In a world dominated by TikTok, it’s hard to imagine another app stealing the spotlight. But Xiaohongshu, also known as Red Note, a Chinese short-form video platform, is quickly becoming the new favorite—and not entirely by choice. With talks of a potential TikTok ban looming in the U.S., creators and users alike are scrambling to find an alternative. Enter Red Note: a sleek, TikTok-like platform with all the bells and whistles, and suddenly, it’s the hottest app in town, becoming the No. 1 downloaded free iPhone app on Apple’s App Store in America over the past couple of days. But, what is Red Note?
What Is Red Note?
Red Note is a short-form video platform that, on the surface, looks and feels like TikTok—familiar interface, snappy algorithm, and a community-driven vibe. Combining features reminiscent of Instagram and Pinterest, the social media app focuses primarily on lifestyle content such as travel, dining, beauty tips, and shopping. Initially popular among younger Chinese users, especially women, Red Note offers a blend of user-generated content and e-commerce.
The app offers an AI-powered algorithm, real-time video editing tools, and an emphasis on global connectivity, making it equally appealing to creators and viewers. But it’s not just what the app is—it’s the timing of its rise that’s causing a stir.
Who Owns Red Note?
Over the last two-days, Red Note has seen more than 700,000 new users sign up. But here’s the kicker: Red Note is owned by a Chinese-based company, Xingin Information Technology (Shanghai)— it’s deeply ironic that the U.S.’s potential ban of one Chinese app over national security fears is driving users to another one.
Will Red Note Replace TikTok?
The U.S. government has set a deadline of January 19, 2025, for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest the app. Failure to do so could result in a nationwide ban due to national security concerns over data privacy and potential foreign influence. With the Supreme Court expected to rule on the matter soon, many users are preemptively migrating to other platforms to maintain their social media presence. For now, TikTok remains a dominant force globally, but the possibility of a ban in the U.S. has created an undeniable opportunity for Red Note.