TikTok Clone Surges in Popularity

Summary

• The potential ban of TikTok in the US has significantly increased the popularity of Rednote, a Chinese social media app, as a potential alternative.
• Rednote combines features from Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, and is valued at $17 billion with investments from Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Tencent.
• The app is attracting a large number of former TikTok users and creators, propelling it to the top of the US App Store charts.

As TikTok faces a possible ban in the United States, a new contender, Rednote, is rapidly gaining traction among users and content creators. Throughout 2024, TikTok has encountered numerous legal challenges, culminating in a ban bill passed by the House of Representatives in March and subsequent lawsuits filed by the Department of Justice and 13 states in October. The underlying concern driving these actions is the potential national security threat posed by TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, based in Beijing. Unless the Supreme Court intervenes, TikTok is set to be removed from Apple and Google app stores on January 19, 2025, a deadline that ByteDance has indicated it is prepared to meet by potentially ceasing operations.

The looming ban has driven US TikTok users and creators to seek alternatives, with Rednote emerging as the leading choice. Known as Xiaohongshu (XHS) in China, Rednote is a blend of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok functionalities. Launched in 2013, it started as a platform for product reviews and retail experiences before evolving into a favored space for Chinese influencers in the beauty and health sectors. Rednote boasts a user base that is over 70% female and is currently valued at $17 billion, thanks to investments from tech giants Tencent and Alibaba.

Chinese Social Media App Rednote May Be First in Line for TikTok's Throne

Rednote's user-friendly interface, reminiscent of both TikTok and Pinterest, has propelled it to the top of the US App Store charts, surpassing other notable apps like Lemon8, ChatGPT, and Threads. As of January 13, Rednote has become the most downloaded app in the US, with TikTok creators actively migrating to establish their presence on the platform. The surge in interest has sparked viral content across social media, including TikTok itself, where videos discussing Rednote's ascent are gaining traction. Additionally, Chinese users on Rednote are warmly welcoming the influx of American users.

Ironically, as TikTok teeters on the brink of being removed from the US market due to its Chinese ownership, Rednote, another Chinese app, is poised to take its place. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether Rednote can maintain its newfound popularity, especially once TikTok's fate is finalized. If TikTok is indeed phased out of US app stores, Rednote is likely to see an even greater surge in new users.