Chinese social media app RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, has climbed to the top of the Apple App Store as the United States edges closer to banning TikTok.
The platform, offering a blend of pictures, short videos, and text posts across “follow,” “explore,” and “nearby” feeds, has attracted a wave of users seeking alternatives to TikTok.
Scrolling through RedNote’s Explore page reveals a mix of English and Chinese posts. Many new American users identify themselves as “TikTok refugees,” expressing a desire to find a new digital community in light of the potential ban. Some users even engage directly with Chinese users, posing questions like, “What are some popular memes in China?”
Launched in 2013 as a shopping-focused app, RedNote has since evolved into a major platform with over 300 million monthly active users. According to Bloomberg, the app generated over $1 billion in profit last year, showcasing its growing global appeal.
The uncertainty around TikTok stems from a Supreme Court review of legislation that could ban the app or compel its parent company, ByteDance, to sell it to an American entity. A decision is expected by January 19th. While TikTok users are flocking to RedNote, other Chinese-owned apps like WeChat, Lemon8, and CapCut may also face scrutiny in the ongoing geopolitical debate over data privacy and national security.
