What is Rednote? Chinese-Owned "TikTok Clone" Soars in App Store as TikTok Ban Looms
As the threat of a TikTok ban in the United States grows—especially for creators who rely on the app for income—an alternative called Rednote has emerged. If you’re just learning about it, here’s everything you need to know.
Some are calling Rednote a “TikTok clone,” but others argue it bears more resemblance to Instagram. Regardless of the comparison, the app has skyrocketed to the top of the U.S. App Store charts, likely due to fears surrounding TikTok's potential ban.
What is Rednote?
Rednote, also known as Xiaohongshu (meaning "little red book"), XHS, or simply RED, is a social media and e-commerce app. It first launched in 2013 as a platform for users to share product reviews and shopping experiences.
Over time, Rednote evolved into a social media app, particularly popular among Chinese influencers in the beauty and health sectors. It has been dubbed “China’s answer to Instagram” by the South China Morning Post.
As of July 2024, Rednote was valued at approximately $17 billion, with major investors like Tencent and Alibaba backing the app.
In 2022, over 70% of Rednote’s user base was female, and the app remains heavily focused on female fashion, beauty, and influencer culture.
Rednote's Surge in the U.S. Amid TikTok Ban Concerns
While TikTok is still accessible in the U.S., many users are preparing for its potential removal from the App Store. Rednote has emerged as the leading alternative in response to the TikTok ban threat.
As of January 13, Rednote has become the most-downloaded app in the U.S., surpassing other apps like Lemon8 (another lifestyle platform), ChatGPT, and Threads.
TikTok is scheduled for removal from Apple and Google app stores on January 19, 2025. The company has confirmed it will shut down the app on that date unless the Supreme Court intervenes to delay the enforcement of the ban. TikTok has made it clear that it will not entertain a sale of the app.
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