As TikTok faces a looming shutdown in less than a week, a Chinese app called Xiaohongshu, or RedNote in English, is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States as users seek alternatives.
If ByteDance fails to sell TikTok by January 19, it will be illegal to distribute the app through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Additionally, internet service providers will be required to block access to the app via browsers in the US.
Despite this, TikTok is not going down without a fight. Experts predict the Supreme Court may uphold the ban on national security grounds, even after Friday’s hearing regarding the potential shutdown.
Currently, RedNote holds the top spot as the most popular free social networking app on the Apple App Store, surpassing other iPhone apps. Here’s a closer look at what RedNote has to offer.
What is RedNote?
According to the Financial Times, RedNote, launched in 2013, has reached a valuation of over $17 billion, establishing itself as one of China’s fastest-growing social platforms.
Often referred to as China’s version of Instagram, RedNote (Xiaohongshu, meaning “little red book”) features a Pinterest-like design and is frequently compared to the popular photo-sharing app. With a focus on short-form content, similar to TikTok, RedNote has emerged as a formidable competitor in the social media landscape.
What’s TikTok’s Current Status?
In response to national security concerns, TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, are challenging a bill signed into law by President Joe Biden that will ban the app starting January 19. Despite hearing arguments last week, the social media giant has yet to announce a decision regarding its request for a temporary halt to the ban while legal proceedings continue.
Once the ban takes effect next Sunday, Apple and Google will no longer be able to offer TikTok for download to new users. However, existing users will still be able to access the app. Both the U.S. government and TikTok have stated that, without ongoing support from businesses, the app will eventually become obsolete and ineffective over time.
Growing Issue of Privacy and Security
RedNote has encountered challenges as it has expanded, particularly concerning issues of data privacy and the potential for government interference due to its ownership by a Chinese company. These concerns have raised alarms in the US about the security of user data. In response, RedNote’s developers are emphasizing that their platform complies with global data privacy regulations in an effort to reassure users.
If RedNote can successfully navigate regulatory challenges and grow its global presence, experts believe it could become the “next TikTok” in the US. For now, it is drawing users who are looking for new platforms for short-form videos, thanks to its integration of music and a strong sense of community engagement.
