WASHINGTON — As the uncertainty surrounding TikTok continues, many users in the United States have begun migrating to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, which has subsequently become the most downloaded app in the country. These individuals, referring to themselves as “TikTok refugees,” are gravitating toward this alternative as a form of protest against the potential TikTok ban. Here’s a closer look at Xiaohongshu and its rising popularity among former TikTok users.
Xiaohongshu is a lifestyle-centric social media application that enables users to share short videos, images, and text. It also features live streaming and e-commerce capabilities, enhancing its appeal for many. Recently, a fascinating wave of camaraderie between U.S. and Chinese users has emerged as these TikTok escapees flock to Xiaohongshu in response to the looming threat of a TikTok ban.
Upon entering Xiaohongshu, U.S. users have been met with surprise and curiosity from existing members. English-language posts dramatically flooded the platform, with newcomers identifying themselves with the hashtag TikTok refugees, engaging in a friendly, ask-me-anything style while sharing photos of their pets to comply with the local norm of “cat tax.” Parents eagerly exchanged anecdotes regarding child-rearing, and Swift fans from both nations quickly connected over their shared interests.
This unusual interaction has allowed people from two typically isolated online cultures—especially since language barriers and China’s extensive online censorship often keep them apart—to connect in real-time. China’s firewall prevents platforms like Instagram and X from gaining traction in the country, while TikTok blocks users in China, directing them towards Douyin, its domestic counterpart.
As the January 19 deadline approaches, when a potential U.S. ban on TikTok could take effect unless its Chinese parent company divests, many users have turned to Xiaohongshu. Katie Lawson, a farmer from Tulsa, Oklahoma, expressed her defiance: “When they tell us you can’t have a Chinese app anymore, we go straight to another Chinese app… We’re going to go explore that country and their values ourselves. We’re going to go straight to the source.”
While both TikTok and Xiaohongshu are Chinese in origin, they serve different audiences. TikTok is tailored for international users and operates under constraints that keep it separate from Douyin. In contrast, Xiaohongshu boasts around 300 million monthly active users, primarily from China, and predominantly female. The platform features a community-oriented environment where users prioritize reviews and peer recommendations.
Currently, official statistics on American user adoption are unavailable. However, Xiaohongshu has ascended to the top of the download charts for both iOS and Android devices, remaining there for numerous days. Notably, the TikTok refugee hashtag has accumulated over 24 million posts, prominently featured within users’ feeds.
The reception American users have experienced on Xiaohongshu has tended to be overwhelmingly positive. The hashtag #TikTokrefugee is currently trending, amassing 8.9 million views. Users from both countries have been engaging in discussions related to various everyday topics such as grocery prices, healthcare, and cultural norms, including the dynamic between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. Some American users are also forming book clubs and building community ties as they exchange insights about education systems.
While American users have expressed interest in understanding Chinese perspectives on subjects like the LGBTQ community, they have been cautioned that this issue may be sensitive. Additionally, Chinese users have imparted wisdom on avoiding censorship on the platform and its culturally sensitive topics. In an interesting twist, students in China are even using the platform to seek assistance with their English homework.
In response to the growing presence of TikTok refugees, Chinese state media have taken a welcoming stance, portraying the shift positively amidst U.S. concerns. An op-ed in the People’s Daily, China’s largest national newspaper, declared that these individuals had found a “new home” and emphasized the importance of openness and learning across nations. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue a formal response regarding the app’s new influx of American users.
