What is REDnote (Xiaohongshu) and Why Are TikTok Users Downloading It

Ryan Barnett · January 17, 2025

 

Although social media apps are designed to provide entertainment and connect people, they are now used as political tools. That is also the case with TikTok since it is facing a ban in the United States on allegations of invading users' privacy. Due to this potential ban, users are turning to alternative platforms like Xiaohongshu to fill the gap. For those who are unaware, this is another Chinese platform for sharing content and connecting with people.

To explore this topic further, the guide explains what this platform is and why TikTok users are flocking to this app. In addition to that, we will explain the key reasons behind TikTok's potential ban in the United States. For those who are making a move to this platform, this article also shares an AI tool that creates engaging visual content.

Part 1. Why Is TikTok Being Banned in The U.S.

According to reports, this social platform will be banned in the United States on the 19th of January. While users will still be able to access it through VPNs, it won't be as simple as it is now. To explain it in simple words, the TikTok ban arises from escalating concerns over privacy and national security:

• Privacy Risks: There are concerns about the app's collection of sensitive user data, including location and device information. The app's critics blame this data could be shared with foreign governments, raising alarms over privacy violations.
• Security Concerns: Since a Chinese company owns this application, there are concerns that their government is stealing U.S. data. Additionally, there are concerns about the Chinese government's policy that companies share their data with intelligence agencies.
• Content Moderation: It has been criticized for not handling content fairly. Some say it removes certain posts while allowing harmful or fake content to stay.
• Youth Vulnerability: Many users are young, and there are concerns about kids seeing harmful trends or being bullied. Due to the app's trending status, some also think it is too addictive and could harm mental health.
• Political Tensions: There is a lot of geopolitical stress between the United States and China. Now, since Trump will be taking over office soon, the tension has increased further.

Part 2. What Is REDnote (Xiaohongshu)

As a comprehensive app, REDnote combines social media with lifestyle content and shopping. The app is also known as Xiaohongshu and was launched twelve years ago. Until now, it has over three hundred million users worldwide, with most of the people joining it from China. On this platform, people use the app to share tips about travel, food, and beauty, along with reviewing products.

REDnote is famous because it combines content with community, making it a favorite for those looking for original recommendations and inspiration. Unlike TikTok, this app is more about sharing personal experiences and product reviews rather than creating short videos. However, as the situation appears, it is possible that the app might come under scrutiny.

Part 3. How to Register for a Xiaohongshu Account from Overseas

After learning about the app, let's see how you can use it on your mobile. This could also be a precautionary measure in case TikTok gets banned for real. Therefore, follow the steps below to download and install Xiaohongshu on your mobile:

Step 1. Begin by accessing the Play Store or App Store on your mobile device and looking up the "REDnote" application. Next, hit the "Install" button to download the application onto your smartphone.

Step 2. Following this, launch the app and press the "Other Login Methods" button from the main screen. Upon pressing the Google icon, log into your account and tap the "Agree and Continued" button from the pop-up menu.  

Step 3. Now, choose your gender and age from the next screen before tapping the "Next" button. Afterward, select any activities based on your choices and tap the "Start Exploring" button. Next, you will be taken to the main interface of REDnote, where you can scroll through the content.

Part 4. Xiaohongshu vs. TikTok: What're the Differences?

With the above introduction, we're clear about what both these social media applications do. However, their difference can be further explained by going through their specific features. That's why the following sections will share their key features and provide a detailed comparison table:

Features of Xiaohongshu (REDnote)

• Photo and Textual Content: This platform focuses on a mix of pictures and text and less on videos. That's why users often call it a mixture of Instagram and Pinterest.
• Local Guides: The app lets users share their personal guidance and tips related to their local areas. In this way, travelers can get useful insights before visiting that region.
• HD Templates: This tool has a variety of customizable templates to assist users in content creation. You can get templates for food, fashion, and even for outdoor activities.
• eCommerce Integration: REDnote also has a marketplace within the app that allows you to do shopping quickly. As a result, users can shop directly through the app while exploring content.

Features of TikTok

• Short Video Content: The social media app revolves around short videos that often go viral due to catchy trends and challenges. This also encourages quick, engaging content that users can easily consume and share.
• Editing Tools and Effects: It offers many built-in filters and soundtracks to enhance your videos. These tools allow users to easily edit their videos, add transitions, and enhance their clips with music or audio snippets.
• Personalized Pages: The TikTok algorithm provides a customized "For You" feed to cater to users' content preferences. This feature ensures that each user gets a tailored experience, helping content go viral by showing it to the targeted audience.
• Duet Features: The app allows users to collaborate on videos through dueting and stitching features. These features promote community interaction, content collaboration, and the creation of response videos, which can go viral.

Detailed Comparison of TikTok with Xiaohongshu

Apart from these innovative features, the following section also explains the differences between TikTok and REDnote:

 Part 5. Why Are TikTokers Flocking To REDnote (Xiaohongshu)?

