Rednote, a Chinese social media platform, is experiencing a meteoric rise in popularity in the US, potentially filling the void left by TikTok's impending ban. This surge is directly linked to the escalating legal challenges facing TikTok throughout 2024, culminating in a potential removal from US app stores on January 19, 2025.
The combination of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok-like features within Rednote (also known as Xiaohongshu or XHS) has proven highly attractive to former TikTok users and creators. Already valued at $17 billion (July 2024) and backed by tech giants Tencent and Alibaba, Rednote has quickly climbed the US App Store charts, surpassing competitors like Lemon8, ChatGPT, and Threads to claim the top spot as of January 13th. This influx of American users is even being noted and welcomed by existing Chinese users on the platform.
The irony of a Chinese app potentially replacing another due to national security concerns isn't lost on observers. While Rednote's current popularity is undeniable, its long-term success remains uncertain. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this rapid growth is sustainable, particularly if TikTok's US ban is finalized. A complete TikTok exit from the US market could propel Rednote's user base to even greater heights.
