China’s social-lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu, also known as Rednote, is staking its claim as a launchpad for the next wave of AI-native apps. The competition attracted 1,355 submissions across mobile apps, websites, and hardware with two official tracks: Hidden Gem Apps and Best AI Projects. That ethos is resonating across the platform: Xiaohongshu says over 50,000 indie developers are now active, with more than 90% releasing multiple apps each year. That’s also how it worked for its emerging AI developer user group on the app. Developer Huasheng, known for rolling out gadgets like Kitten Fill Light and Kitten Flash Eyes in quick succession, credited Xiaohongshu users’ advice in every version release note.