As the potential TikTok US Ban looms, set to take effect on Sunday, January 19, another Chinese social media platform known as Xiaohongshu, or RedNote, is gaining significant attention online. Memes related to the app are rapidly circulating, prompting netizens to explore what this platform has to offer and how it stacks up against TikTok. The buzz surrounding Xiaohongshu is palpable, and many are eager to understand its features and community dynamics.

Here’s everything you need to know about Xiaohongshu, also referred to as RedNote.

Discover Why Xiaohongshu (RedNote) Is Trending Amid TikTok’s US Ban

In the wake of the impending TikTok ban, numerous users from the platform have turned to RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu. They are affectionately dubbed “TikTok refugees” by established users of RedNote, who have warmly embraced these newcomers. To ease their transition, seasoned RedNote users have even created video tutorials to guide them through the app’s features and functionalities. The name Xiaohongshu translates to “Little Red Book,” which reflects the platform’s focus on sharing lifestyle content.

Recently, RedNote achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the most downloaded application on the Apple App Store this past Tuesday.

Founded in 2013 and developed by Shanghai-based Xingyin Information Technology, RedNote serves as both a social media and e-commerce platform. It allows users to share an array of content that covers various lifestyle topics, including food, travel, beauty, fashion, and fitness. Users can express themselves through images, short video clips, and even live broadcasts, fostering a dynamic and engaging user experience.

The app boasts an impressive user base of 300 million, with women accounting for a striking 79% of the community. RedNote’s rapid rise in popularity is beginning to impact its competitor, TikTok. Many users have taken to social media to share humorous memes about their initial experiences with the app. However, some individuals have expressed doubts regarding the sustainability of RedNote’s increasing popularity.

Many users have reported finding RedNote to be more user-friendly, comfortable, and engaging compared to TikTok. It is likely that even if the TikTok US Ban does not materialize, these users will continue to prefer RedNote for their social media needs. For instance, a tech worker from Tennessee named Sydney Crawley shared in a BBC interview that she plans to keep using RedNote and intends to grow her follower count on the platform. Crawley impressively gained over 6,000 followers within just one day of joining.