What is Chinese social media app RedNote aka Xiaohongshu, owner, founder, CEO, name meaning, users, net worth and how to download

What is Chinese social media app RedNote aka Xiaohongshu, owner, founder, CEO, name meaning, users, net worth and how to download

Know what is RedNote, who is its owner and why netizens residing in USA are making the app viral

As the deadline for a potential TikTok ban in the United States draws closer, American users have started flocking to a new social media platform, RedNote, which has rapidly gained traction. RedNote, a Chinese app, has already soared to the top of the USA App Store’s “Social Networking” chart. It is being hailed as a TikTok alternative, allowing users to share short-form videos and text posts.

What is Chinese social media app RedNote aka Xiaohongshu, owner, founder, CEO, name meaning, users, net worth and how to download it on iOS and Android

RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, was originally launched as an e-commerce platform in 2013 but has since evolved into a popular social media site, often referred to as the “Chinese Instagram.” The platform allows users to post videos showcasing diverse lifestyles, share photos with captions, and explore local content. With over 300 million active monthly users, RedNote is owned by the Shanghai-based company, Xingyin Information Technology.

RedNote Founder
Mao Wenchao (毛文超)
Qu Fang (瞿芳)
Headquarters Shanghai, China
CEO Charlwin Mao Wenchao

Xingyin Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd had in 2021 announced that it has received $500,000,000 in an equity round of funding co-led by Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited and returning investor Tencent Holdings Ltd., Investment Arm, on November 8, 2021. The transaction includes participation from returning investors Alibaba Group Holding Limited, Shenzhen Tiantu Capital Co., Ltd., Gongqingcheng Genesis Investment Management Co., Ltd and the round was raised at a post money valuation of $20,000,000,000.

Xingyin Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. had received $300 million in its series D round of funding led by new investor Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) on June 1, 2018.

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Launched in 2013, RedNote has become one of China’s fastest-growing social platforms, with a value of over $17 billion.

Known as Xiaohongshu, which translates to “little red book,” RedNote features a layout similar to Pinterest and is described as a Chinese version of Instagram and the app’s focus on short-term content, similar to TikTok, has helped it emerge as a viable alternative.

Rednote is available for both Android and iPhone users and you can download RedNote from the iOS App Store and Google Play Store for free and the app supports the English language.

Why TikTok will be banned in the USA?

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As the threat of a TikTok ban looms, many USA users have migrated to RedNote, with some calling themselves “TikTok refugees” or “American refugees.” These users have expressed efforts to recreate the TikTok community on RedNote. Some have even requested popular Chinese memes and offered help with English homework. RedNote is available for free on both Android and iOS devices. USA users can download the app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.

They can log in using their phone number or Google account, ensuring the country code is set to “+1” for USA numbers. The app is also available in English, making it more accessible for English-speaking users. In April 2024, USA President Joe Biden signed a law mandating that ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, either sell its USA operations by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban due to national security concerns.

However, ByteDance has resisted the law, stating that it does not wish to sell TikTok to an American entity and has filed a challenge in the USA Supreme Court, arguing the law violates the First Amendment. In an interesting development, President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on January 20, has requested a delay in the enforcement of the TikTok ban, leaving the situation in a state of uncertainty.

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