The difference between TikTok and Xiaohongshu

This article introduces the differences between TikTok and RedNote.

RedNote, a social application from China, has quickly attracted TikTok users looking for new platforms in the past few weeks as a potential alternative to TikTok.

Application Introduction#

TikTok (Chinese name: 抖音，literal meaning: Shaking Sound, Pinyin: Douyin) is a social application developed by ByteDance in mainland China, centered around browsing short videos.

In January 2025, a U.S. bill called the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act" is set to take effect, which may prevent TikTok from continuing to operate in the U.S., prompting many to seek alternatives.

RedNote (Chinese name: 小红书，literal meaning: Little Red Book, Pinyin: Xiaohongshu) is a Chinese social platform. Its initial main users were Chinese students studying abroad, making registration relatively easy. In contrast, registering for other Chinese software often requires a Chinese ID or phone number.

Different Versions of the Application#

Various Versions of TikTok Applications#

TikTok has many versions; in fact, different versions of the app are available in China, Hong Kong, and the U.S. As the future of Douyin remains uncertain, we will not discuss the specific number of versions and their differences here.

We categorize the numerous TikTok applications into “Douyin (CN Version)” and “TikTok (Global Version)”. They connect to different regional servers, with the former primarily serving Chinese users, storing data on servers in China, with the domain douyin.com; the latter mainly targets non-Chinese residents, storing data on servers outside of China, with the domain tiktok.com. The “TikTok (Global Version)” includes multiple versions available in different regional app markets.

They are essentially two different applications, and their web domains are also different, preventing mutual access.

Their user bases are strictly separated.

If Chinese users want to use the “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 from China) to access it. If they do not want to remove the SIM card, they can only access it via the web version. (As iOS currently prohibits apps from detecting the country code of the SIM card, iPhone users no longer need to remove their Chinese +86 SIM card.)

Registering for “Douyin (CN Version)” requires a Chinese +86 phone number or completing real-name verification through a Chinese ID. Obtaining a Chinese +86 phone number requires processing with one's ID in China. Additionally, if a Chinese phone number is used abroad for an extended period, it may face the risk of being deactivated. Therefore, it is very difficult for non-Chinese individuals to register for “Douyin (CN Version).”

Various Versions of RedNote Applications#

RedNote has officially released four types of clients.

On the iPhone's iOS platform, “小红书” has launched the same client in the Apple App Store in the U.S., China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. As of January 19, 2025, this client has not yet been launched in the Macao app store. Since this client is available in most regions' Apple App Store, we refer to it as “Xiaohongshu iOS CN”. Download link:

小红书 – id741292507 - App Store

The client available in the Macao Apple App Store is: REDnote - 小红书国际版，which is also available in the app market in Tanzania. We refer to this client as “RedNote iOS Global”. Download link:

小紅書國際版 – id6499068935 - App Store

If you are an iOS user, you can determine 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 Google Play Store in the U.S. offers “RedNote Android Global”. If you register an account on RedNote Android Global using a Chinese mainland +86 phone number, the system will pop up an error message: registration using a Chinese mainland phone number is not allowed. Download link:

REDnote— 小红书国际版 - Apps on Google Play

There are many types of app markets in mainland China, and almost every phone brand has its own app market, with basically no differences (specific differences may be due to the use of different SDKs, etc.). Therefore, we can refer to the app provided on the official Xiaohongshu website as “Xiaohongshu Android CN”.

The features provided by the Chinese version of Xiaohongshu and the international version of Rednote differ.

As of January 19, 2025, the data of all the above versions of the applications is stored on servers in China, thus subject to Chinese law. Accounts created in different locations can log in to each other and access the web version of Rednote at the same domain xiaohongshu.com. If a client lacks certain features, users can log in and use them elsewhere. For example, the web version cannot use group chat features, but users can first register an account on the web version and then log in to use it on the mobile client.

Regardless of which client is used, registering for RedNote must use a phone number.

Feature Comparison#

TikTok VS RedNote, see the table below. 1 indicates Yes, the feature is available; 0 indicates No.

Feature	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 swipe	1	1	1	1	0
Have a "dislike" button to avoid similar content	1	1	1	1	0
In-app typing to publish images with text (text cannot be copied)	1	1	1	1	0
Upload image files with copyable text content	0	1	1	0	1
Publish text content by typing (text can be copied)	0	1	1	0	0
Have a "nearby people" tab for discovering local users' content	0	1	1	1	0
Support group chat features	1	1	1	1	0
Act as an online shopping platform	0	1	1	1	0
Group buying discounts	0	0	0	1	0
Creator Center	1	1	0	1	1
Force display of the publisher's IP address when posting and commenting	0	1	1	1	1
Switch between multiple accounts in the same app	1	1	1	1	0
Export data	1	0	0	1	0

RedNote Android Global has a shopping cart and creator center button, but clicking them displays 'Feature upgrading, not yet open.' Users can open the shopping button to browse products, but whether they can successfully purchase has not been tested.

Although the Xiaohongshu web version cannot switch between multiple accounts on the same webpage, users can open different accounts using multiple browsers. Incognito mode in web browsers can also be used.

