RedNote, otherwise known as the “TikTok” clone, is taking America by storm charting in the No. 1 spot in the app store.
At its core, RedNote is a social media app where users can share photos and videos in a short form content. Its minimalistic interface helps TikTok users transition and be able to navigate through the app easily.
Although a Chinese app, RedNote’s community tends to be welcoming toward the new American users. There are multiple veteran users that are trying to help the “TikTok refugees” learn and understand Mandarin, while other creators are showing new users tips and tricks for the app.
With an updated layout, RedNote feels like a cross between Instagram and TikTok. Unlike TikTok, all of RedNote’s content can be found on the home screen, where one can select from a variety of options. However, unlike Instagram there’s also a “For You Page” where users can continuously scroll, making it feel like a combination of the two apps.
Through the recent updates, RedNote has made changes to language barriers. The developers have now made improvements, such as changing the app name to English and adding an auto-translate option. However, the app still has a long way to go before it can become a fully English friendly app.
Recently, RedNote has gained popularity all over the world, especially among American users. The app has an extended global reach with an international mix that creates a great place for cultural learning.
Since RedNote is a Chinese app, it operates under China’s strict internet moderation. Certain topics may be censored or removed entirely making the app feel restricting.
Unlike TikTok, RedNote has limited features for creators. While the app is excellent for casual users, it lacks the advanced editing and monetization tools. RedNote misses a “Creator Fund Program” meaning users cannot get paid for their videos.
Although RedNote has a shop built into the app, it can be hard to purchase items due to the fact that the entire shop is in Mandarin and the products are priced in yen.
Overall, RedNote is a fun and fresh take on social media that combines two of the most popular apps in one. The current goal for the developers is to make the app as English friendly as possible, and they are doing are great job at it.
