RedNote Gains Popularity as an Alternative to TikTok

Socialmedia desk: RedNote, also known by its Chinese name Xiaohongshu, which translates to “Little Red Book,” is drawing users from other Chinese short video apps. Available for download from app stores, it comes pre-installed on most Chinese smartphones, such as Xiaomi and Huawei devices. Unlike TikTok, which is unavailable in certain regions, its Chinese counterpart Douyin is accessible.

Getting Started with RedNote

Creating an account on the semi-bilingual short video app is a straightforward process. Here’s how:

1. Download the App:
   RedNote can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Installation takes less than a minute. For Chinese-brand smartphones, if it’s not already on the home screen, it can be found in the in-house app store, such as Xiaomi’s GetApps.
2. Open the App:
   Upon opening the app, a welcome message in Chinese appears, along with terms and conditions related to user agreements and privacy policies. Users must select “Agree,” highlighted in red, to proceed.
3. Notification Permissions:
   A message in English will pop up asking whether RedNote can send notifications, including alerts and sounds. Users can choose either “Allow” or “Don’t Allow.”
4. Login Process:
   On the login page, click the red login button after agreeing to the terms and privacy policies. Users with other Chinese social media accounts can opt for additional login methods.
5. Phone Verification:
   Enter your phone number, ensuring the correct country code is selected (e.g., +852 for Hong Kong instead of the default +86 for China). A verification code will be sent to your phone for authentication.
6. Set Up Profile:
   After logging in, users must select their gender and age.
7. Choose Interests:
   RedNote offers a variety of interests to choose from, such as nail care, pets, life tips, and more.
8. Activity Tracking:
   Lastly, users are asked whether they will allow the app to track their activity across other apps and websites. Options include “Allow” or “Ask App Not to Track.”

Once these steps are completed, users can start exploring the app.

Rising Popularity Amid TikTok Concerns

Fears of losing access to TikTok have prompted many U.S. users to turn to RedNote as an alternative. The semi-bilingual app is now one of the most downloaded apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the United States.

In April 2024, U.S. lawmakers, concerned about TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance and its potential influence, issued a mandate requiring the company to sell TikTok by January 19 or face a ban. This led to a surge in RedNote downloads, with over 150,000 users using the hashtag #tiktokrefugee to mark their migration to the app. These users, primarily Americans, are actively seeking advice on maximizing their experience with RedNote as a communication platform.

RedNote’s Features and Appeal

RedNote is believed to have 300 million monthly active users. Like Instagram and TikTok, it doubles as a search engine for restaurant recommendations, makeup tips, and other lifestyle information. Founded in 2013, the app is based in Shanghai and has become a major player in the social media landscape, especially as users search for alternatives to TikTok.

As concerns over privacy and accessibility drive users toward new platforms, RedNote is positioning itself as a go-to app for short video content, blending features of entertainment and utility seamlessly.