TikTok Users Are Downloading A New App Called RedNote Ahead Of The Proposed Ban. Here’s What You Need To Know

While the world waits anxiously for a decision, some TikTok users are already seeking a replacement by flocking to a Chinese app called RedNote. Launched in 2013, RedNote is one of the most popular apps in China, with over 300 million monthly active users – and soon set to be many more. The app raced to the top position on Apple’s US App Store on Tuesday thanks to the influx of new users, who are being dubbed 'TikTok refugees.'

Here is everything we know about RedNote...

What is RedNote?

RedNote's real name is Xiaohongshu, which means 'Little Red Book'. It's often shortened by US users to RedNote. The app works as a hybrid between Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, allowing users to share lifestyle tips from dating to fashion.

Like TikTok, RedNote contains product reviews, comedy, and influencer content. It's also like Pinterest because of its focus on e-commerce. The South China Morning Post describes it as 'China’s answer to Instagram'.

The app has a different algorithm to TikTok. While TikTok feeds content based on who you follow, RedNote focuses on user’s interests, which some say promotes more original content and reduces the prominence of powerful influencers.

Why are TikTok users moving to RedNote?

The influx of 'TikTok Refugees' on the app is thanks to a proposed ban on TikTok in the US. Many users are already moving onto RedNote to share their thoughts on the ban. At the time of writing, the hashtag 'TikTok refugee' had garnered nearly 60 million views and over 1.7 million comments.

'Our government is out of their minds if they think we’re going to stand for this TikTok ban,' a user said on RedNote, in a video which has garnered more than 45,000 likes. 'We’re just going to a new Chinese app, and here we are.'

The influx of TikTok refugees has provoked a warm welcome from Chinese users of the app. 'This could be a historic moment,' one Chinese user commented. 'It feels like so much has changed in an instant. Ordinary people from our two countries have never really connected before … I hope everyone can take this brief chance to engage in meaningful exchanges of ideas.'Developers are also working on making Xiohongshu more English language-friendly.

What has Donald Trump said about the TikTok ban?

Donald Trump tried to ban TikTok himself in 2020 during his first presidency. However, this time around he has now called on the Supreme Court to delay the upcoming ban while he works on a 'political resolution.'

His lawyer filed a legal brief saying that Trump 'opposes banning TikTok' and intends to resolve the issues 'through political means once he takes office.