Xiaohongshu Rises as TikTok Faces Potential U.S. Ban
As TikTok approaches a critical deadline on January 19 that may result in its shutdown in the U.S., another Chinese app is quickly gaining momentum. American users are turning to Xiaohongshu, known as RedNote in English, as a potential alternative. The app recently climbed to the top spot for free apps on the U.S. App Store, becoming the most downloaded app in the Social Networking category for iPhones.

As TikTok approaches a critical deadline on January 19 that may result in its shutdown in the U.S., another Chinese app is quickly gaining momentum. American users are turning to Xiaohongshu, known as RedNote in English, as a potential alternative. The app recently climbed to the top spot for free apps on the U.S. App Store, becoming the most downloaded app in the Social Networking category for iPhones.
Amidst uncertainty surrounding TikTok, content creators are urging their followers to explore Xiaohongshu. With the possibility of TikTok being banned in the U.S., creators view Xiaohongshu as a platform to diversify their presence and secure their influence in the ever-changing social media landscape.
What Makes Xiaohongshu Stand Out?
Launched in 2013, Xiaohongshu offers features that resonate with users seeking a replacement for TikTok. Its interface resembles Pinterest, and it has long been considered China’s answer to Instagram. The app also integrates social shopping features, making it a unique combination of content and commerce. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it experienced a surge in popularity among younger Chinese users and has since grown to boast 300 million monthly active users, with women accounting for 79% of its audience.
The app’s recent ascent in the U.S. market is coupled with strong investor interest. Backed by major players like Tencent, Alibaba, DST, and ZhenFund, Xiaohongshu has secured $917 million in funding to date. Following a secondary share sale in 2024, its valuation reached $17 billion. According to Bloomberg, the app is projected to generate profits exceeding $1 billion in 2024, having already achieved $1 billion in quarterly sales last year. This growth trajectory suggests promising opportunities for creators and investors alike.
Sustained Popularity or Temporary Trend?
While Xiaohongshu’s rise in the U.S. is notable, it remains unclear if the app can maintain its current momentum. Given its Chinese origins and limited operational infrastructure in the U.S., it may draw scrutiny from American regulators. Despite these challenges, Xiaohongshu has emerged as a platform of choice for TikTok creators seeking alternatives, even as TikTok’s domestic competitors, like those under Meta, face their own controversies. Recently, Meta announced plans to ease content moderation policies by discontinuing third-party fact-checking services, raising concerns about the spread of misinformation and harmful content on its platforms.
The sudden interest in Xiaohongshu highlights a shift in user preferences amidst regulatory and competitive pressures in the social media sector. Whether this trend represents a long-term transformation or a temporary reaction to TikTok’s uncertain future remains to be seen. For now, the app’s surge in popularity underscores the volatile and rapidly evolving nature of the digital landscape.