Social Media
Is RedNote Safe? A RedNote App Review for Parents
Recommended Age
18 and up
Overview
In the days leading up to the potential ban of TikTok, many users have begun flocking to RedNote, a Chinese app that’s similar to TikTok, but also with aspects reminiscent of Pinterest and Instagram.
The majority of RedNote’s users are Chinese, and most of the videos are in Chinese with Chinese text. As Americans begin using it, however, there’s starting to be an influx of English language videos.
Is this app safe though? At the end of the day, RedNote is still an app that allows strangers to talk to each other, which is always a danger for kids. RedNote also may raise concerns of national security similar to those of TikTok.
Harmful Content 😲
Similar to TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram, RedNote features user-generated content in the form of photos and videos. It has an algorithm that will show content based on both interest and random chance, so your child may see inappropriate content, disturbing content, and more. Again, if you didn’t want your child on TikTok, you won’t want them on RedNote.
Predation 🚨
Adults use this app, and there are both commenting and direct messaging features — which means that the potential for predation is very high.
Positive Value 💙
Like with an algorithm-based content feed, there’s of course going to be educational or entertaining videos. RedNote, like TikTok, has cooking channels, videos about books, and other things that have positive value.
Privacy 🔒
According to its App Store description, RedNote tracks a user’s purchases, contacts, search history, and identifiers. It’s important to note that this is a Chinese-owned app run directly by a Chinese company. If you’re concerned about this — and something similar is currently being decided by the U.S. Supreme Court with regards to TikTok — this will be a no-go for your family.
Parental Controls ✅
There is currently a Teen Mode on RedNote, but as much of the app is in Chinese, it can be hard to both decipher and enable. Our team took screenshots of the Teen Mode app and used Google Translate, which revealed that it seems to prioritize educational content, does not allow rewards and recharges, limits use to 40 minutes per day and between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
So, should my kid download it?
No — the potential for predation is too high, there are data privacy concerns, and it’s unclear yet if this app will be subject to U.S. government involvement because of the potential threats it poses to national security.
More reviews
Social Media
Is RedNote Safe? A RedNote App Review for Parents
In the days leading up to the potential ban of TikTok, many users have begun flocking to RedNote, a Chinese ap...
Read review
Social Media
Is Bluesky Safe? A Bluesky App Review for Parents
Bluesky, made public in February of 2024, is an up-and-coming social media platform similar to X (formerly Twi...
Read review
Video
Is YouTube Kids Safe? A YouTube Kids App Review for Parents
YouTube Kids is a parent-controlled app intended to give children a safer experience on the popular platform. ...
Read review