TikTok and RedNote: What's the Difference?

This article introduces the differences between TikTok and RedNote.

The Chinese social app RedNote, as a potential alternative to TikTok, has rapidly attracted TikTok users looking for a new platform in the past few weeks.

Application Introduction

TikTok (Chinese name: 抖音, literally means: Shaking Sound, Hanyu Pinyin: Douyin) is a social application developed by the Chinese company ByteDance, with the core function of browsing short videos.

In January 2025, a US law called the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” will come into effect, which may prevent TikTok from continuing to be used in the United States, so many people are looking for alternatives.

RedNote (Chinese name: 小红书, literally means: Little Red Book, Hanyu Pinyin: Xiaohongshu) is a Chinese social platform. Its initial main users were Chinese students studying outside of China, so registration was relatively easy. At the same time, registering for other Chinese software usually requires a Chinese ID card or a Chinese mobile phone number.

Different Versions of the Application

Various Versions of the TikTok Application

There are many versions of TikTok, and in fact, different versions of the APP are available in China, Hong Kong, and the United States. Since the development prospects of Douyin are currently unclear, we will not discuss how many specific versions there are and their differences here.

We categorize these many versions of the TikTok application into “Douyin (CN Version)” and “TikTok (Global Version)”. They connect to different regional servers. The former mainly serves Chinese users, and the data is stored on servers in China, with the domain name douyin.com; the latter is mainly for non-Chinese residents, and the data is stored on servers outside of China, with the domain name tiktok.com. “TikTok (Global Version)” includes multiple versions available in app stores in different regions.

They are two different applications, and their web version domain names are also different and cannot access each other.

Their user groups are strictly separated.

If a Chinese user wants to use “TikTok (Global Version)”, they must remove their Chinese SIM card, register an account using a non-Chinese phone, and use a non-Chinese network (the user’s IP address cannot be in China) to access it. If they don’t want to remove the SIM card, they can only access it through the web version. (Since iOS currently prohibits applications from detecting the country code of SIM cards, it is no longer necessary to remove the Chinese +86 SIM card on Apple phones.)

Registration for “Douyin (CN Version)” requires a Chinese +86 mobile phone number or real-name authentication using a Chinese ID card. Applying for a Chinese +86 mobile phone number requires using one’s own ID to process it in China. In addition, if a Chinese mobile phone number is used overseas for a long time, it may face the risk of being deactivated. Therefore, it is very difficult for non-Chinese people to register for “Douyin (CN Version)”.

Various Versions of the RedNote Application

The official RedNote has released 4 types of clients.

On the iOS platform for iPhones, the same client for “Xiaohongshu” is available in the Apple App Store in the United States, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. As of January 19, 2025, this client has not yet been released in the Macau app store. Because this client is already in most regions’ Apple App Stores, we will call it “Xiaohongshu iOS CN”. Download link:

Xiaohongshu – id741292507 - App Store

The client listed in the Macau Apple App Store is: REDnote-International Version of Xiaohongshu, this client is also listed in the app store of Tanzania. We call this client “RedNote iOS Global”. Download link:

International Version of Xiaohongshu – id6499068935 - App Store

If you are an iOS user, you can judge which version of the RedNote app you are using based on the app ID number. The APP ID number can be seen in the web link.

The U.S. Google Play Store offers “RedNote Android Global”. If you use a Chinese mainland +86 mobile phone number to register an account on RedNote Android Global, the system will display an error message: It is not allowed to use a Chinese mainland mobile phone number for registration. Download link:

REDnote—International Version of Xiaohongshu - Apps on Google Play

There are many types of app stores in China, and almost every mobile phone brand has its own app store, with basically no difference (the specific differences may lie in the use of different SDKs, etc.). Therefore, we can refer to the application provided by the official website of Xiaohongshu as “Xiaohongshu Android CN”.

The Chinese version of Xiaohongshu and the international version of RedNote differ in the functions provided in the client.

As of January 19, 2025, the data of all the above versions of the application are stored on servers in China, and are therefore subject to Chinese law. Accounts created in different locations can log in to each other, and can access the same domain web version of RedNote xiaohongshu.com. If a function is missing from one client, users can log in and use it elsewhere. For example, the web version cannot use the group chat function, but users can register an account on the web version first, and then log in to use it on the mobile client.

