What is RedNote? Is this TikTok alternative safe?

The US ban of TikTok has many US social media users frantically searching for an alternative. The recent massive influx of users to RedNote, a Chinese social media app, suggests that an alternative has been found. Hundreds of thousands of new users have been reported to have joined RedNote recently. At the time of writing, RedNote was the most downloaded app in the US Apple App Store, and it continued to grow as the US ban on TikTok drew closer.

What’s clear is that US TikTok users are looking for an alternative or, at the very least, a backup plan. Some users are also taking the chance to rebel against the US government’s decision to ban TikTok. Whatever your motivation for using RedNote, it’s essential to consider how it impacts your online security and privacy. In this post, we’ll explain exactly what RedNote is, whether it’s safe for you to use, and how you can protect yourself if you do decide to use it.

When will the TikTok ban come into effect?

The TikTok ban happened on Sunday, January 19, 2025, and with it, TikTok became unavailable to download from US app stores. The 170 million existing US TikTok users are still likely to have access to TikTok on their phones but, crucially, won’t be able to receive updates via app stores. This would lead to bugs and security vulnerabilities in the future, so there’s a chance that if the US TikTok ban does come into effect, the app becomes inaccessible in the US.

What is RedNote?

RedNote is a Chinese social media app. Although it has exploded in recent days, it’s no newcomer. Founded in 2013, RedNote is known in China as Xiaohongshu, which translates to Little Red Book. This also happens to be the English nickname for Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung, a 1964 book of quotes from the former chairman of the Chinese Communist Party.

Widely touted as China’s answer to Instagram, RedNote has grown to become one of China’s biggest social media platforms. It has a Pinterest-style layout and a focus on short-form videos, images, and text posts which can be explored via “Follow”, “Explore”, and “Nearby” feeds. When exploring, you can search by topics, be it fashion, food, celebrity, or pets.

RedNote’s content heavily leans towards sharing tips about travel or makeup. This user-generated content blends with e-commerce and the option to purchase products within the app. The influx of North American users to an app that is overwhelmingly used by Chinese nationals has sparked a cultural exchange between citizens of the two countries.

Why are TikTok users turning to RedNote?

That US TikTok users are turning to another Chinese app in the face of the US TikTok ban is no coincidence. This is an act of defiance from users who don’t want to be told which social media apps they can and can’t use. Ironically, this protest against censorship takes them to an app on which the vast majority of users, those from China, aren’t allowed to access TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram due to strict online censorship by their government.

That’s not to say there isn’t more to the Great RedNote Migration than revenge. This is a popular app with a user count north of 300 million, albeit most of which is based in China. With RedNote reportedly gaining 700,000 new users recently, it’s attempting to capitalize on the US TikTok ban and offer the self-labeled “TikTok refugees” a new home.

Is RedNote safe?

The US government deemed TikTok a privacy risk for its citizens. It’s worried that TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, are logging sensitive user data and sharing it with the Chinese government. This could then be used to spread propaganda, an issue of particular concern during the recent presidential election.

In many ways, RedNote is a like-for-like replacement for TikTok because it raises the same concerns. Like TikTok, RedNote logs no shortage of data with its privacy policy stating that sensitive information such as your IP address, location, and browsing habits are all collected. Subject to Chinese data laws, RedNote may share this data with Chinese authorities. Unlike TikTok, which stores American user data in Texas, RedNote user data can be stored on Chinese servers.

Another concern with RedNote is that its Terms of Service are only in Chinese. This makes it much more difficult for incoming US users to understand what they’re signing up for fully. Even with the excellent online translation tools we have available today, information may be lost in translation and cause much confusion.

There have already been censorship cases on RedNote as US users have tested its boundaries. Posts on topics such as the Tiananmen Square protests and massacre, as well as the persecution of Uyghurs, were swiftly removed, with offending users receiving violation notices reminding them of community standards. Ironically, RedNote welcomes TikTok users and their posts criticizing the US government’s ban but doesn’t allow users the same freedom of speech regarding the Chinese government.

RedNote’s data collection and censorship are unlikely to dissuade all TikTok users from making the switch, particularly if they don’t mind TikTok’s data logging in the first place. Of course, a free social media platform harvesting data is nothing new, and data collection can improve algorithms and user content suggestions. In many respects, this isn’t much different from US social media platforms such as Facebook.

How to access RedNote securely

The good news is that if you are set on switching to RedNote, there are things you can do to protect your data, at least to an extent.

Here’s how you can securely use RedNote:

• Review app permissions: You can significantly reduce the amount of sensitive data that RedNote collects about you by denying app permissions such as location, microphone, and contacts.
• Don’t link social accounts: You can link your RedNote account to your Facebook or Apple account. Although seemingly convenient, this only gives the app more of your data.
• Be careful what you post: Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as your location, when posting content. This applies to your time on RedNote and across every website and service you use.
• Use a VPN: A VPN encrypts your connection so that it can’t be read even if your internet traffic is intercepted. This also serves to hide your IP address and location so you can browse more privately.

Best VPNs for RedNote

A VPN not only helps you stay safe on social media such as TikTok and RedNote, it helps you secure your online activities as a whole. Encryption ensures that your data, your IP address included, stays hidden. A VPN is also a great way of getting around geo-blocking on content. Traveling abroad but still want to access your favorite streaming service from home? The best VPNs can help.

Here are the best VPNs for use with RedNote:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for RedNote. Vast server network, great speeds, and a whole host of security features, Double VPN included. No-logs VPN with quality 24/7 support.
2. Surfshark: Our top budget RedNote VPN. Fastest speeds of any VPN make it ideal for streaming. Unlimited simultaneous connections, MultiHop, as well as an ad blocker.
3. IPVanish: High-speed connections for watching videos on RedNote and a growing server network. Secure all of your devices at once. Supports a wide range of devices.
4. ExpressVPN: Strong all-rounder with good speeds and consistent unblocking of popular streaming services. Keeps you safe on RedNote with the highest level of encryption.
5. CyberGhost: One of the largest server networks along with fast, unthrottled speeds. Easy-to-use apps for beginners and security features to keep you safe on RedNote.
6. PrivateVPN: Strong unblocking of streaming services and social media platforms. Good speeds for streaming content on RedNote. Beginner-friendly with free remote help.
7. Proton VPN: Now boasts one of the biggest server networks. Fast and with extra security such as Double VPN and ad and tracker blocking. Accepts payment in cash.

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