As uncertainty looms over TikTok’s future in the US, Chinese social media platform RedNote has surged to the top of Apple’s App Store, reflecting a growing shift among creators preparing for a potential ban on the popular video-sharing app.
With the US Supreme Court deliberating on the legality of a law that could effectively block TikTok, many content creators are exploring RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu in China, as a new platform to connect with audiences.
RedNote has claimed the top spot among free apps on the Apple App Store as of Monday, followed by TikTok’s Lemon8 and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
TikTok creators, concerned about a looming January 19 deadline, are scrambling to establish a presence on alternative platforms.
Everyone on TikTok is transitioning to RedNote, the Chinese TikTok.
RedNote is going to be the number one app downloaded worldwide this week.
The irony of banning a Singaporean app out of China concerns, only to have everyone start using a Chinese app.
The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments on the controversial April law that cites national security risks stemming from TikTok’s Chinese ownership under ByteDance.
Justices appeared to lean in favor of the government’s case, raising concerns that third-party service providers like Apple and Google could face penalties for supporting TikTok, effectively banning the app in the US.
While TikTok’s legal team argues that such a ban would infringe on free speech rights for millions of American users, creators are taking no chances.
Many are transitioning to RedNote, and some are even sharing their experiences setting up and personalizing accounts on the platform.
Founded in 2013 and based in Shanghai, RedNote rapidly expanding its reach, challenging local giants like Alibaba and Douyin (the Chinese counterpart to TikTok) in social media and e-commerce.
As of July 2024, the platform boasted approximately 300 million monthly active users.
It recently secured $17 billion in valuation after a significant funding round involving investors such as Boyu Capital and HongShan Capital Group, formerly associated with Sequoia Capital’s Chinese investments.
With over $900 million raised in total funding and a workforce exceeding 2,000 employees, RedNote appears well-positioned to capitalize on TikTok’s uncertain future.
Whether it becomes the go-to platform for displaced TikTok creators remains to be seen, but its meteoric rise underscores the shifting landscape of social media in the face of geopolitical tensions.
The post What is RedNote? Chinese social media platform hits #1 in App Store amid looming TikTok ban appeared first on Invezz