TikTok Refugees Flock to RedNote Amid U.S. Ban Controversy

Published on 20/01/2025

In the wake of the impending U.S. ban on TikTok, a growing number of American users are seeking refuge on the Chinese social media platform RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu. This surge in users, dubbed "TikTok refugees," has seen RedNote become the most downloaded free app in the U.S. since the announcement of the ban.

RedNote, which translates to "Little Red Book," offers a lifestyle-centric experience similar to TikTok, allowing users to share photos, videos, and texts. The platform has seen a 200% increase in downloads year-on-year and a 194% uptick since last week. This sudden influx has brought American users into closer contact with Chinese users, leading to a mix of cultural exchanges and amusing interactions.

However, the rapid rise in popularity has raised concerns among U.S. lawmakers. A U.S. official has indicated that RedNote could face similar restrictions as TikTok if it does not comply with the new regulations. The app's accessibility to international users without requiring a Chinese phone number has made it a unique platform for cross-cultural communication.

Despite the potential challenges, many American users have embraced RedNote, sharing their experiences and engaging with the Chinese community. The hashtag #TikTokRefugee has garnered millions of views and sparked numerous discussions on the platform. As of this writing, we are infored that the ban has been lifted, although many users still decided to stick to the new platform.

Sources:

https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-se/

https://consumer.huawei.com/levant/wearables/