What Is RedNote? The Chinese-Owned App Is Gaining Popularity As TikTok Ban Approaches

While the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, another Chinese-owned app is quickly gaining momentum. Xiaohongshu, known as RedNote in English, has skyrocketed in popularity and recently became the most downloaded free app in Apple’s App Store, Newsweek reported.

Details on the Red Note app

Launched in China in 2013, RedNote was valued at $3 billion and has grown into a multifaceted platform. Similar to TikTok, RedNote is designed for sharing short videos but offers even more features. Users can livestream, post product reviews, engage in social interactions, and shop online—all within the app. Much of the content on RedNote focuses on fashion and beauty tips, travel stories, and personal vlogs, appealing to a young and trend-conscious audience.

Why is RedNote gaining popularity?

RedNote’s rise comes as the U.S. government cracks down on TikTok over national security concerns. Lawmakers argue that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could potentially share sensitive user data with the Chinese government, jeopardizing Americans’ privacy.

As Blavity previously reported, TikTok is set to be removed from app stores by Jan. 19. This means new users won’t be able to download the app, though current users can continue using it. However, this poses security risks because they won’t have access to crucial updates.

The Supreme Court has indicated it may uphold the TikTok ban, but it’s still unclear how President-elect Donald Trump will handle the situation once sworn in on Jan. 20. Millions of creators and entrepreneurs who rely on TikTok for business growth are anxiously waiting to see what unfolds.