studio.