It used to be for shopping and lipstick. Now, a Chinese app is a haven for tech workers to swap AI intel.

Initially launched in 2013 as a platform for shopping and beauty product reviews, the Chinese app Rednote, also known as Xiaohongshu or "Little Red Book," has transformed into a vibrant community for tech enthusiasts, particularly those involved in artificial intelligence. Tech professionals in Silicon Valley, including those from renowned companies like OpenAI and Meta, have adopted Rednote as a crucial space for sharing knowledge and discussing AI developments. Since the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, the app has witnessed a remarkable surge in technology-related content, doubling in volume over the past year. The number of tech creators has tripled, indicating a growing interest among users to share reviews and tutorials akin to beauty product evaluations. "Whenever a new AI model is launched, users flock to Xiaohongshu to share their insights," explained Tony Peng, founder of the Recode China AI newsletter. "It’s my go-to for authentic user feedback." The app has also attracted many American Gen Z users, particularly after concerns arose about a potential TikTok ban, with over half of its user base born post-1995. Founders of various AI startups are leveraging Rednote to showcase their innovations, promote their businesses, and even recruit talent. Popular discussions often revolve around major tech players and the challenges faced in the tech job market, where users exchange experiences and compensation insights. Brandon Chen, cofounder and CEO of the AI chat application Intent, exemplifies this trend. He once shared his personal project aimed at organizing visa application documents, leading to overwhelming requests for a public release. This eventually resulted in the launch of his app, Riffo. Chen actively utilized Rednote to market his product and sought assistance for expanding his social media reach, receiving prompt responses from the community. Qian Chen, a media entrepreneur and cofounder of Valley101, distributes her content across platforms, including Rednote. Her videos covering significant topics like layoffs at Meta and the competition between ChatGPT and Google have resonated well with the audience, reflecting Rednote's role in fostering connections among startup founders and users. Bill Zhu, founder of Pokee AI, highlights the app's supportive community where he shares his entrepreneurial journey, including both triumphs and challenges in fundraising. He emphasizes the personal touch that Rednote allows, as users can interact directly with founders and gain insights into their projects. Recently, Rednote launched an "AI Guide" initiative during the back-to-school season, inviting educators to engage with users. The app's international appeal has grown, thanks in part to its AI translation feature, which enables seamless communication across languages. While predominantly featuring content in Chinese, the app is increasingly showcasing English-language posts, including AMAs with industry leaders like Thomas Wolf of Hugging Face. This trend of open discussions has cultivated an environment of shared learning, with users eager to gain insights into the future of technology. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Rednote stands out as a hub where tech workers can not only exchange ideas but also build a supportive community focused on the future of AI.