TikTok Clone Soars in Popularity

Summary

• The potential US ban of TikTok has led to a significant increase in popularity for the Chinese social media app Rednote, positioning it as a likely replacement.
• Rednote combines features from Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, and is valued at $17 billion with investments from Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Tencent.
• As TikTok faces a possible shutdown, its former users and content creators are migrating to Rednote, which has surged to the top of the US App Store charts.

The looming ban of TikTok in the US has sparked a surge in popularity for another Chinese social media app, Rednote, as content creators and users seek alternatives. Throughout 2024, TikTok has faced numerous legal challenges, culminating in a ban bill passed by the House of Representatives in March and subsequent lawsuits from the Department of Justice and 13 states in October. The primary concern driving these actions is the potential 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 starting January 19, 2025, with the company indicating readiness to cease operations.

As the deadline approaches, US content creators and users are turning to Rednote, also known as Xiaohongshu (XHS) in China, as a viable alternative. Rednote, which blends elements of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, was founded in 2013 and initially focused on product reviews and retail experiences before becoming a popular platform for Chinese influencers, particularly in beauty and health sectors. The app boasts a user base that is over 70% female and is valued at $17 billion as of July 2024, 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 shares similarities with TikTok and Pinterest, has propelled it to the top of the US App Store charts, surpassing other popular apps like Lemon8, ChatGPT, and Threads. As of January 13, Rednote has become the most downloaded app in the US, attracting a wave of TikTok creators eager to establish a presence on the platform. The app's rise to fame is already generating buzz 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 exit from the US due to its Chinese ownership, only to be replaced by another Chinese app, is not lost on observers. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Rednote can maintain its newfound popularity. If TikTok is indeed removed from US app stores, Rednote is poised to see an even greater influx of new users.