What the Tech: RedNote app
Red Note: The New Home for TikTok Refugees?
With TikTok’s potential shutdown looming, many users are flocking to a new short-form video platform called Red Note. It has quickly climbed to the top of the app store charts, but there are some things you should know before downloading it.
Similarities to TikTok
Red Note shares many similarities with TikTok. It has tabs for home, trending videos, explore, and channels you can follow. Users can post and view short video clips, and the overall experience is very similar.
Differences to TikTok
While Red Note may look and feel like TikTok, there are some key differences. The on-screen text is in Mandarin, and the app has a more Chinese feel than TikTok. The name of the app is actually Xiaohongshu, which means “little red book” in Mandarin.
Concerns About Red Note
There are also some concerns about Red Note. To sign up for an account, you must have an account with WeChat, another Chinese app that has come under scrutiny for data privacy concerns. Red Note’s terms of service and lack of presence in the United States also raise some red flags.
Should You Download Red Note?
The future of Red Note in the United States is uncertain. It’s possible that the app could eventually be banned, just like TikTok. If you’re a TikTok refugee, you may want to wait and see how things play out before downloading Red Note.
Red Note is a popular alternative for TikTok users, but it’s not without its concerns. Proceed with caution if you decide to download the app.
