What is RedNote: The app becoming a top choice for Americans worried about TikTok's ban and future

As the TikTok closure approaches in less than a week, another Chinese app known as Xiaohongshu, or RedNote in English, has acquired rapid popularity in the United States as consumers seek alternatives.

United States, Chinese flags, TikTok logo and gavel are seen in this illustration taken January 8, 2025.

Dado Ruvic/REUTERS

If ByteDance does not sell TikTok by January 19, the software will be unlawful to distribute on the Apple software Store and Google Play. Internet service providers must also render the software unavailable to US internet browsers.

But TikTok will not go down without a fight. On Friday, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments on the potential shutdown, but analysts believe the court will most likely allow the ban to go into place based on national security.

RedNote is now the #1 free social networking app in the Apple App Store rankings. Here's everything you should know about RedNote.

What is RedNote?

RedNote, which launched in 2013, has become one of China's fastest-growing social platforms, with a market capitalization of more than $17 billion, according to the Financial Times. 

RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, which translates to "little red book," has a Pinterest-like layout and is sometimes compared to a Chinese counterpart of Instagram. According to TechCrunch, the app's emphasis on short-term content, like TikTok, has helped it emerge as a viable alternative.

What is the deal with TikTok?

TikTok and its Chinese parent firm ByteDance are fighting to stop a measure signed by President Joe Biden that would prohibit the short-form video app beginning January 19 unless it sells its U.S. operation due to national security concerns. The social media behemoth has asked the Supreme Court to halt the ban throughout the legal process, and while the justices heard arguments last week, no decision has yet been made.

If the ban goes into force next Sunday, Apple and Google would be unable to provide TikTok for download to new customers, but existing users will be allowed to continue using the app. The United States government and TikTok agree that the app would deteriorate and eventually become useless as corporations are unable to provide maintenance services. RA