Kathmandu: As the potential ban on TikTok looms in the United States, users are migrating en masse to RedNote, a Chinese social media app popular among Mandarin-speaking audiences. Dubbed “TikTok refugees,” this exodus has propelled RedNote to the top of Apple’s US App Store, making it the most downloaded app on Monday.
RedNote, known in China as Xiaohongshu or “Little Red Book,” combines elements of TikTok and Instagram, focusing on lifestyle tips and urban trends. With 300 million monthly users, it caters primarily to young, urban women sharing advice on fashion, dating, and travel.
The shift follows a Supreme Court deadline of January 19, requiring TikTok to sell its US operations or face a ban. TikTok has opposed the move, citing free speech concerns for its 170 million US users.
US users migrating to RedNote have embraced the platform despite potential challenges, including navigating its Mandarin interface and security concerns linked to Chinese software. Posts under the hashtag “TikTok refugee” have garnered over 63,000 discussions, with newcomers exchanging tips on using the app and basic Chinese phrases.
Some, like Utah school canteen worker Sarah Fotheringham, view the switch as a subtle protest against government intervention. “If China wants my data that badly, they can have it,” she quipped. Fashion designer Marcus Robinson from Virginia sees the platform as an opportunity to expand his brand and stay ahead of trends, although he expressed concerns over accepting terms and conditions he couldn’t read.
Despite welcoming the influx of US users, RedNote has faced scrutiny for alleged censorship, particularly concerning criticism of the Chinese government. Similar to TikTok, it has been flagged in places like Taiwan, where officials are restricted from using it due to security risks.
For many, the appeal of RedNote lies in its community and cultural exchange. Tennessee tech worker Sydney Crawley gained over 6,000 followers within a day of joining and plans to maintain her new platform, regardless of TikTok’s fate.
“I’m discovering so much about Chinese culture and daily life,” said Fotheringham. “It’s been fascinating and so much fun.”
With TikTok’s future in the balance, RedNote has emerged as a surprising alternative, offering US users a fresh start and a global connection in the ever-changing world of social media.
Source: BBC