TikTok Clone Soars in Popularity

Summary

• The potential US ban on TikTok has led to a surge in popularity for the Chinese social media app Rednote, positioning it as a possible replacement.
• Rednote combines features from Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, and is valued at $17 billion with investments from Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Tencent.
• Many former TikTok creators and users are migrating to Rednote, which has now reached the top of the US App Store charts.

As the possibility of a TikTok ban looms in the United States, a new Chinese social media app called Rednote is experiencing a significant surge in popularity. Throughout 2024, TikTok has faced numerous legal challenges, culminating in a ban bill passed by the House of Representatives in March 2024. Subsequent legal action by the Department of Justice and 13 states in October 2024 further complicated TikTok's situation. The concerns stem from potential national security risks associated with TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, based in Beijing. If the Supreme Court does not intervene, TikTok will be removed from Apple and Google app stores starting January 19, 2025, with the company preparing for a potential shutdown.

The uncertainty surrounding TikTok has driven US content creators and users to seek alternatives, and Rednote has quickly emerged as the leading contender. Known as Xiaohongshu (XHS) in China, Rednote blends elements from Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Initially launched in 2013 as a platform for product reviews and retail experiences, it has since evolved into a major hub for Chinese influencers, particularly in the beauty and health sectors. Women, who constitute over 70% of its user base, are the primary audience for the app. As of July 2024, Rednote's valuation stands at $17 billion, backed by Chinese tech giants Tencent and Alibaba.

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

Rednote's user interface, which shares similarities with TikTok and Pinterest, has propelled it to the top of the US App Store charts, surpassing other notable apps like Lemon8, ChatGPT, and Threads. By January 13, Rednote became the most downloaded app in the US, attracting a significant number of TikTok creators eager to establish a presence on the platform. The buzz around Rednote's rise is evident on TikTok itself, as well as on other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where videos about Rednote's increasing popularity are going viral. Interestingly, existing Chinese users on Rednote are warmly welcoming the influx of American users.

The irony is palpable: as TikTok faces a potential exit from the US market due to its Chinese ownership, its most likely successor is another Chinese app. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether Rednote can maintain its current momentum, especially as the deadline for TikTok's removal from US app stores approaches. If TikTok is indeed phased out, Rednote is poised to welcome an even larger wave of new users.