Rednote vs TikTok: The Battle of Chinese Social Media Giants in 2025
Chinese social media platforms Rednote and TikTok are locked in an intensifying battle for global users, with significant differences in their approach to content, commerce, and community. “The key differences are the type of content (TikTok focuses on entertaining short videos, REDnote focuses on social commerce), target audience (TikTok appeals to a broader and younger demographic, REDnote focuses on young women in China), and geographic availability (TikTok is for a global audience, REDnote is still expanding at the moment),” industry experts note.
While both platforms originated in China and feature short-form video content, they’ve evolved along distinctly different paths. TikTok has captured a massive global audience with its entertainment-focused approach, while Rednote (also called Xiaohongshu) has built its reputation on lifestyle, fashion, and social commerce integration.
Platform Reach and Demographics
The scale difference between the platforms remains substantial in 2025. TikTok boasts an impressive 1.6 billion monthly active users across more than 150 countries and over 75 languages. Meanwhile, Rednote has cultivated approximately 300 million monthly active users, primarily in just 10+ countries, with content available in 5+ languages.
TikTok’s broader appeal targets Gen Z and millennials aged 16-34 globally, while Rednote has historically focused on young women aged 18-34, primarily in China, though it’s now expanding internationally.
Content Creation and Algorithm Differences
Creators are increasingly drawn to Rednote’s more flexible environment. “Red Note offers an array of creative tools that resonate with many influencers, giving them more room to experiment and connect with their audience in novel ways,” social media analysts report.
Rednote’s sophisticated algorithm emphasizes audience interests while providing a community-oriented environment with fewer restrictions. This stands in contrast to TikTok, which faces more rigid policies and increasing regulatory scrutiny around the world.
Commerce Integration
Perhaps the most significant distinction between the platforms is their approach to e-commerce. “RedNote excels as a lifestyle and shopping platform with detailed content and authentic reviews… Its feed-based content often links directly to in-app stores, allowing users to buy recommended products without leaving the app,” according to digital marketing specialists.
Rednote has integrated social commerce deeply within its core experience, featuring user-generated product reviews and authentic recommendations. This seamless buying experience drives higher conversion rates compared to TikTok, where e-commerce remains more of a secondary feature.
The Great Migration
A notable trend in 2025 is the migration of creators from TikTok to Rednote. “As TikTok faces increasing scrutiny over privacy concerns and regulatory challenges, many users are exploring new platforms that may offer a safer environment to share their content. Red Note positions itself as a platform that prioritizes user experience and content freedom, aiding in its surge of popularity.”
This shift is creating new opportunities for creator-audience connections. “As influencers from TikTok join Red Note, they bring along their unique audiences, creating an exciting blend of cultures that enhances user interaction and engagement.”
Despite TikTok’s continuing dominance in terms of raw user numbers, Rednote’s focused approach to social commerce and community building is carving out a distinctive niche. The platform’s emphasis on authentic product recommendations and seamless shopping experiences may ultimately prove more sustainable than TikTok’s entertainment-first model.
As regulatory pressures on Chinese-owned apps continue to evolve globally, both platforms face uncertain futures in various markets. Yet Rednote’s more specialized approach might help it navigate these challenges with less scrutiny than its larger competitor.