WASHINGTON — As uncertainty looms over the future of TikTok, many users in the U.S. are turning to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, which has now become the most downloaded app in the country. These users, who refer to themselves as “TikTok refugees,” are shifting to this alternative as a form of protest against a potential TikTok ban. Here’s an overview of Xiaohongshu and its features.
Xiaohongshu is categorized as a lifestyle social media platform that facilitates the sharing of short videos, images, and written content, with additional features that include live-streaming and shopping options. Recently, a notable online camaraderie has emerged between users from the U.S. and China, as many have chosen to migrate from TikTok to this Chinese app, rallying against the impending ban on TikTok.
Upon entering Xiaohongshu, newcomers have been met with a mix of surprise, curiosity, and humor from existing users, who have witnessed an influx of posts in English almost instantly. Many Americans have embraced the hashtag TikTok refugees, engaging with an open attitude while sharing pictures of their pets to comply with the cultural practice of paying “cat tax.” Parent users exchange experiences about child-rearing, while fans of Taylor Swift identify and connect across these new digital borders. This phenomenon has created a unique opportunity for interaction between two normally isolated online communities, separated by language barriers and the restrictions imposed by China’s internet censorship that limits access to most global social media platforms.
The question arises: why are Americans opting for a Chinese app? Due to China’s Great Firewall, American and Chinese users seldom find themselves in the same online spaces since sites like Instagram and Twitter are blocked within China. Even TikTok directs Chinese users to its domestic equivalent, Douyin. However, as the deadline nears for a potential U.S. law that could ban TikTok starting January 19 unless its parent company divests, some individuals have begun to explore Xiaohongshu. Katie Lawson, a farmer from Tulsa, Oklahoma, expresses her decision: “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.”
In terms of functionality, TikTok and Xiaohongshu serve different purposes. Although TikTok is operated by a Chinese parent company, it has been tailored for international audiences, creating distinct environments for users in different geographic regions. Xiaohongshu, on the other hand, boasts around 300 million monthly users predominantly from China, many of whom are female and interact in a friendly, community-focused manner that emphasizes sharing reviews and providing advice. The platform has garnered popularity among various public figures, including celebrities like Mariah Carey and Kim Kardashian.
While exact statistics on American users have not been disclosed, Xiaohongshu has consistently maintained its position as the top free app in downloading charts across both iOS and Android platforms for several days. On the app, two variations of the TikTok refugee hashtag have amassed over 24 million posts, becoming a prominent feature of many users’ feeds.
The discussions among users cover a wide range of topics. Many Americans report receiving a welcoming response from the Xiaohongshu community, with the trending hashtag #TikTokrefugee attracting significant interest, boasting nearly 9 million views recently. Users from both nations are sharing insights on various issues such as grocery costs, housing prices, health care, and cultural interactions. Parents are also engaged in conversations about educational experiences for children in their respective countries. Some have established book clubs and are forming community ties.
American users have expressed curiosity about Chinese perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues, leading to reminders about sensitive subjects prone to censorship. Additionally, users from China have sought help with their English assignments, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
In response to this wave of TikTok refugees, Chinese state media have generally welcomed the situation. The People’s Daily, a major national publication, recently published an op-ed commending the new arrivals and emphasizing the values of openness, communication, and mutual understanding shared by people worldwide. As for official comments from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a response to media inquiries is still pending.
