Chinese video sharing app RedNote rises as top TikTok alternative in the U.S. ahead of ban

RedNote, a Chinese video-sharing and social media app also known as Xiaohongshu, has recently topped the Apple App Store charts in the U.S. as the date for the seemingly imminent TikTok ban approaches.

Initially launched in 2013 as a shopping platform, RedNote has transformed into a social media and e-commerce app with features similar to TikTok, such as short-form videos and interactive feeds. Owned by Shanghai-based Xingyin Information Technology, the app, which has over 300 million monthly active users, is gaining popularity among American users seeking alternatives to TikTok, with a significant increase in U.S. downloads—about 3.2 million since 2017.

The potential TikTok ban, with a Supreme Court decision expected by January 19th, has driven many users to RedNote, positioning it as one of the most popular alternatives, at least for now. This contrasts with the hopes of U.S.-based companies like Meta, which reportedly used a Republican lobbying firm in 2022 to push for the ban and direct users to platforms like Instagram Reels. However, the ban raises concerns for other Chinese-owned apps including RedNote and Lemon8, which could face operational challenges in the U.S. market shortly after.