"What is RedNote? The App TikTokers are switching to ahead of ban

The application has surged to the number one spot in the Apple App Store’s free app rankings in the country.

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As TikTok faces a potential ban in the United States, the search for a new short-video platform is heating up, and one app has quickly risen to the top: Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote in English.

With TikTok's US future uncertain, RedNote has surged to the number one spot in the Apple App Store’s free app rankings in the country.

What is RedNote?

Launched in 2013 by Charlwin Mao Wenchao and Miranda Qu Fang, RedNote was initially a shopping guide for Chinese tourists. Now, it has grown into a major social media platform and a strong contender in the short-video space.

With over 300 million monthly active users, the app has gained massive traction, particularly among younger users in China, and is currently leveraging its influencer-driven strategy to generate significant profits.

With an interface that resembles Pinterest, RedNote’s success lies in its ability to blend social media with e-commerce, allowing users to discover and purchase products through influencer-generated content. RedNote’s influence is rapidly expanding, with reports indicating it could reach over $1 billion in profits by 2024, potentially leading to an IPO.

RedNote's rise amid TikTok's troubles

RedNote’s surge in popularity comes as TikTok faces mounting pressure in the US. Following a bipartisan law passed in April, which requires TikTok to either sell or face a ban by January 19, RedNote is capitalizing on the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future.

The law was introduced due to concerns over privacy and national security, with lawmakers fearing that the Chinese government could exploit TikTok for surveillance and covert influence operations.

 

 

 

 

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Some U.S. users have labelled themselves "TikTok refugees" as they encourage others to download RedNote to send a message to the U.S. government and companies like Meta. This surge in activity has also seen RedNote push past other platforms, such as TikTok’s sister app, Lemon8, in the App Store rankings.

 

 

 

 

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If TikTok’s US arm isn’t sold by the deadline or the ban isn’t lifted, the app will likely be removed from major app stores. In the meantime, social media users are quick to jump in their two cents, some humorously speculating if RedNote could be the new TikTok—tapping into the growing buzz around the app’s rapid rise.

Photo: ScreenGrab