Summary

• The potential ban of TikTok in the US has significantly boosted the popularity of the Chinese social media app Rednote as a possible alternative.
• Rednote combines features from Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, and is valued at $17 billion, with backing from Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Tencent.
• As former TikTok creators and users migrate to Rednote, it has surged to the top of the US App Store charts.

As the specter of a TikTok ban looms over the United States, a new social media contender, Rednote, is rapidly gaining traction among content creators and users. Throughout 2024, TikTok has faced numerous legal challenges, culminating in a potential shutdown. In March, the US House of Representatives passed a bill aimed at banning TikTok, followed by a lawsuit from the Department of Justice and 13 states in October. The underlying concern is the national security risks posed by TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, based in Beijing. Unless the Supreme Court steps in, TikTok is set to be removed from Apple and Google app stores starting January 19, 2025, with ByteDance indicating readiness to cease operations.

The uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future has driven US content creators and users to seek alternatives, with Rednote emerging as the leading candidate. Known as Xiaohongshu (XHS) in China, Rednote blends elements of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Founded in 2013, it initially focused on product reviews and retail experiences before becoming a go-to platform for Chinese influencers in beauty and health. Rednote's user base is predominantly female, comprising over 70% of its users. As of July 2024, the app is valued at $17 billion, supported by investments from Chinese tech giants Tencent and Alibaba.

Chinese Social Media App Rednote May Be First in Line for TikTok's Throne

Rednote's interface, which mirrors aspects of TikTok and Pinterest, has propelled it to the top of the US App Store charts, surpassing other popular apps like Lemon8, ChatGPT, and Threads. By January 13, Rednote became the most downloaded app in the US, attracting a wave of TikTok creators eager to establish a presence on the platform. Videos discussing Rednote's ascent are going viral not only on TikTok but also on other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Interestingly, Chinese users on Rednote are welcoming the sudden influx of American users.

The irony is palpable: as TikTok faces a potential exit from the US market due to its Chinese ownership, its most likely successor is another Chinese app. The coming days will reveal whether Rednote can maintain its surge in popularity, especially as TikTok's fate hangs in the balance. If TikTok is indeed removed from US app stores, Rednote could see an even greater influx of new users.