TikTok’s shutdown is becoming increasingly imminent, with a ban set to go into effect in five days. While businessmen and companies are trying to decide their next moves, TikTok users are already jumping ship to another app.
Chinese app Xiaohongshu, or RedNote in English, has become the most downloaded social networking app in the Apple App Store over the last 24 hours.
The app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and has been available since 2013. Here’s what you need to know about the app some are considering TikTok’s replacement.
What is RedNote?
RedNote launched in 2013 and quickly became China’s fastest-growing social platform. It is valued at over $17 billion, according to the Financial Times.
In Chinese, the app is known as Xiaohongshu, which translates to “little red book.” Its layout is similar to the search tab in Pinterest and TikTok. It’s often described as the Chinese version of Instagram.
Though the layout isn’t the same as the For You page users may be used to, TechCrunch has stated that the app’s short-term content focus is similar to TikTok’s, making it a viable alternative.
Is RedNote safe?
At this time, it’s unclear how safe the app is in regards to data privacy.
It’s important to note the app is designed in Mandarin, so when users sign up for RedNote in the app, the terms and conditions are in Mandarin. The privacy policy and protection rules for children/teenagers are available in English.
Users have also noted RedNote has very harsh restrictions for content. Some users posting LGBTQ+ content or women wearing tops cut too low have resulted in their content being removed or their accounts being suspended.
Migration to RedNote
Already, over 300 million people, mainly in China, use the app. The traditional Pinterest-like layout format is on the app’s main home screen. When using the app’s ‘Trending’ section, you are greeted by a familiar ‘For You Page’ layout.
Many users join the app and post using the hashtag #TikTokRefugee to identify themselves.