Forms of Content Publishing

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

Both TikTok (Global Version) and Douyin (CN Version) are platforms primarily focused on short videos. When users type text to publish in the software, they usually combine the text with music for video publication. Of course, users can also choose not to add music and only publish text images.

Xiaohongshu allows users to publish not only videos but also text notes.

In the Xiaohongshu mobile application, users can publish text content by typing, and the system will automatically generate related images based on the text content.

In the Xiaohongshu web version, users must upload image files and cannot generate images solely by typing.

Purchasing Goods

Purchasing goods as an online shopping platform refers to shopping online, with physical goods delivered to home, similar to Amazon.

Douyin (CN Version) supports online shopping, with its competitors in China including Taobao and Pinduoduo; it also supports group buying food vouchers to enjoy in-store, with its competitor in China being Meituan.

Content Comparison#

Rednote emphasizes real content of genuine recommendations and creativity. TikTok emphasizes entertaining content.

Rednote and TikTok have similar recommendation algorithms. To receive the type of information you want, you need to search for related content, save and like similar content, and follow the creators of that content. This way, the application will better understand your needs and load more content you like.

Content That Cannot Be Published#

Here are some types of content that may be allowed on TikTok (Global Version) but cannot be published on RedNote.

Content That RedNote Prohibits#

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

Whether in published text, videos, or messages in group chats or private chats, none of this content is allowed.

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

RedNote does this to ensure that once users enter its platform, they no longer browse content from other platforms, which helps increase Xiaohongshu's traffic and engagement, thereby boosting Xiaohongshu's revenue.

Cannot boast of consumption capabilities far beyond the norm. "Whether it is useful to others" is an important criterion for determining "showing off wealth." Fabricating and exaggerating consumption capabilities far beyond ordinary people will also become a key focus of platform governance.
Cannot publish topics related to superstition or scientifically unverified statements. Examples include "feng shui" and "improving your luck."
Cannot publish pornographic and sexually suggestive content.

Do not use exaggerated or sensational methods to attract user clicks, such as:

Using extreme language. Examples include: "best," "first," "exclusive," "cheapest."
Words representing authority. For example: "recommended by health departments," "old brand," etc.
Words used for clickbait. Examples include: "click to redeem," "click to get a surprise," and "you have won a prize."
Stimulating consumption phrases. For example: "limited edition," "don't miss this opportunity," and "flash sale."

Content That Cannot Be Published as Required by the Chinese Government#

China has a censorship system; for details, please visit:

Censorship System of the People's Republic of China - Wikipedia

Note: Search terms containing related prohibited words may not be able to initiate a search.

If certain content is published, relevant Chinese authorities may even come to arrest individuals.

Welcome to mainland China.

Rules not falling under the above censorship categories:

Cannot publish investment advice unless obtaining the corresponding qualifications and accepting supervision and management from relevant authorities.
Individuals and institutions that have not applied for health-related professional qualification certification are not allowed to publish content with strong professionalism in the health field, such as disease treatment and medication guidance.

Content that is explicitly prohibited by Chinese law includes:

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

And other content that is explicitly prohibited in most countries.

User Comparison#

RedNote supports very few languages. Its initial main users were Chinese students studying abroad, primarily consisting of Chinese nationals, as well as Chinese people from various regions, and individuals from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.

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

Among RedNote's users, there are many netizens with extreme patriotic and xenophobic stances. Please pay attention to your safety and avoid entanglements.

Exporting Data#

Exporting Data from TikTok (Global Version)#

According to TikTok's official instructions Requesting your data | TikTok Help Center ( Backup link ) must be completed in two steps:

Submit a request to download data: Request a copy of your TikTok data, which may include but is not limited to your username, the 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 a request to download data:

In the TikTok app, tap on Profile at the bottom right.
Tap the menu ☰ button at the top right, then tap Settings and Privacy.
Tap Account.
Tap Download your data.
Select the information to include in the file to be downloaded and choose the file format.
Tap Request Data.

Please note that preparing the file may take a few days.

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

Exporting Data from Douyin (CN Version)#

In the Douyin app, tap on Profile at the bottom right.
Tap the menu ☰ button at the top right, then tap Settings.
Tap on Personal Information Management.
Tap on Personal Information Download.

Then, you can download a text file of personal information. The file will be sent to the email you provided, usually taking a day to prepare. After the Douyin app issues the file, the download link is valid for seven days.

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

Exporting Data from RedNote#

RedNote does not provide a feature to export data.

You did not read that wrong.

Most applications in mainland China do not offer the ability to export your data.

Most people in mainland China do not care whether there is a feature to export all data.

Welcome to mainland China.

Whether Content Can Be Found Through Web Search Engines#

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

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

TikTok and Douyin

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

RedNote

As of January 20, 2025, according to the robots.txt file of RedNote - xiaohongshu.com, Xiaohongshu does not allow any search engines to index its webpages, so its content is basically not searchable on any search engine.

Points to Note When Using RedNote#

When communicating with other users, be mindful of seeking common ground while reserving differences to avoid disputes.

Chinese social applications generally do not allow the export of user data. Please make backups every time you publish content. If the platform deletes your content, you will not be able to retrieve your data.

RedNote's sharing links have tracking features; if someone clicks on the link you shared, the platform will know who you shared it with. The platform will associate you, which may be used for optimizing recommendation algorithms.