With a potential TikTok ban looming, a surge of TikTok users flock to RedNote, driving the Chinese app to the top of Apple’s US App Store. As concerns over TikTok’s future rise, many US users are turning to RedNote as a new social media alternative, blending features of both TikTok and Instagram.
RedNote Gains Popularity While TikTok Faces Legal Challenges
The US Supreme Court will soon decide TikTok’s fate under a law demanding a sale of its operations by January 19. TikTok has refused to sell, arguing a ban would violate free speech rights of its 170 million US users.
Meanwhile, RedNote is embracing its influx of new users. Over 63,000 posts on the “TikTok refugee” topic offer tutorials on app navigation and basic Chinese phrases. “Thanks for hosting us, and sorry in advance for the chaos,” one new US user wrote.
Despite its popularity, RedNote has faced criticism for alleged censorship of content critical of the Chinese government. In Taiwan, officials are barred from using it due to security concerns tied to Chinese software.
New Users See RedNote as a Fresh Start
The app’s Chinese name, Xiaohongshu, means Little Red Book, though the company denies links to Mao Zedong’s famous text. Security concerns haven’t stopped users like Utah school worker Sarah Fotheringham, who says joining RedNote is her way to “snub” the government. “If China wants my data, they can have it,” she told the BBC.
Fashion designer Marcus Robinson in Virginia joined RedNote to promote his brand, despite concerns over unreadable terms in Mandarin. “I took my chance,” he said.
Even if TikTok survives, some users are already spending more time on RedNote. Tennessee tech worker Sydney Crawley gained 6,000 followers in a day and plans to grow her platform there.
RedNote is also offering users a window into Chinese culture. “I’ve discovered so much about China and its people,” said Fotheringham. “It’s been amazing.” Robinson called the community “super welcoming” but added, “I just need to learn Mandarin!”