As fears of a potential TikTok ban loom in the United States, thousands of American users are migrating to the Chinese social media platform RedNote, affectionately dubbing themselves “TikTok refugees.”
RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu in China, has recently experienced a surge of English-language content. This influx comes as U.S. TikTok users seek alternative platforms to continue sharing content and connecting with audiences.
On Apple’s App Store in the U.S., RedNote has soared to become one of the most downloaded free apps, joining the ranks of other Chinese platforms like Lemon8, a lifestyle app developed by ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company.
Under the hashtag #TikTokRefugee, over 100,000 posts have emerged, highlighting the migration of users due to the impending TikTok ban in the U.S. The U.S. government has cited national security concerns over TikTok’s ownership, a claim that many users have met with humor and skepticism.
Embracing their new digital home, many of these users are posting photos of their pets—known as paying the “cat tax”—and engaging with the RedNote community. Others are trying to blend in by learning about the latest memes circulating on Chinese social media.
Chinese users on the platform have welcomed the newcomers warmly. Despite language barriers, they are offering guidance on content rules—which prohibit pornography, drugs, and gambling—and some are even seeking help with their English homework from native speakers.
The question arises: Why are these “refugees” opting for another Chinese app instead of U.S.-based alternatives like Instagram Reels, Snapchat Spotlight, or YouTube Shorts?
One reason is RedNote’s established reputation and popularity in the Chinese mainland. Operating for over a decade, the app boasts hundreds of millions of monthly active users. It serves as a lifestyle-focused platform and is a valuable resource for young users seeking fashion tips, travel recommendations, and purchasing advice.
Additionally, RedNote provides an unfiltered channel for cultural exchange, allowing users to glimpse into each other’s lives without regional restrictions. Unlike TikTok, which has separate servers for the Chinese mainland and international users, RedNote’s open access appeals to users eager to connect globally.
Some “TikTok refugees” view their migration as a subtle protest against the potential ban. By adopting another Chinese platform, they aim to send a message to the U.S. government and domestic social media giants, expressing dissatisfaction with censorship and corporate lobbying efforts.
However, RedNote’s sudden popularity in the U.S. could draw scrutiny. The platform may become a target of regulatory pressures, both from the U.S. government concerned about data security and from China’s stringent data protection laws regarding foreign entities.
As the January deadline for the proposed TikTok ban approaches, many hope for a resolution that will allow them to return to their original platform. In the meantime, the RedNote community continues to grow, bridging cultures and fostering new connections across the globe.
Reference(s):
U.S. TikTok move drives users to … another Chinese social media app
cgtn.com
