TikTok users across the United States are flocking to RedNote, a Chinese social media app, as the possibility of a nationwide ban looms. The app surged to become the most downloaded on Apple’s U.S. App Store on Monday, driven by users calling themselves “TikTok refugees.”
RedNote, a platform popular in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking regions, combines features of TikTok and Instagram. It boasts 300 million monthly users, predominantly young urban women, who use the app to share lifestyle tips on topics like dating and fashion.
The migration follows an impending Supreme Court ruling on a law that mandates TikTok to sell its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban. The deadline for compliance is set for January 19.
TikTok has maintained it will not sell its U.S. business, with its legal team arguing that such a ban violates the free speech rights of its 170 million American users.
Meanwhile, RedNote has embraced the influx of U.S. users, with thousands sharing advice on topics like navigating the app and learning basic Mandarin phrases. Posts under the hashtag “TikTok refugee” have gained traction, with users joking about their transition.
“To our Chinese hosts, thanks for having us—sorry in advance for the chaos,” one U.S. user wrote.
Concerns of censorship have also surfaced. Some users reported restricted content critical of the Chinese government. In Taiwan, officials have limited the use of RedNote due to alleged security risks associated with Chinese software.
RedNote, also known by its Chinese name Xiaohongshu, translates to “Little Red Book,” though the company denies links to Mao Zedong’s famous text.
Despite security concerns, many Americans are undeterred. Sarah Fotheringham, a school canteen worker from Utah, joined RedNote, calling it a way to “snub” the U.S. government.
“I don’t have anything that China doesn’t already have. If they want my data, they can take it,” she said in a message on the app.
Fashion designer Marcus Robinson of Virginia created a RedNote account to promote his brand. “I was slightly hesitant about the terms and conditions since they were in Mandarin, but I decided to take the chance,” he said.
While TikTok’s ban won’t cause an immediate shutdown, it would require app stores to cease offering the platform, potentially curbing its growth over time.
For many users, RedNote has already become a favorite. Tennessee-based tech worker Sydney Crawley gained 6,000 followers on the app within 24 hours and plans to maintain her growing platform.
“I will continue to build a following there and explore the connections and opportunities it offers,” Crawley said.
Fotheringham echoed similar sentiments, describing her newfound connection with Chinese culture. “I’ve learned so much about regular Chinese people, their culture, and their daily lives,” she said.
Robinson added, “I love RedNote so far … I just need to learn how to speak Mandarin.”
________________________________________
