TikTok Clone Surges in Popularity

Summary

• The potential US ban of TikTok has led to a significant increase in the popularity of the Chinese social media app Rednote, positioning it as a leading alternative.
• Rednote combines features from Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok and is valued at $17 billion, with support from Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Tencent.
• As TikTok faces a possible shutdown, former TikTok creators and users are flocking to Rednote, which has now topped the US App Store charts.

As the possibility of TikTok's ban in the United States looms closer, a new social media app, Rednote, is experiencing a surge in popularity. Throughout 2024, TikTok has been embroiled in legal battles, culminating in a ban bill passed by the House of Representatives in March, followed by a lawsuit from the Department of Justice and 13 states in October. The underlying reason for the ban is the perceived national security risks associated with 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 as of January 19, 2025, with ByteDance indicating readiness to shut down operations.

The looming ban has driven US content creators and users to seek alternatives, with Rednote, also known as Xiaohongshu (XHS) in China, emerging as the primary choice. Rednote, which began in 2013 as a platform for product reviews and retail experiences, has since evolved into a leading hub for Chinese influencers, particularly in beauty and health sectors. The app is predominantly popular among women, comprising over 70% of its user base. As of July 2024, Rednote's valuation stands at $17 billion, backed by major Chinese tech companies Tencent and Alibaba.

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

Rednote's interface, which mirrors elements of TikTok and Pinterest, has propelled it to the top of the US App Store charts, surpassing other popular apps like Lemon8, ChatGPT, and Threads. By January 13, Rednote became the most downloaded app in the US, attracting a wave of TikTok creators looking to establish a presence on the platform. The rise of Rednote has become a viral topic on TikTok and other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Interestingly, Chinese users on Rednote are welcoming the influx of American users.

The irony of TikTok's potential disappearance from the US due to its Chinese ownership, only to be replaced by another Chinese app, is not lost on observers. The sustainability of Rednote's newfound popularity remains to be seen, especially in the coming days as TikTok's fate becomes clearer. If TikTok is indeed removed from US app stores, Rednote could see an even greater surge in new users.