A lesser-known Chinese social media app is quickly climbing the charts among US users as they seek alternatives to TikTok, amid rumors of a potential ban. TikTok, the popular short-video platform, may soon be blocked in the United States, leaving millions of users scrambling for a new app to fulfill their social media cravings.
Why Is the US Considering a TikTok Ban?
The potential TikTok ban stems from accusations that ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, is closely linked to the Chinese government, raising concerns about national security. In April 2024, the US government passed a law giving ByteDance nine months to find an American buyer or face a ban, with the deadline set for January 19. As the deadline looms, Americans may lose access to their daily TikTok fix, including viral dances and “Get Ready With Me” videos.
Although TikTok and ByteDance have repeatedly denied any ties to the Chinese government, a federal appeal to overturn the ban was rejected in December 2024. With the incoming administration under President Donald Trump, some hope that the ruling could be reversed. However, regardless of the outcome, many users are already exploring other options for their social media needs.
Meet the New TikTok Alternative: RedNote
As TikTok’s potential ban draws closer, a Chinese app called Xiaohongshu, or “RedNote” in the US, has emerged as a fast-rising contender. RedNote is a social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos from their daily lives, much like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. But the app also incorporates e-commerce features, enabling users to shop and share product reviews, giving it a unique edge over competitors.
The app, developed by Shanghai-based Xingyin Information Technology, is widely popular in China, with approximately 300 million monthly users. While relatively unknown in the West, Xiaohongshu is now soaring up the charts, surpassing TikTok as the most downloaded app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Many TikTok users appear eager to explore RedNote as a potential new home for their content.
What Makes RedNote Stand Out?
RedNote’s rising popularity can be attributed to its unique blend of social media and shopping features. Users can not only post videos and photos but also discover and purchase products directly within the app. This blend of content-sharing and e-commerce has made Xiaohongshu a major player in China’s social media landscape, with a market value estimated to be over $3 billion.
However, RedNote’s appeal goes beyond its functionality. The app’s timing appears to be a response to the US government’s actions toward TikTok, with users flocking to the platform in search of an alternative. While it’s unclear whether RedNote will maintain its momentum or establish a strong user base in the US, it’s clear that many are willing to give it a shot.
Is RedNote Safe to Download?
Despite its rapid rise, RedNote has faced scrutiny over its data privacy practices. The app’s terms of service reveal that it may share user data with third parties for advertising purposes, and it could access a variety of sensors, including GPS, audio, and video, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance.
Cybersecurity experts warn that the app’s ability to collect detailed user data could lead to profiling and unwanted surveillance. For example, RedNote can monitor a user’s scrolling patterns and energy usage, which could be used to create detailed user profiles. These concerns have led some to caution against downloading the app without fully understanding the potential privacy risks.
As the US moves closer to a decision on whether TikTok will be banned, RedNote is already capitalizing on the uncertainty. Whether or not it will become a long-term player in the social media world remains to be seen, but for now, it has captured the attention of millions of US users looking for their next digital fix.
