With a potential US ban on TikTok looming, many American users are migrating to RedNote, a Chinese social media app. This shift has turned RedNote into the most downloaded app on the US Apple App Store, making waves across digital communities. Known as “TikTok refugees,” these users are flocking to the platform in anticipation of the US government’s decision on January 19, when the Supreme Court is set to rule on whether TikTok should sell its US operations or face a nationwide ban.
RedNote, a competitor to TikTok, has garnered popularity, particularly among young people in China, Taiwan, and Mandarin-speaking populations. With around 300 million monthly users, it combines features of TikTok and Instagram, offering a space for lifestyle content, from dating advice to fashion tips. Most of its users are young urban women who enjoy sharing everyday experiences. As TikTok users in the US seek alternatives, RedNote has become a refuge for those looking for a similar social media experience.
Despite its growth, RedNote has faced criticism regarding censorship, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics like the Chinese government. The app’s Chinese name, Xiaohongshu, or “Little Red Book,” has also raised concerns, with some drawing comparisons to Mao Zedong’s book of quotations. Nonetheless, security issues haven’t deterred users, as many continue to flock to the platform.
The looming TikTok ban could lead to the app disappearing from US app stores over time, though users are already moving to other platforms. Even if TikTok manages to avoid a ban, many users, like tech worker Sydney Crawley, have expressed their intention to stay with RedNote. Crawley, who gained over 6,000 followers in just 24 hours, says she’s excited to continue building her following on the new platform.
For many users like Sarah Fotheringham, the shift to RedNote is not just about a new app, but also a political statement, showing resistance to potential government restrictions. Despite concerns, the influx of users to RedNote reflects a growing discontent with the fate of TikTok in the US.
