WASHINGTON, D.C. (Forbes) — With an impending ban of TikTok looming, many users of the popular video-sharing app are heading to alternative platforms. That has included RedNote, the international version of Xiaohongshu (translated to “Little Red Book”). So-called “TikTok refugees” are now flocking to that platform, largely due it looking so similar to the ByteDance-owned app.
RedNote has become the top downloaded app in the U.S. this month, and has quickly carved out a niche by combining e-commerce built around short video posts. In other words, it’s very much like TikTok, albeit with a different name. However, appearance isn’t the only thing RedNote has in common with TikTok – both are owned by Chinese-based firms.
The Same Look With The Same Issues
For users who are hoping for a fresh start on a similar looking platform, they’re likely to face the same troubles that exist with TikTok. Even if they don’t, the effort to start anew might not pay off.
“The migration from TikTok to RedNote is a bit odd since the two companies’ main similarity appears to be being based in China,” warned technology industry analyst Charles King of Pund-IT.
At the same time, the appearances could be deceiving. Those who were able to gain rapid popularity on TikTok might not have the same luck with RedNote. There are notable differences below the surface.
“Since the success of TikTok influencers largely depends on the algorithms Bytedance employs, assuming that similar experiences and successes on some or any other China-based app are simplistic, at best,” added King. “Also, given that popular short-form video services, including Reels – from Facebook and Instagram – YouTube Shorts and Snapchat Spotlight are readily available, jumping to another China-based social media platform qualifies as little more than a sophomoric anti-authority gesture, like using your middle finger to scratch your nose.”
It’s Still Chinese Owned
King may be correct that some users are signing up as a form of protest. Yet, even for those who are truly seeking to rebuild their online brand on a new platform, RedNote may not be a good option.
The Chinese ownership will certainly remain a problem, one that is not going away.
“The news of U.S. social media users moving from TikTok to RedNote stupefies me. To go from one Chinese-owned app to another seems to miss the memo. It reminds me of Edward Snowden fleeing from Hong Kong to Russia seeking asylum, while decrying global surveillance,” said Lindy Kyzer, director of content and PR for ClearanceJobs.com.
It could be worse; because RedNote isn’t hiding that it seeks to gather data from its users. That likely could attract attention from lawmakers in the not-too-distance future, while legal experts are already paying attention to the issues the app could pose to users in the U.S.
“While RedNote seems like a quick-fix strategy for Americans who are looking for an alternative to TikTok, there are still real dangers with the app,” explained Tully Rinckey PLLC Founding Partner Greg Rinckey.
“Its privacy policy says it will collect large amounts of data about you including your IP address,” Rinckey added. “There are also national security concerns that come with any Chinese-based company having access to that amount of information about Americans. The best thing to do is read the privacy policy thoroughly before downloading RedNote and make sure you are okay with your data and other things being collected.”
