Should you think twice about RedNote as a TikTok alternative?

When news broke about a potential TikTok ban in the U.S., people were quick to search for alternatives. Enter RedNote—the app that’s suddenly everywhere. Known as Xiaohongshu (or “Little Red Book”) in China, RedNote has been a favorite there for years, blending social media, shopping, and lifestyle content all in one. Now, with TikTok’s future uncertain, RedNote is skyrocketing in popularity stateside.

In fact, it’s already claimed the top spot as the most downloaded free app in the U.S. App Store. But before you join the flood of users making the switch, it’s worth pausing to think: Is RedNote the escape route it seems to be, or are there bigger privacy risks lurking beneath the surface?

Below, we’ll break down what RedNote is all about, why it’s attracting so much attention, and the serious privacy concerns you should keep in mind before downloading.

What is RedNote?

RedNote isn’t exactly new—it’s been a big deal in China for years. It launched in 2013 as a platform for sharing shopping tips and has since evolved into a hybrid of TikTok, Pinterest, and Amazon. With over 300 million monthly active users, it’s packed with lifestyle content, from skincare tutorials to travel tips, all tied to an integrated shopping experience.

What’s unique about RedNote is its seamless mix of user-generated content and e-commerce. Scroll through the app, and you’ll find posts about everything from fitness hacks to home decor—with the option to buy featured products directly in the app. This formula has made it wildly popular in China, particularly among younger audiences.

But here’s the catch: RedNote’s rising popularity in the U.S., fueled by the looming TikTok ban, has raised some eyebrows. The app, developed and headquartered in China, faces similar questions about data privacy and security that TikTok has struggled with. Its terms of service—mostly available only in Mandarin—leave room for uncertainty about how user data is handled.

For those tempted to switch to RedNote, it’s worth taking a closer look at what you’re signing up for. While it’s gaining traction as a TikTok alternative, there are important privacy concerns to consider before you hit “download.” Let’s unpack why RedNote is making headlines—and the risks that might come with it.

Why is RedNote so popular right now?

With TikTok’s days potentially numbered in the U.S., users are rushing to find a replacement. The looming ban, set to take effect on January 19, 2025, would block TikTok from app stores and could even restrict access through internet providers. This leaves users worried about losing their favorite platform entirely—no downloads, no updates, and eventually, no TikTok.

Read more: How to use TikTok in the U.S., even when it’s banned

This panic has led to a surge of interest in RedNote, which has skyrocketed to the top of the U.S. App Store. It’s become the fallback plan for millions of TikTok fans, offering a space to stay connected and keep creating. As hashtags like #TikTokRefugee trend, RedNote is quickly becoming the platform where creators and communities are trying to regroup.

The timing couldn’t be better for RedNote—and with the clock ticking on TikTok, users are diving into alternatives without pausing to think about what they might be signing up for.

What are the privacy risks of using RedNote?

While RedNote feels like an obvious replacement for TikTok, it’s important to look past the surface. The app might offer a fresh start, but it also comes with privacy concerns that shouldn’t be ignored.

“With apps like RedNote, where the terms are unclear or unreadable, you’re agreeing to something you don’t fully understand.

That’s a risky move when it comes to your personal data. I’m not saying don’t do it—I’m saying understand the reality of what you’re signing up for and make an informed choice” – Lauren Hendry Parsons, Privacy Advocate at ExpressVPN

Unclear terms and conditions

RedNote’s terms of service are a major stumbling block for U.S. users. Written primarily in Mandarin, they make it difficult—if not impossible—for most to fully understand what they’re agreeing to. This lack of transparency raises big questions about how the app handles your personal data.

Lauren Hendry Parsons, Privacy Advocate at ExpressVPN, explains: “When users can’t even read the terms or just hit the accept button and jump into a new social ecosystem, they may be agreeing to something they don’t fully understand or haven’t deeply considered. Apps like RedNote often collect more data than people realize, and without a clear understanding of the policies and socio-political context of the policies, it’s hard to know how that information might be used—or who might have access to it.”

What data does RedNote collect?

RedNote collects a lot of information. This includes your location, browsing activity, and device details—standard for social media apps, but concerning when combined with a lack of clarity about data practices.

Its ownership adds to the worry. RedNote could be subject to laws requiring companies to share user data with the government if asked. There’s no evidence this is happening or at what scale, but without transparent policies, it’s impossible to rule out.

Are U.S. users trading one risk for another?

With TikTok under fire for privacy concerns, RedNote might seem like a safer option—but it could carry similar risks. Swapping one platform for another doesn’t necessarily mean avoiding the same problems.

Hendry Parsons sums it up: “People assume a new app must be better, but the risks don’t just disappear. They change shape. Before jumping to RedNote, it’s worth asking: Do you really know what you’re signing up for?”

