Users across the US are flocking to a Chinese app called RedNote thanks to a potential TikTok ban looming just days away.
Dubbed “TikTok refugees,” these users have propelled RedNote, known locally as ‘Xiaohongshu’, to the top of Apple ’s US App Store downloads as of Monday, BBC reported.
The migration comes as Supreme Court justices prepare to rule on a law requiring TikTok to either sell its US operations or face a nationwide ban by January 19.
US officials and lawmakers have raised concerns about TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, alleging ties to the Chinese government. National security fears have been sparked by the possibility that Beijing could pressure TikTok to share data on its 170 million US users.
The US Justice Department has labelled TikTok a “national-security threat of immense depth and scale” due to its Chinese ownership and access to sensitive information of Americans. TikTok, with its 170 million US users, has consistently opposed the sale, arguing that such a move would violate free speech protections.
RedNote climbed to the top of Apple ’s US App Store downloads as of Monday, BBC reported
(Image: Getty Images)
Lawyers for the platform have warned that banning TikTok would set a troubling precedent for its vast user base.
As tensions escalate, RedNote appears to be emerging as a potential alternative for users seeking to preserve their short-form video experience in the face of uncertainty. RedNote has embraced its influx of new users, welcoming the so-called “TikTok refugees” with open arms.
The hashtag “TikTok refugee” has already garnered 63,000 posts, where seasoned users offer tutorials on navigating the app and even basic Chinese phrases to help newcomers adapt.
“To our Chinese hosts, thanks for having us—sorry in advance for the chaos,” one American user humorously wrote.
However, much like TikTok, RedNote has faced scrutiny for reports of censorship, particularly on posts critical of the Chinese government. In Taiwan, public officials are barred from using RedNote due to security concerns tied to Chinese-developed software.
US officials and lawmakers have raised concerns about TikTok’s Chinese parent, ByteDance, and its ties to the government.
(Image: Getty Images)
As US users flood the app, some Chinese users have cheekily referred to themselves as “Chinese spies,” poking fun at US officials’ fears that TikTok and similar platforms could serve as tools for Chinese espionage or political manipulation.
Sarah Fotheringham, a 37-year-old school canteen worker from Utah, explained that her decision to switch to RedNote is partly a way to “snub” the government. “I don’t have anything that China doesn’t, and if they want my data that bad they can have it,” Ms Fotheringham told the BBC.
While a TikTok ban wouldn’t make the app disappear overnight, it would compel app stores to stop offering it, potentially leading to its gradual decline. However, even if TikTok avoids a ban, the platform may struggle as users continue to migrate to alternatives.
Some social media users have even told the BBC that they find themselves scrolling on RedNote more than TikTok.
“Even if TikTok does stay I will continue to use my platform I’ve created on RedNote,” said Sydney Crawley, a tech worker from Tennessee.
Crawley, who amassed over 6,000 followers within just 24 hours of joining RedNote, sees it as a platform worth sticking with.
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What is RedNote?
RedNote, known in China as Xiaohongshu, the Mandarin term for “Little Red Book”, is a Chinese social media and e-commerce platform that has been making waves globally.
Launched in Shanghai in 2013, RedNote blends features of Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, offering users a space to share lifestyle tips, product reviews, short videos, and more.
Unlike TikTok’s exclusive focus on short-form videos, RedNote goes further, including images, community discussions, and in-depth reviews to create a well-rounded content-sharing experience.
The platform also boasts integrated e-commerce capabilities, allowing users to livestream and shop directly within the app, merging entertainment with convenience.
The RedNote app allows users to livestream and shop directly within the app.
(Image: Getty Images)
Amid fears of a potential TikTok ban in the US, RedNote has emerged as a popular alternative, now attracting over 300 million active monthly users.
During the pandemic, its user base grew exponentially, especially among younger Chinese women, who now make up 79 percent of its community, according to The New York Post.
Though visually similar, RedNote is far from a TikTok clone. The two platforms are owned by separate companies: Shanghai-based Xingyin Information Technology owns RedNote, while TikTok is operated by Beijing-based ByteDance.
This distinction underscores RedNote’s unique approach to combining social media with shopping, making it a rising star in the digital landscape.
How does RedNote work?
Similar to TikTok, RedNote lets users scroll vertically through a feed of short-form videos tailored to their interests.
Signing up for RedNote is a straightforward process, though it requires personal information such as your name, age, email address, and phone number.
If you choose to log in with your phone number, you’ll need to enter a verification code, though many Western users have reported issues receiving theirs, Daily Mail reported.
Once you’ve downloaded the free app, you can sign in using either your mobile number or an Apple/Google account. From there, you’ll choose your gender, age, and interests, everything from travel and fitness to painting, pets, recipes, movies, and video games.
RedNote lets users scroll through a feed of short-form videos tailored to their interests, similar to TikTok.
(Image: Getty Images)
After selecting your preferences, simply tap “Start Exploring” and you’ll be directed to a home screen with personalized videos based on your choices.
To create and share your own content, just tap the red cross icon at the bottom of the screen. You can also comment on other users’ posts, making RedNote a dynamic space for interaction.
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