Regardless of which of the above clients is used, registration for RedNote must use a phone number.

Feature Comparison

TikTok VS RedNote, see the table below. 1 means yes, the function can be used; 0 means no.

Function	TikTok (Global Version)	Xiaohongshu iOS CN	RedNote Android Global	Douyin (CN Version)	Xiaohongshu Web Version
Browse short videos	1	1	1	1	1
Switch to other short videos with a simple swipe	1	1	1	1	0
Has a “dislike” button to avoid similar recommendations	1	1	1	1	0
Type in the app to post pictures with text (users cannot copy text)	1	1	1	1	0
Upload image files with copyable text content	0	1	1	0	1
Publish text content by typing (users can copy text)	0	1	1	0	0
Has a “Nearby” tab for discovering content from nearby users	0	1	1	1	0
Supports group chat function	1	1	1	1	0
Purchase goods as an online shopping platform	0	1	1	1	0
Group purchase discounts	0	0	0	1	0
Creator center	1	1	0	1	1
When publishing and commenting, the IP address of the publisher is forcibly displayed	0	1	1	1	1
Switch between multiple accounts within the same app	1	1	1	1	0
Export data	1	0	0	1	0

RedNote Android Global has shopping cart and creator center buttons, but clicking on them displays “Function upgrade in progress, not yet available.” Users can open the shopping button to browse products, whether they can successfully purchase has not been tested.

Although the Xiaohongshu web version cannot switch between multiple accounts on the same page, users can open different accounts by using multiple browsers. Incognito mode of a web browser can also be used.

Forms of Publishing Content

In TikTok (Global Version), users can only publish pictures containing text (text cannot be copied). When publishing content, they also need to grant permission to read the photo album and record audio.

TikTok (Global Version) and Douyin (CN Version) are both platforms that focus on short videos. When users type text in the software to publish it, they usually combine the text with music and publish it as a video. Of course, users can also choose not to add music and only publish text pictures.

Xiaohongshu can not only publish videos, but also publish text notes.

In the mobile version of the Xiaohongshu application, users can publish text content by typing, and the system will automatically generate relevant pictures based on the text content.

In the Xiaohongshu web version, users must upload picture files and cannot generate pictures by just typing.

Purchase of Goods

Purchasing goods as an online shopping platform refers to shopping online, and physical goods are mailed to the home, similar to Amazon.

Douyin (CN Version) supports online shopping, and its competitors in China include Taobao and Pinduoduo; it also supports group purchase food vouchers to be redeemed and enjoyed in stores, and its competitor in China is Meituan.

Content Comparison

RedNote emphasizes authentic content with real recommendations and creativity. TikTok emphasizes entertaining content.

RedNote and TikTok have similar recommendation algorithms. What kind of information you want to receive requires you to search for related content, and collect, like similar content, and also follow the creators of this content. In this way, the application will better understand your needs and load more content that you like.

Content That Cannot Be Published

Here are just some of the contents that TikTok (Global Version) may allow to be published, but RedNote does not allow.

Content That RedNote Requires Not to Be Published

Cannot contain contact information for other social platforms. For example, Telegram accounts, X accounts, Facebook accounts, WeChat accounts, mobile phone numbers, addresses, etc.
Cannot contain website links, QR codes, watermarks, etc.

Whether it is text, videos, or messages in group chats or private chats, none of these contents should be included.

Asking about product prices in posts or private messages may also result in account suspension.

RedNote does this so that users, after entering the platform, no longer browse content from other platforms, which helps to increase Xiaohongshu’s traffic and engagement, and increase Xiaohongshu’s revenue.

Do not show off consumption power that far exceeds that of ordinary people. “Whether it is useful to others” is an important criterion for judging “showing off wealth”. Fabricating and creating consumption power that far exceeds that of ordinary people will also become a key target of platform governance.
Do not publish topics related to superstition or unscientific claims. Examples include: “Feng Shui” and “improving your luck”.
Do not post pornographic and sexually suggestive content

Do not use exaggerated, sensational, and other methods to attract users to click, for example:

Expressing extreme language. Examples include: “Best”, “First”, “Exclusive”, “Cheapest”.
Words representing authority. For example: “Recommended by the health department”, “Time-honored brand”, etc.
Words used for clickbait. Examples include: “Click to redeem”, “Click to get a surprise”, and “You have won a prize”.
Words that stimulate consumption. For example: “Limited edition”, “Don’t miss this opportunity”, and “Flash sale”.

