Summary
- With TikTok facing a potential US ban, the Chinese social media app Rednote is experiencing a surge in popularity as a potential alternative.
- Combining elements of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, Rednote boasts a $17 billion valuation, backed by tech giants Alibaba and Tencent.
- Former TikTok creators and users are migrating to Rednote, propelling it to the top of the US App Store charts.
A new social media app, Rednote, is rapidly gaining popularity as US users and creators seek alternatives to TikTok, which may soon be banned in the US. After facing legal challenges throughout 2024, including a House-passed ban bill in March and a lawsuit from the Department of Justice and 13 states in October, TikTok's future in the US is uncertain. Unless the Supreme Court intervenes, TikTok will be removed from app stores starting January 19, 2025, with the company itself acknowledging potential shutdown.
This looming ban has driven users to seek alternatives, and Rednote (known as Xiaohongshu or XHS in China) has emerged as a leading contender. Often described as a blend of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, Rednote, founded in 2013, initially focused on product reviews before evolving into a major platform for Chinese beauty and health influencers. Boasting a user base where women comprise over 70%, Rednote holds a $17 billion valuation (July 2024), backed by Tencent and Alibaba.
Chinese Social Media App Rednote May Be First in Line for TikTok's Throne
Rednote's design, incorporating elements similar to TikTok and Pinterest, has propelled it to the top of the US App Store charts, surpassing apps like Lemon8, ChatGPT, and Threads. As of January 13th, it's the most downloaded app in the US, attracting a significant influx of TikTok creators. Videos documenting Rednote's rise are going viral on platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, with Chinese users on Rednote even welcoming their new American counterparts.
The irony isn't lost on many: as TikTok, a Chinese-owned app, faces removal from the US market, another Chinese app may be poised to take its place. Rednote's sustained popularity remains to be seen, particularly in the days leading up to the potential TikTok ban. A complete removal of TikTok from US app stores could lead to an even greater surge in Rednote's user base.