“RedNote might be trending, but that doesn’t mean it’s free from downsides. The rush to replace TikTok could leave users facing bigger privacy risks than they realize.”

Is RedNote safe to use?

The privacy concerns surrounding RedNote might already raise eyebrows, but what about overall safety? When it comes to trusting a platform with your data, safety is also about knowing what’s happening behind the scenes.

Security measures: What’s missing?

While RedNote has seen a surge in popularity, the app doesn’t provide much transparency about its security practices. Unlike TikTok, which outlines protections like data encryption and access controls in its policies, RedNote’s approach to safeguarding user information is vague at best. For a platform handling millions of users’ data, this lack of detail is a concerning omission.

Accountability and user trust

Another question worth asking is: Who’s accountable if something goes wrong? RedNote doesn’t clearly explain how it handles breaches or misuse of data, leaving users in the dark about what recourse they’d have in such situations. This lack of accountability makes it harder to trust the app with sensitive information, especially given its international ownership.

Hendry Parsons, says: “Safety online is about knowing who’s responsible for your data and how they’ll protect it. Without transparency, it’s hard to trust any platform, no matter how popular it is. If you’ve decided you don’t care who has access to your data, I would still encourage you to take the time to fully understand how your data is collected and handled, and how it might be shared with third parties. Information is power.”

How does it compare to TikTok?

Interestingly, TikTok, despite its controversies, offers a more comprehensive breakdown of its data practices. For instance, TikTok specifies how it encrypts certain data and where user information is stored. RedNote, on the other hand, provides no such clarity.

While TikTok outlines sharing data within its corporate group (including ByteDance), RedNote’s policy leaves more questions than answers. The absence of clearly defined protections makes it difficult to determine whether the platform is actively prioritizing user safety.

Is it worth the risk?

Ultimately, safety comes down to trust—and trust requires transparency. Without clear policies on security and accountability, RedNote leaves users guessing. For an app that’s being hailed as TikTok’s successor, it has a long way to go in proving it’s a safe place for users to land.

How to protect your privacy if you choose to use RedNote

If you’ve decided to give RedNote a try, it’s important to take a few steps to safeguard your privacy. The app’s lack of transparency and vague policies mean you’ll need to be proactive about limiting the amount of data you share. Here’s how to stay in control:

1. Review app permissions

Before you start posting or scrolling, take a close look at the permissions RedNote requests. Does the app really need access to your location, microphone, or contacts? Disable any permissions that don’t seem essential for its functionality.

2. Avoid signing up through linked social accounts & use a standalone email

RedNote offers the option to link your account to platforms like Facebook or Google for easy sign-in. While convenient, this can give the app access to even more of your personal data. Instead, create a standalone account using an email address.

3. Use a VPN for added privacy

Connecting to RedNote through a high-quality VPN like ExpressVPN can help mask your location and encrypt your internet traffic, making it harder for third parties to track your activity. This is particularly useful given the concerns about where your data might be stored or shared.

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4. Consciously choose what you post

It might sound obvious, but think carefully about what you’re sharing on RedNote. Avoid posting sensitive personal information, like your location or financial details. Remember, once something is online, it’s nearly impossible to take it back. Don’t abandon your cybersecurity and privacy basics (no matter how entertaining the “mailing all my data” memes might be!). 

5. Stay informed about updates

RedNote has the right to change its terms of service and privacy policies at any time. Keep an eye out for updates and take the time to read through them. If something doesn’t sit right with you, it might be time to reconsider your use of the platform.

The broader impact of RedNote’s popularity

The TikTok ban has pushed millions of users to rethink their relationship with social media. For many, RedNote feels like the natural next step. But the scramble to replace TikTok highlights a deeper issue: how quickly we adapt without fully considering what we’re signing up for.

The platforms we use shape how we connect, communicate, and even work. When we choose to use a platform, we’re also choosing to trust the people behind it with our data, our habits, and our communities.

Hendry Parsons explains: “These moments force us to think about what we want from the platforms we use. A switch from one app to another might feel harmless, but without asking questions about data handling, privacy, transparency, and security, we risk making the same mistakes all over again.”

“Every app download is a choice, every sign-up an opportunity to ask questions about the platform’s goals, accountability, and whether it aligns with what we value and how we want the internet to be now and in the future. The TikTok ban may have disrupted the status quo, but it also gives us a chance to reflect and demand better,” says Hendry Parsons.

RedNote’s rise is a reflection of how eager we are to move forward. But without careful thought, these decisions could lead to even greater risks. The question isn’t simply about which platform to use next—it’s about whether we’re willing to slow down, evaluate the risks, and make more deliberate choices about how we engage online.