HONG KONG – As the possibility of a TikTok ban in the United States grows closer, many users of the app are turning to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, which has recently surged to become the most downloaded app in the U.S. This migration has led some users to label themselves “TikTok refugees,” indicating their choice to explore an alternative in light of the impending ban.
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to make a pivotal decision regarding a law that will require TikTok to be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. If the ruling stands, TikTok faces a potential ban in the U.S. over concerns relating to national security, with a deadline of January 19 for divestiture. Following signals that the justices may be supportive of the law, a significant number of TikTok users have begun registering on Xiaohongshu, often incorporating hashtags like #tiktokrefugee into their posts. As a result, Xiaohongshu has ascended to the top spot for free app downloads on the Apple App Store in the U.S. since Monday.
Known as “Little Red Book” in English, Xiaohongshu is a versatile Chinese social media platform that merges e-commerce, short video, and social posting features. Over recent years, it has found popularity in China and surrounding areas with Chinese communities, amassing approximately 300 million monthly active users. A significant demographic on the platform includes young women who utilize it as a go-to source for product recommendations, travel advice, restaurant reviews, and tutorials on makeup and skincare.
The hashtag #tiktokrefugee has gained momentum, with over 160,000 posts on Xiaohongshu. Many of these posts feature American users sharing their experiences with the app, which they have affectionately dubbed “RedNote.” One TikTok user from Oklahoma, Alexis Garman, aged 21, created her account on Xiaohongshu after observing others do so. While she admitted to being unconcerned about data privacy, she expressed enthusiasm about her experience thus far. “What I have experienced on Xiaohongshu has been really great and inviting,” she shared.
Comments on her posts from Xiaohongshu users are light-hearted. One user complimented her makeup, while another jokingly referred to themselves as “your Chinese spy,” playfully asking her to surrender personal information about her pets. Garman reflected on what a ban of TikTok would mean more broadly, stating, “It takes away jobs, friends, and community… the bond I have with my followers will now be gone.”
Many American users on Xiaohongshu express their activism against the purported TikTok ban. For instance, one user, who goes by Definitelynotchippy, created a video addressing the Chinese community on the platform, revealing the motivations behind Americans flocking to Xiaohongshu. “The reason our government is telling us that they are banning TikTok is because they’re insisting that it’s owned by you guys, the Chinese people, government, whatever,” she explained, promoting a more nuanced understanding among American viewers against the backdrop of governmental narratives.
In a spirit of welcoming cross-cultural exchange, Chinese users on Xiaohongshu have actively engaged with the new American arrivals, offering assistance with learning Chinese and guidance on navigating online nuances. They have also tactfully advised newcomers to avoid politically sensitive topics that could attract censorship within the platform. Additionally, some Chinese students have reached out, requesting help with their English language studies.
However, just like other digital services in China, Xiaohongshu operates under strict censorship constraints, which mandates the deletion of content viewed as politically sensitive by authorities. Notably, major western platforms remain blocked in China, further complicating the user experience for international audiences.
Despite the influx of new users, the extent to which Xiaohongshu can replace TikTok is still uncertain. TikTok has fostered a largely integrated ecosystem that supports advertising and e-commerce. Historically, Xiaohongshu’s use has primarily been prevalent among Chinese users, and its lack of built-in translation features may impede its optimization for a broader, international audience.
Nevertheless, amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China over various issues, including trade and national security, the interactions on Xiaohongshu illustrate a budding desire for cultural appreciation and connection. Live chats and comments from users bridge gaps and foster dialogues, exemplified by one TikTok refugee named Amanda. She highlighted her positive experiences on Xiaohongshu, stating that Chinese users have been welcoming, and went on to declare, “We are not enemies; we are human beings living in one world!”
In her interactions, Amanda expressed a commitment to improving her communication by adding captions in Chinese for her future posts, embracing the opportunity to learn about the culture and experiences of her new online friends. “I am so happy to talk to Chinese people and learn about your culture and experiences,” she concluded, reflecting the hopeful exchanges taking place on the platform.
