The difference between TikTok and Xiaohongshu

This article introduces the differences between TikTok and RedNote.

RedNote, a social application from China, has rapidly 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 being used in the U.S., prompting many to seek alternatives.

RedNote (Chinese name: 小红书，literal meaning: Little Red Book, Pinyin: Xiaohongshu) is a social platform in China. Its initial primary users were Chinese students studying abroad, making registration relatively easy. Meanwhile, registering for other Chinese software typically requires a Chinese ID card or Chinese mobile number.

Different Versions of the Application#

Various Versions of TikTok#

There are many versions of TikTok; in fact, different versions of the app are available in China, Hong Kong, and the U.S. Since the future of Douyin is currently 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, data stored on servers in China, and the domain douyin.com; the latter mainly targets non-Chinese residents, with data stored on servers outside of China, and the domain tiktok.com. “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, making them inaccessible to each other.

Their user bases are strictly separated.

If Chinese users want 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 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 SIM card's country code, there is no need to remove the Chinese +86 SIM card on Apple devices.)

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

Various Versions of RedNote#

RedNote 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. This client is available in most regions' Apple App Store. Since the version of the app available in the Chinese Apple Store is this one, we refer to this app as “Xiaohongshu iOS CN.” Download link:

小红书 – id741292507 - App Store

The Macao Apple App Store features this client: 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 mobile number, the system will pop up an error message: registration using a Chinese mainland mobile 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 mobile brand has its own app market, which are basically indistinguishable (specific differences may lie in the use of different SDKs, etc.). Therefore, we can refer to the application provided on the official Xiaohongshu website as “Xiaohongshu Android CN.”

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

As of January 19, 2025, all versions of the applications mentioned above store their data on servers in China, and thus are subject to Chinese laws. 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 simple swipe	1	1	1	1	0
Have a "dislike" button to avoid similar recommendations	1	1	1	1	0
Publish images with text in the app (users cannot copy the 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 the text)	0	1	1	0	0
Have a "nearby people" tab to discover content from users around	0	1	1	1	0
Support group chat functionality	1	1	1	1	0
Serve as an online shopping platform for product purchases	0	1	1	1	0
Group buying discounts on food	0	0	0	1	0
Creator Center	1	1	0	1	1
Force display of the publisher's IP address when publishing and commenting	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 a shopping cart and creator center button, but clicking them shows 'Feature upgrading, not yet available.' 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. They can also use the incognito mode of the web browser.

Forms of Content Publishing

In TikTok (Global Version), users can only publish images with text (text cannot be copied). When publishing content, permissions to read the 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 Products

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

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

Content Comparison#

Rednote emphasizes real recommendations and authentic content. TikTok emphasizes entertainment content.

Rednote and TikTok have similar recommendation algorithms. To receive certain types of information, 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 TikTok (Global Version) may allow to be published, but RedNote does not.

Content That RedNote Prohibits from Being Published#

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 it is published text, video, or messages in group chats or private chats, none of these contents can contain such information.

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

RedNote does this to ensure that users do not browse content from other platforms after entering its platform, which helps increase Xiaohongshu's traffic and engagement, thereby enhancing Xiaohongshu's revenue.

Cannot boast about consumption capabilities far exceeding the norm. "Whether it is useful to others" is an important criterion for judging "showing off wealth." Fabricating and exaggerating consumption capabilities far beyond ordinary people will also become a key target for platform governance.
Cannot publish topics related to superstition or scientifically unproven statements. Examples include: "Feng Shui" and "improving your luck."
Cannot publish pornographic and sexually suggestive content.

Do not use exaggerated, 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 authorities," "time-honored 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: If the search terms contain relevant prohibited words, the search may not be initiated.

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

Welcome to mainland China.

Rules that do not fall under the above censorship categories:

Cannot publish investment advice unless the appropriate qualifications are obtained and are subject to supervision and management by relevant authorities.
Individuals and institutions that have not applied for health-related professional qualifications are not allowed to publish professional content 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
Human smuggling and illegal border crossing-related content

And other content that is explicitly prohibited in most countries.

User Comparison#

The languages supported by the RedNote software are very limited. Its initial primary users were Chinese students studying abroad. The main users are Chinese nationals, including overseas Chinese, as well as people from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.

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

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

Data Export#

TikTok (Global Version) Data Export#

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, click on Profile at the bottom right.
Click on the Menu ☰ button at the top right, then click on Settings and Privacy.
Click on Account.
Click on Download your data.
Select the information to include in the file to be downloaded and choose the file format.
Click on Request Data.

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

Then download the data, first complete steps 1-4 above, then press 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.

Douyin (CN Version) Data Export#

In the Douyin app, click on Profile at the bottom right.
Click on the Menu ☰ button at the top right, then click on Settings.
Click on Personal Information Management.
Click 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 profile, phone number, etc.

RedNote Data Export#

RedNote does not provide the functionality to export data.

You read that correctly.

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 function to export all data.

Welcome to mainland China.

Can Content Be Found Through Web Search Engines?#

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

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

TikTok and Douyin

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

RedNote

As of January 20, 2025, according to RedNote - xiaohongshu.com's robots.txt file, 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 cannot export user data. Please ensure you have backups every time you publish content. If the platform deletes your content, you cannot retrieve your data.

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