People are moving to this platform after they heard the news of a potential ban on the famous video-sharing application. Its unique features and supportive community are drawing creators looking for a fresh start. Apart from these things, the following points explain why people are shifting to the Little Red Book app:

● Hybrid Platform: The app combines the photo-sharing feature of Instagram with Pinterest's lifestyle inspiration. Therefore, it's perfect for users who enjoy visuals and discovering new ideas, blending both platforms' strengths into one.

● Protest Against U.S. Actions: By joining this platform, many people are trying to express their frustration with the government's decisions. Many users also view this move as a statement against the ban and restrictive policies.

● Chinese Alternatives: As TikTok's future remains uncertain, users are experimenting with other Chinese apps. REDnote's focus on authentic content makes it a strong contender for those looking for a fresh experience.

● Popularity in China: The app's success in its home market adds to its appeal. It offers a unique cultural mix that connects American users with new audiences and trends.

Part 6. Tips for Creating Stunning Images for Xiaohongshu(REDnote)

For users who are moving to Xiaohongshu, it is very important to have good images to attract a new audience. Therefore, users should ensure that the pictures they display or other media are engaging and attractive. To help you build a strong presence on this platform, here are a few tips you can follow:

● Use Templates: As editing tools simplify your work, you can use them to create a cohesive style for your images. These are also great for maintaining consistent styles across your posts.

● Leverage Creative Effects: You can enhance your photos with filters or color adjustments using many AI tools. These subtle changes can make your images pop and attract more engagement.

● Personalize Your Content: Users should add unique elements like stickers or text to their media by following specific styles. This is because personalization helps your posts reflect your brand or personality.

● Focus on Storytelling: Creators should ensure each image tells a part of their overall story. Doing so helps build a deeper connection with your audience while keeping them engaged.

Part 7. The Best Free Xiaohongshu Photo Editor - insMind

As said in the above tips, you can use AI templates and tools to create engaging media for Xiaohongshu. While many such tools exist, most of them don't offer advanced features without a premium package. Unlike such tools, insMind is an advanced editing tool that offers its features without any payment plan. It has hundreds of templates for different social media platforms for all types of image editing.

Try insMind for Free

Since it is also integrated with AI, you can generate images from scratch or provide reference pictures to get HD results. Hence, you can create attractive profile pictures and other media that grab attention and build a strong audience. With its high-quality product templates, you can also boost your eCommerce brand without any expensive equipment.

Key Features

Photo Collage: Users who want to share their travel photographs in an attractive manner can use this feature. It lets you create HD collages of up to sixteen pictures simultaneously.

AI Male Model: You won't have to hire models for your products anymore, as the tool's AI feature allows you to create your own. Users can also put their face on their desired model's face to create personalized photos.

Batch Photo Editor: For your product photographs, the tool streamlines the editing process by allowing you to edit multiple pictures simultaneously. Hence, you can remove their background or enhance them for better results without wasting time.

Face Cut out: If you want to give your profile a professional look, you can use the tool to create cutouts of your photos. In this way, you will get professional-looking profile pictures that attract people.

Exceptional Benefits

• Abundant Templates: Content Creators can get eye-catching Xiaohongshu covers using the insMind's templates. With AI technology enhancing design and quality, it becomes effortless to create professional-looking results.
• Customizable Design Features: While editing pictures, you can add stickers, effects, and text to tailor your visuals to reflect your brand identity.
• Beginner-Friendly Interface: This tool has a simple and intuitive user interface that enables anyone to create stunning visuals with minimal effort.
• Cost-Free Access: All features, including premium-quality tools, are available at no cost, eliminating the need for subscriptions.

All in all, insMind stands out as the ultimate AI-powered editing tool for creating professional and engaging media on Xiaohongshu and beyond. Its advanced features, from customizable templates to AI-generated models, empower creators and brands to elevate their content effortlessly.

Conclusion

In summary, many creators scramble to find new platforms to continue sharing their content after TikTok ban news. One of the top alternatives gaining traction is Xiaohongshu, also known as REDnote. Furthermore, this platform's combination of authentic user-generated content. While REDnote presents a strong contender, it's important to remember that it faces regulatory pressures similar to those of TikTok.

REDnote's features are tailored to a dynamic and interactive user experience. The platform allows users to explore trendy lifestyles, such as home parties and outdoor activities like camping and frisbee. Plus, users can engage with celebrities and witness their personal experiences, like hiking or cooking, from an intimate perspective. With stunning images created by insMind, you can better capture the essence of these experiences, making your content more engaging and visually appealing to your audience.

Try insMind for Free

Ryan Barnett

I'm a freelance writer with a passion for editing and designing photos. Here at insMind, I strive to educate users on image creativity, photography, and enhancing product photos to help grow their businesses.