Posted on / in TikTok

RedNote’s app Big Win: Outsmarting TikTok’s Marketing Game

How to Avoid TikTok Red Flags in 2025: 3 Key Strategies for Success

Let’s be real—RedNote (Xiaohongshu) just pulled off one of the smartest marketing moves of 2025. While TikTok was panicking about its shutdown on February 19, RedNote saw an opportunity and ran with it. They quietly hired hundreds of influencers across different niches to spread the word that RedNote was the next big thing. And guess what? It worked. Like, really worked. Way better than TikTok’s half-baked attempt to push Lemon8.

TikTok Fumbled, RedNote Thrived

TikTok tried to hype Lemon8 with nonstop ads, deep integration in CapCut, and even in-app promotions. It felt like how Instagram pushes Threads—forced and awkward. Lemon8 had been building up for months, but when it mattered most, it flopped. TikTok’s marketing team really missed the mark.

Meanwhile, RedNote came in smooth with influencer buzz, making people believe it was the perfect TikTok replacement. No aggressive ads, no weird app links—just smart, organic hype.

RedNote vs. TikTok: Two Different Worlds

Main dif.:

  • Content Vibes:
    RedNote is a photo-first platform with blog-style posts, product reviews, and lifestyle content. More like Instagram meets Pinterest. TikTok? Pure video energy, trends, and viral moments.
  • How They Make Money:
    RedNote blends social networking with shopping. See it, love it, buy it. TikTok mainly runs on ads, brand deals, and a not-so-popular TikTok Shop.
  • Who’s Watching:
    RedNote attracts fashion lovers, beauty fans, and travel enthusiasts—mostly women aged 18–35. TikTok, on the other hand, is for everyone but dominates with Gen Z.
  • Where They’re Popular:
    RedNote is huge in China and among Chinese communities. TikTok runs the global stage but operates separately in China as Douyin.

TikTok’s Lemon8 = Big Fail

The craziest part? Lemon8 had a six-month head start but lost all momentum in days. RedNote pulled off in weeks what Lemon8 couldn’t in half a year. That’s a serious marketing win.

The Takeaway

RedNote isn’t just another app—it’s a smart mix of social media and shopping, designed for people looking for inspiration and convenience. TikTok? Still figuring out how to pivot while losing ground fast.

At this rate, Lemon8 might end up getting less traffic than Mamba. Yep, it’s that bad.

RedNote proved that in the right hands, marketing can flip the script. TikTok should be taking notes.