Americans Embrace Chinese Social Platform RedNote Ahead of Possible TikTok Ban

As the US government contemplates a ban on TikTok, American users are increasingly turning to a Chinese alternative known as RedNote, resulting in significant shifts within the social media landscape.

RedNote, a popular social platform in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking areas, surged to the top of Apple's US App Store downloads on Monday, propelled by what many are calling "TikTok refugees." The app boasts approximately 300 million monthly users and combines elements of both TikTok and Instagram, attracting a primarily young, urban female demographic that shares lifestyle content, including fashion and dating tips.

The urgency surrounding TikTok stems from a pivotal US Supreme Court deadline of January 19, which requires the app to either divest its US operations or face a potential ban. TikTok has resolutely declined to sell, defending the app's existence as essential for the free speech rights of its 170 million American users. With the looming threat of prohibition, RedNote is swiftly accommodating this influx of new American users.

The hashtag "#TikTokRefugee" has gained traction, accumulating 63,000 posts where users share tips on navigating the app and basic Chinese language phrases. One user humorously expresses gratitude to their new Chinese hosts while preemptively apologizing for any turmoil they might cause. Similar to TikTok, RedNote faces scrutiny over issues of censorship, particularly regarding criticism of the Chinese government.

In Taiwan, public officials are advised against using RedNote due to security concerns linked to the platform’s Chinese origin. Despite these apprehensions, the migration of users from TikTok to RedNote is notable. In a tongue-in-cheek manner, some Chinese users have referred to themselves as "Chinese spies," reflecting the US officials' suspicions that TikTok could serve as a tool for espionage.

While RedNote's Chinese name, Xiaohongshu, translates to "Little Red Book," the platform has distanced itself from any associations with Mao Zedong’s historical publication. If a ban is implemented, app stores would be obliged to remove TikTok, potentially decreasing its visibility and user base. Conversely, even if TikTok manages to stave off such a ban, it will still contend with the challenge of maintaining its audience amid rising competition from RedNote.

Users such as Sydney Crawley, a tech worker from Tennessee, have already amassed significant followings on RedNote, with Crawley gaining over 6,000 followers within just 24 hours. She has expressed a determined commitment to establishing her presence on the new platform. Individuals like Sarah Fotheringham, a school canteen worker from Utah, view their transition to RedNote as a form of resistance against government action.

She welcomes the opportunity to engage with Chinese culture and interact with people from China. Fashion designer Marcus Robinson from Virginia, initially apprehensive about agreeing to RedNote's terms and conditions in Mandarin, is eager to explore new opportunities for brand growth on the platform.