Summary

• The potential US ban of TikTok has led to a significant increase in the popularity of the Chinese social media app Rednote, positioning it as a likely replacement.
• Rednote combines features from Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, and has a valuation of $17 billion, supported by major Chinese tech companies like Alibaba and Tencent.
• Many former TikTok users and content creators are migrating to Rednote, propelling it to the top of the US App Store charts.

The looming ban of TikTok in the US has sparked a surge in popularity for another Chinese social media app, Rednote, as content creators and users seek alternatives. Throughout 2024, TikTok faced numerous legal challenges, culminating in a ban bill passed by the House of Representatives in March and a lawsuit from the Department of Justice and 13 states in October. The ban aims to address national security concerns related to TikTok's ownership by ByteDance, a Beijing-based company. If the Supreme Court does not intervene, TikTok will be removed from Apple and Google app stores starting January 19, 2025, with the company indicating readiness to shut down operations.

The uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future has driven US users and creators to explore other platforms, with Rednote emerging as a leading contender. Known as Xiaohongshu (XHS) in China, Rednote blends elements from Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Launched in 2013, it initially focused on product reviews and retail experiences before evolving into a popular platform for Chinese influencers, particularly in beauty and health sectors. Women constitute over 70% of its user base. As of July 2024, Rednote is valued at $17 billion, backed by 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 helped it climb 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 rise to prominence are circulating widely on TikTok, as well as on other platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Interestingly, Chinese users on Rednote are welcoming the influx of American users.

Ironically, as TikTok faces a ban due to its Chinese ownership, Rednote, another Chinese app, stands poised to take its place. The coming days will reveal whether Rednote can maintain its newfound popularity, especially if TikTok is indeed removed from US app stores. A confirmed TikTok exit could lead to an even greater influx of users to Rednote.