With a potential TikTok ban approaching in less than a week, a competing Chinese app called Xiaohongshu, known as RedNote in English, is rapidly gaining traction in the U.S. as users search for alternatives.

If ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, does not divest its U.S. operations by January 19, the app will be prohibited from being distributed via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Additionally, internet service providers will have to prevent access to TikTok for users in the U.S.

However, TikTok is actively fighting this potential shutdown. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments last Friday concerning the possible ban, and experts suggest that the court may lean towards allowing the ban based on national security issues.

Currently, RedNote is the leading social networking app among free iPhone applications on the Apple App Store. Here is what you need to know about RedNote.

What is RedNote?

RedNote was founded in 2013 and has quickly become one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in China, boasting a valuation of over $17 billion according to the Financial Times.

Also referred to as Xiaohongshu, which means “little red book,” RedNote has a design reminiscent of Pinterest and is frequently compared to Instagram. TechCrunch highlights that the app’s emphasis on short-form content, akin to what TikTok offers, has contributed to its rise as a notable substitute.

What’s Happening with TikTok?

TikTok and its parent company ByteDance are trying to challenge a new law signed by President Joe Biden that would ban the short video application starting January 19 unless it sells its U.S. operations due to national security apprehensions. The company has petitioned the Supreme Court to suspend the ban during the legal proceedings, and while the justices have heard arguments, a ruling is still pending.

If the ban is implemented next Sunday, Apple and Google will be unable to provide TikTok for download to new users, although current users will still have access to the app. Both the U.S. government and TikTok acknowledge that the app’s functionality would eventually decline and become unusable over time since companies wouldn’t be able to offer support.

Contributing: Karissa Waddick, Greta Cross and Reuters

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for YSL News. Reach him on X @fern_cerv_.