A TikTok Clone is Skyrocketing in Popularity

Summary

Rednote, a Chinese social media app blending features of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, is experiencing a surge in popularity in the US, potentially replacing TikTok.
Valued at $17 billion and backed by Alibaba and Tencent, Rednote is currently the top app on the US App Store.
A mass migration of former TikTok users and creators is fueling Rednote's rapid growth.

The potential US ban of TikTok has created a vacuum in the social media landscape, and Rednote, a Chinese competitor, is swiftly filling it. Facing legal challenges throughout 2024, including a House-passed ban bill and lawsuits, TikTok's future in the US is precarious. Scheduled removal from app stores on January 19, 2025, unless the Supreme Court intervenes, has prompted a user exodus.

Rednote, known as Xiaohongshu (XHS) in China, offers a unique blend of visual and short-form video content, similar to Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Initially focused on product reviews, it evolved into a major platform for Chinese beauty and health influencers, boasting a predominantly female user base (over 70%). Its $17 billion valuation (July 2024) reflects significant investment from Tencent and Alibaba.

Rednote's Rise to the Top of the US App Store

Rednote's user-friendly interface and content format have propelled it to the top of the US App Store charts, surpassing rivals like Lemon8, ChatGPT, and Threads. Its current position as the most downloaded app (as of January 13th) is largely due to an influx of TikTok creators establishing a new presence. This rapid growth is generating significant viral attention across multiple platforms, including TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram. Interestingly, existing Chinese users are welcoming the new American users.

The irony of TikTok's potential demise due to its Chinese ownership leading to the rise of another Chinese app, Rednote, is not lost on observers. Rednote's sustained popularity beyond the immediate post-TikTok period remains to be seen, but a complete TikTok ban could significantly boost its user base further.