RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu in China, is a social media platform that combines lifestyle content, short-form videos, and community engagement. As of January 2025, the app has over 300 million monthly active users and is primarily based in China. Many in the United States are using RedNote as a potential alternative to TikTok. The app has led to cultural exchanges between Chinese and American users, fostering a blend of content and interactions on the platform.

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Parent Video

What is RedNote?

• RedNote started in 2013 as a shopping guide and has evolved into a social media lifestyle platform where users share content related to fashion, travel, food, and personal experiences
• It combines features similar to Instagram and Pinterest, allowing users to post images, videos, and text-based notes
• RedNote became the number one downloaded in the app store in the U.S. amid discussions of a possible TikTok ban
• Users on the RedNote app consider themselves “TikTok Refugees” (Source:Wired)

Why do students want to be on RedNote?

• Students can share photos, videos, and text posts about various lifestyle topics with others
• The platform includes shopping features, enabling users to purchase popular products directly through the app
• RedNote fosters a community-driven environment where users can interact through comments, likes, and shares 
• The app is filled with Chinese and American users demonstrating what “a day in their life” looks like

Top concerns of RedNote

• Like TikTok, RedNote is a Chinese-owned app and operates under Chinese data privacy laws. There are concerns about user data being accessed by the Chinese government (Source: New York Post)
• RedNote’s content policies may differ from those in Western countries, potentially leading to stricter censorship or the removal of content that would typically be acceptable elsewhere (Source: Time)
• While RedNote is gaining traction among English-speaking users, much of its content and interface remain primarily in Chinese making it difficult for users to understand and navigate content on the app (Source: Time)
• RedNote offers a "Teen Mode" designed to limit usage time and restrict certain features for younger users. Enabling and understanding these settings is challenging because many of the instructions are in Chinese (Source: Bark)

What can parents and educators do?

• Parents and educators should familiarize themselves with RedNote's features, policies, and potential risks
• Have open dialogue with teens about their online activities, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy and critical thinking when engaging on new platforms
• Utilize available parental controls and monitor app usage to ensure a safe and appropriate online experience for younger users

• Talk with your teen about the dangers and concerns of RedNote before they download the app

What is RedNote Rated?

Apple App Store Rating: 12+

Google Play Store Rating: T (Teen)

Based in China, owned by Xingyin Information Technology

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

RedNote in the news

“RedNote might seem like a quick fix for TikTok fans ahead of its potential ban in the U.S., but it comes with serious cybersecurity and privacy risks” (Source: Forbes)

The biggest red flag that comes with the app is its terms and conditions being in Mandarin, leaving non-Mandarin-speaking users unclear about what data is being collected and how it’s being used. (Source: WBay)

More resources for parents, students, & educators

Alternatives to TikTok (2025): Short Form Video Guide for Parents, Educators, & Students

Negative Impact of TikTok on Teens

TikTok Guide for Parents: What Parents, Educators, & Students Need to Know

How to Use Screen Time Productively

Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls for Android: Complete Guide for Parents

Conclusion

With more students turning to alternatives to TikTok, RedNote's popularity is rising in the U.S. It is important for parents and teens to be aware of the potential risks and safety concerns tied to RedNote. Open and ongoing conversations about responsible app usage are key to ensuring a safer online experience for teens.