Content That the Chinese Government Requires Not to Be Published

China has censorship, please visit:

Censorship in the People’s Republic of China - Wikipedia

Note: If the search term contains relevant prohibited words, the search may not be started.

If certain content is published, the relevant departments in China will even come to arrest people.

Welcome to mainland China.

Rules that do not fall under the scope of the above censorship:

Do not post investment advice. Unless the corresponding qualifications are obtained, and they are subject to the supervision and management of relevant competent authorities.
Individuals and institutions that have not applied for health-related professional qualification certification shall not publish content with strong health-related professional nature such as disease treatment and medication guidance.

Content that is expressly prohibited by Chinese law, such as:

Pornography
Gambling
Drug and drug-related content
Smuggling and illegal border crossing related content

And other content that is expressly prohibited in most countries.

User Comparison

RedNote software supports very few languages. Its initial main users were Chinese students studying outside of China. It is mainly used by Chinese people, as well as Chinese people from various places, and people from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.

TikTok (Global Version) software supports many languages. Its main users are: people other than Chinese residents.

Among RedNote users, there are many netizens with extreme patriotism and xenophobic views. Please pay attention to your own safety and do not get involved in disputes.

Export Data

TikTok (Global Version) Data Export

According to the official TikTok instructions Requesting your data | TikTok Help Center (Backup Link) it needs to be done in two steps:

Submit an application to download data: Request a copy of your TikTok data, which may include but is not limited to your username, people you follow, your followers, video viewing history, comment history, privacy settings, and chat messages.
Download your TikTok data: Download the file obtained in the previous step.

First, submit an application to download data:

In the TikTok application, click Profile at the bottom right.
Click the Menu ☰ button at the top right, and then click Settings and privacy.
Click Account.
Click Download your data.
Select the information to include in the file to be downloaded and select the file format.
Click Request data.

Please note that it may take several days to prepare the files.

Then download the data, complete steps 1-4 above, then press Download Data to view the status of the request, if it is ready, then tap Download. Your file can be saved for up to 4 days.

Douyin (CN Version) Data Export

In the Douyin application, click Profile at the bottom right.
Click the Menu ☰ button at the top right, and then click Settings.
Click Personal Information Management.
Click Personal Information Download.

Then, you can download the personal information text file. The file will be sent to the email address you filled in, and it usually takes one day to prepare. After the Douyin app sends the file, the download link is valid for seven days.

However, the downloaded information only includes personal information such as username, profile avatar, and mobile phone number.

RedNote Data Export

RedNote does not officially provide the function of exporting data.

You read that right.

Most mainland Chinese applications do not provide the function of exporting your data.

Most mainland Chinese people do not care whether there is a function to export all data.

Welcome to mainland China.

Whether Content Can Be Searched Through Web Search Engines

Built-in search in software usually only provides basic functions, while web search engines support more advanced search options.

A website’s robots.txt file can tell web search engines (such as Google, Bing, etc.) which pages or directories are not allowed to be crawled. The content of the website can be displayed to users through the search results of the search engine.

TikTok and Douyin

According to TikTok (Global Version) - tiktok.com robots.txt file and Douyin (CN Version) - douyin.com robots.txt file, most pages are open to most search engines.

RedNote

As of January 20, 2025, according to RedNote - xiaohongshu.com robots.txt file, Xiaohongshu does not allow any search engine to crawl its web pages, so its content is basically impossible to find in any search engine.

Things to Note When Using RedNote

When communicating with other users, pay attention to seeking common ground while reserving differences, and avoid disputes.

Chinese versions of social applications basically do not allow user data to be exported. Please make a backup every time you publish content. If it is deleted by the platform, you will not be able to retrieve your data.

RedNote’s sharing links have tracking functions. If someone clicks the link you share, the platform will know who you shared it with. The platform will associate you and them, which may be used for recommendation algorithm optimization.