American TikTok Users Turn to RedNote Amid Ban Concerns and Protests

HONG KONG: With the threat of a TikTok ban hanging over them, many U.S. users are jumping ship to a Chinese app called Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote. This app has quickly become the most downloaded in the U.S. as users express their discontent with the ban.

These so-called “TikTok refugees” are using the app to voice their protest. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide if TikTok must separate from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, by January 19, or face a ban due to national security worries.

Since the news broke, tons of TikTok users have been signing up for Xiaohongshu, using hashtags like #tiktokrefugee. The app has surged to the top of the Apple App Store in the U.S. It’s a platform that mixes social media with e-commerce, and it’s popular among young women looking for product recommendations and beauty tips.

The hashtag #tiktokrefugee has exploded, with over 160,000 posts. Many American users are sharing videos to introduce themselves and ask for advice on using the app. One user, Alexis Garman from Oklahoma, joined after seeing others do the same. She’s not too worried about data privacy and has found the community welcoming.

Garman shared that losing TikTok would mean losing connections and friendships. Other users are also vocal about their reasons for joining Xiaohongshu, with one American user explaining that they want to challenge the narrative that paints Chinese people as the enemy.

Chinese users on Xiaohongshu have been friendly, offering to teach English and share tips on using the app. However, they’ve also warned newcomers to avoid sensitive political topics due to censorship.

While Xiaohongshu is gaining traction, it’s unclear if it can fully replace TikTok, which has a more developed ecosystem for e-commerce and advertising. Despite the ongoing U.S.-China tensions, many users are finding common ground and engaging in cultural exchanges on the platform.

One TikTok refugee named Amanda expressed her happiness about finding Xiaohongshu, noting the warm reception from Chinese users. She plans to add captions in Chinese to her posts to enhance communication. It’s a fascinating moment of connection amid the backdrop of political strife.