A TikTok Clone is Skyrocketing in Popularity

Summary

• Rednote, a Chinese social media app, is experiencing a surge in popularity in the US, potentially replacing TikTok if the latter is banned.
• Combining features of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, Rednote boasts a $17 billion valuation, backed by Alibaba and Tencent.
• A mass migration of TikTok creators and users to Rednote has propelled it to the top of the US App Store charts.

The potential US ban of TikTok has created a vacuum in the social media landscape, one that Chinese app Rednote is rapidly filling. Following legal challenges throughout 2024, including a House-passed ban bill and lawsuits from the Department of Justice and multiple states, TikTok faces removal from US app stores on January 19, 2025, unless the Supreme Court intervenes. This impending ban has driven US users and creators to seek alternatives, with Rednote emerging as a leading contender.

Initially launched in 2013 as a product review platform, Rednote (Xiaohongshu or XHS in China) has evolved into a significant influencer hub, particularly popular among women (over 70% of its user base). Its blend of Instagram's visual appeal, Pinterest's organizational features, and TikTok's short-form video format has proven highly attractive. The app, valued at $17 billion (July 2024), enjoys substantial backing from Tencent and Alibaba.

Rednote's meteoric rise in the US is undeniable. Its user-friendly interface and similar functionalities to TikTok and Pinterest have propelled it to the top of the US App Store charts, surpassing apps like Lemon8, ChatGPT, and Threads. As of January 13th, it's the most downloaded app, attracting a significant influx of former TikTok creators establishing their presence. This shift is even generating viral content on TikTok itself, along with other platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Interestingly, existing Chinese users are welcoming this new wave of American users.

The irony of TikTok's potential demise due to its Chinese ownership being replaced by another Chinese app is not lost on observers. Rednote's sustained popularity remains to be seen, particularly in the coming days as TikTok's fate is decided. A complete ban would likely further accelerate Rednote's user growth.