Amid TikTok‘s impending shutdown on January 19 due to ownership issues in the United States, another Chinese app, Xiaohongshu, known as RedNote in English, surged to the top spot among free apps in the U.S. Apple app store.
RedNote is currently the top social networking app among all free iPhone apps.
What Is RedNote?
RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, which translates to “little red book,” is often compared to TikTok due to its focus on short-form video content. RedNote also integrates elements similar to Pinterest, providing users with a mix of video and livestreaming features. The platform allows users to share product reviews, experiences, and lifestyle content, creating a blend of social interaction and online shopping.
Launched in 2013, RedNote has rapidly grown to become one of China’s fastest-growing social platforms, valued at over $3 billion. It enables users to discover, research and purchase products directly through the app.
RedNote’s interface and e-commerce integration have contributed to its appeal, allowing users to explore content from fashion and beauty tips to travel and personal experiences.
Why Is TikTok Getting Banned?
TikTok is facing a potential ban in the United States due to national security concerns related to its Chinese ownership. Lawmakers and regulators worry that the app’s parent company, ByteDance, could be compelled by the Chinese government to share user data, posing a risk to American users’ privacy and security.
Consequently, legislation was passed requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban. The legislation was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden in April 2024.
The Supreme Court heard arguments in TikTok’s lawsuit challenging the law on Friday and appeared poised to uphold the looming ban despite the company’s arguments raising First Amendment concerns. The potential ban would disrupt the creator economy for influencers who have made a living by creating content on TikTok.
President-elect Donald Trump has voiced opposition to banning TikTok and filed a friend-of-the-court brief asking the court to delay the ban until after he takes office, allowing him a chance to reach an agreement that would address security concerns and keep the app up and running.
When Would TikTok Get Banned?
Unless the Supreme Court intervenes, TikTok will be removed from Apple and Google app stores on January 19.
Can TikTok Still Be Used After The Ban?
The ban would initially mean TikTok will not be able to update the app, and it cannot be downloaded from an app store. It could remain active for a while, but the app will eventually stop functioning without updates. TikTok has also indicated that it might shut down its operations on January 19 to avoid potential issues.
Noel Francisco, a lawyer for TikTok and ByteDance, told the Supreme Court Friday that he believed the app could go dark, but that would be at the behest of service providers who would do so over concerns of violating the text of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.