American TikTok Users Flock to Chinese App Xiaohongshu, Known as RedNote, Amid Potential Ban

Jan 14, 2025, 06:00 AM

As TikTok faces a potential ban in the United States, American users are turning to Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, a Chinese social media platform. The app has surged to the top of the U.S. Apple App Store's free downloads chart, becoming the most downloaded app as users, self-identified as 'TikTok refugees,' seek alternatives. The migration to Xiaohongshu was spurred by concerns over TikTok's future, with a Supreme Court decision on a possible ban looming on January 19. The app, which combines elements of Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, has over 300 million monthly active users and is based in Shanghai. The influx of American users has led to interactions between Chinese and American users on the platform, with many Chinese users welcoming the newcomers. The hashtag 'TikTok refugee' has garnered nearly 60 million views and over 1.7 million comments.