MoviesNewsTalk
Rednote, otherwise known as Xiaohongshu, has recently increased in popularity amongst users in the US. This comes amid a climate of discussion of the impending banning of the popular social media app TikTok and what some say is an uncertain future. It showcases an alternate social platform with different options for content.
Rednote, a short form video sharing application, has increased to the number 1 most popular free app in the US app store. Many TikTok content creators are promoting a movement over to this new app while the government discusses plans to restrict access to the Chinese-owned app TikTok. This shift has caught the attention of app analysts and major media sources across the world as changes appear to come into play.
Many TikTok users are currently seeking alternatives while considering the possibility of a US government ban. A law has been passed that could force TikTok ’s parent company ByteDance, to sell or close operations by January 19. In response users are finding alternatives including using virtual private networks or promoting a new option called Rednote which also is an application of a Chinese origin. Many see Rednote as an opportunity to test another method that offers a similar environment.
Rednote which translates from Mandarin as “Little Red Book”, was originally founded in 2013 as a shopping platform before evolving into the new app. The app combines aspects from Pinterest, and Instagram that highlight shared product reviews and shopping options. Its growth created an emphasis for videos with content, commerce and a social feel.
Rednote combines user feedback along with photos, shopping options, product reviews as well as short form videos. The layout style has been compared to that of the popular platform Pinterest due to the way the pictures and options are displayed and also called the Chinese Instagram due to similar overall visual aesthetics. However many TikTok creators find it more similar to the overall functions of the previously mentioned platform that may soon disappear.
Many who have decided to test the new format mention an understanding that their usual video application may not have the stability or long term ability. As a result those users are deciding to go to a Chinese alternative for the opportunity of a space with comparable options. The emphasis has been seen to not wish to migrate to Facebook and Instagram after previous concerns of that platforms policies for moderation have become public.
Many content creators in a show of rebellion against a ban are trying out the Rednote platform. They also express frustration in returning to other platforms such as Meta’s Facebook and Instagram along with Google’s YouTube Shorts citing how they want to have a space for connection without any outside sources taking away their experience or freedom for expression. Many have declared that this is also their way to not give up completely if things do change on the technology front.
Since 2013 Rednote had already seen a massive increase in Chinese consumers that has been growing. The surge also took a boost during the Covid-19 pandemic with active users increasing by nearly 300 million per month making it an influential force in many global areas.
As it has had a quick expansion in influence it has also caught investors eye as it has become valued at over 17 billion and raised a total of over $900 million with well known backers. Many projections see the company to bring over a 1 billion profit this year demonstrating its increasing pull in the market.
As there is an unknown outcome for the future of TikTok there is an uncertainty as to what the long term success for Rednote could be in the long term as well. Also US leaders may become concerned about another application from China.
Despite it's current gains it is still unknown as to how users may shift during future changes. Some believe Rednote will become the new platform where creators continue but as other platforms introduce changes Rednote may fall back depending on decisions and usage throughout. This may create a fragmented media space and users that might want to engage on different apps to find their respective audience and unique niches that other applications are missing.