As the U.S. moves closer to a potential ban on TikTok, a massive influx of users has turned to RedNote, a Chinese social media platform also known as Xiaohongshu. Over 700,000 new users joined RedNote in just two days, pushing it to the top of U.S. app download charts. This surge underscores a growing scramble for TikTok alternatives ahead of the looming January 19 deadline for ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a U.S. ban.
RedNote has historically been a popular lifestyle app in China, allowing users to share curated photos, videos, and text about topics such as travel, beauty, and food. Its recent rise in the U.S. has prompted cultural exchanges between American and Chinese users, as seen in a live chat titled “TikTok Refugees,” which drew over 50,000 participants. While these interactions have fostered camaraderie, questions about sensitive topics, such as China’s laws, highlight the challenges of moderating content across different cultures.
U.S. downloads of RedNote soared by 200% compared to last year and 194% from the previous week, according to data from Sensor Tower. RedNote’s rapid growth in the U.S. also boosted the stock prices of Chinese companies with ties to the app, with some experiencing gains of up to 20%.
The influx of English-speaking users has posed logistical challenges for RedNote, including moderating content and building translation tools. Unlike other Chinese platforms, RedNote operates a single app version globally, requiring it to navigate Chinese domestic moderation rules while accommodating international users.
This surge parallels a broader trend of U.S. users seeking alternatives to TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Some content creators view RedNote as an opportunity for collaboration with Chinese companies and a platform for rebuilding their communities. With a valuation of $17 billion, RedNote is poised to capitalize on its newfound global attention, though it must tread carefully to maintain compliance with Chinese and international regulations.