The impending ban of TikTok in the United States has caused a massive migration of users to other platforms, with one of the most popular alternatives being the Chinese social network Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote. This situation has led to an increased amount of English-language content on the platform, with new arrivals being referred to as "TikTok refugees."
According to data from the US App Store, RedNote has become the most downloaded free app, followed by another Chinese platform, Lemon8, created by ByteDance, the company behind TikTok. Under the hashtag #TikTokRefugee, RedNote has seen more than 109,000 posts from US users looking for a new space to share content.
Protest against the TikTok ban
TikTok users are rebelling against the planned ban not only on social media, but also through their actions. The switch to RedNote is seen by some as a symbolic protest against the US government's decision to label TikTok a national security threat. Ironically, many users have shared funny videos on TikTok on the topic of "Chinese spies," whom they say they have "reunited" with on RedNote.
Why RedNote?
RedNote, a platform particularly popular in China, has more than 300 million monthly active users (as of March 2024) and is popular for its focus on lifestyle and shopping inspiration. Unlike TikTok, RedNote does not have regional restrictions, meaning users can follow content from all over the world. This feature facilitates interaction between Chinese and American users and creates a bridge between cultures.
New foreign users try to integrate on RedNote, often by sharing photos of their pets, which is referred to in the community as the "cat tax." Others ask for tips on current Chinese memes to better understand local humor. Chinese users welcome them in the comments, explaining the platform's rules - such as a ban on content related to pornography, drugs or gambling.
Risks for RedNote
Although RedNote is gaining new users through this migration, the platform may become a target for criticism or even interference from the US government. Like TikTok, it could be labeled a potential security threat. In addition, China has strict data protection laws that could affect the platform's international operations.
What's next?
Whether the TikTok ban will actually come into force on 19 January remains uncertain. If it does not, "TikTok refugees" could easily revert their content back to the original platform. Until then, however, RedNote serves as a symbol of resistance against the restriction of internet freedom and as a new space for connecting people across continents.
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