- RedNote is a Chinese social media app developed by a Sanghai-based company.
- It's a TikTok alternative, allowing users to share short-form videos and text posts.
- RedNote climbed the App Store charts as American users flock to the new platform amid the impending TikTok ban.
- You can download RedNote on your Android phone or iPhone for free.
In light of the impending ban on TikTok in the United States in less than a week, Americans are flocking to a new Chinese social media app called RedNote (also called Xiaohongshu). RedNote has already topped the “Social Networking” chart in the US App Store. At this point, RedNote has become a TikTok alternative where you can share short-form videos and text posts.
RedNote Surfaces as TikTok Alternative in the US
RedNote aka Xiaohongshu started as an e-commerce app in 2013 but has now become a “Chinese Instagram.” You can find videos of diverse lifestyles, share photos with notes, and explore nearby videos. Currently, Rednote has more than 300 million active users per month, and the owner of RedNote is Xingyin Information Technology, a Shanghai-based company.
American users who have moved to RedNote call themselves “TikTok refugees” and “American refugees.” Many English-speaking users are trying to rebuild the TikTok community on this clone. Some are asking for popular Chinese memes and helping users with their English homework.
How to Download RedNote?
Rednote is available for both Android and iPhone users. You can download RedNote from the iOS App Store and Google Play Store for free. You can log in using your phone number or your Google account. Make sure to change the country code to “+1” for US mobile numbers. The app supports the English language.
What is Happening with the TikTok Ban?
In April 2024, US President Joe Biden signed a law that required ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, to sell its US business by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban. The United States maintains that the decision has been taken over national security concerns. ByteDance, on the other hand, has stated that it doesn’t want to sell TikTok to an American entity.
ByteDance has, however, appealed to the US Supreme Court challenging the law, arguing that it violates the First Amendment. On January 10, the US Supreme Court heard the arguments orally and reserved the judgment. As the January 19 deadline approaches, everyone is looking up to the Supreme Court for the ultimate decision.
Meanwhile, users are flocking to RedNote to rebuild the TikTok community. And interestingly, President-elect Donald Trump, who will assume office on January 20, has requested a delay in banning TikTok.
