A social media app called RedNote is emerging as a top contender to dethrone TikTok. That’s an interesting development since it’s looking more and more likely that the federal government will impose a ban starting January 19 for anyone hooked on the addictive short-form video app.
The only problem? RedNote has all the same problems as TikTok. For starters, it’s also owned by a Chinese company and appears to have even fewer assurances that the data collected in the app won’t be used for coercion or to influence us.
The app is so new to many of us that it’s been called both Red Note (with a space) and RedNote (without a space). The company itself calls the app REDnote. To make things even more confusing, app stores in the United States use the Chinese name Xiaohongshu. The app also doesn’t have the sheen of a TikTok clone, unlike the typical app you might build if you’re a Silicon Valley startup.
Ironically, with these barriers to entry, RedNote is the number one download on app stores right now and skyrocketing in popularity with those who are frustrated by the looming TikTok ban. I keep seeing posts about people switching to RedNote like TikTok has become a graveyard.
The truth is, there could be a final hour decision to save TikTok (say, President-elect Trump trying to negate the ban) and rumors are flying that everyone from Elon Musk to Mr. Beast are interested in acquiring it, minus the algorithm.
Installing and using RedNote
Once you have figured out how to install and use RedNote, you’ll find it’s very similar to TikTok with a few obvious differences. One is that you have to select your interests right away. I always liked how TikTok doesn’t force you to do that and you can just see whatever is trending and let the algorithm guide you to fresh content. I remember testing TikTok years ago and pausing to watch a few videos related to music production and then loved how the app kept feeding me more.
The default interface in RedNote, unlike TikTok, is to show thumbnails of videos for browsing. You have to click the “trending” feed to start scrolling.
I also didn’t like how RedNote got lost on my phone. I don’t bother swiping to see apps anymore but always search and type in the name. RedNote uses its Chinese name so I had to hunt around for it and put it on my home screen. Not a big deal, but also not exactly a smooth or intuitive experience.
RedNote and data security
I will admit that the idea of adding yet another app to my phone, handing over my phone number, and agreeing to the terms made me feel a bit leery. I don’t know anything about the parent company Xingin and I have no idea how they plan to use my data. I wonder how many other users will question whether this is a good idea.
It’s also important to note that the content is just not that great right now. In my time getting to know the app, I saw a few comedy videos including one that made fun of the fact that English-speaking users are flocking to the app. I mostly saw videos that mention TikTok or welcome new users to the new app.
My guess is that people are making a statement that perhaps they just don’t care about the data collection issue and are specifically choosing a Chinese app as an act of defiance. There’s an uprising of sorts from those who think it is heavy-handed to ban a beloved and widely used app. They are not happy.
Interestingly, they may be causing their own problem. As people switch from TikTok to RedNote, they are unknowingly putting the app on the radar of government officials. Users also appear to be making a statement about not wanting to switch to Facebook, Instagram or YouTube for their short-form videos. They want freedom of choice. I’m just not sure if RedNote is the best option — especially if it doesn’t last that long on the app stores and suffers the same demise as TikTok.
