As the potential ban of TikTok in the United States inches closer, millions of users are pivoting to RedNote, a Chinese app rapidly climbing to the top of Apple’s US App Store charts. Dubbed “TikTok refugees,” these users are fueling RedNote’s growing popularity.
Known as Xiaohongshu in China, RedNote combines the video-sharing and visual appeal of TikTok with the community-driven nature of Instagram. It’s a hub for lifestyle tips, fashion insights, and dating advice, boasting a user base of 300 million monthly active users, particularly among young urban women in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking regions.
The exodus to RedNote comes as the US Supreme Court considers legislation mandating TikTok to divest its US operations by January 19 or face an outright ban. TikTok has resisted this demand, arguing that such a ban would infringe on the free speech rights of its 170 million American users.
RedNote, meanwhile, is rolling out the welcome mat for new users. Over 63,000 posts tagged “TikTok refugee” include guides on navigating the app and basic tutorials for learning Chinese phrases. One user quipped, “To our Chinese hosts, thanks for having us—sorry in advance for the chaos.”
Yet, RedNote is not without its challenges. Concerns about censorship—especially regarding posts critical of the Chinese government—have emerged. In Taiwan, the app is banned for official use due to national security concerns.
Despite such controversies, many American users view the switch as a form of resistance or opportunity. “I don’t have anything China doesn’t already know. If they want my data, they can have it,” said Sarah Fotheringham, a school cafeteria worker from Utah.
Others, like Marcus Robinson, a fashion designer based in Virginia, see RedNote as a chance to reach a broader audience. “I couldn’t read the terms written in Mandarin, but I took my chance,” he admitted.
The platform’s rapid growth is evident. Tennessee-based tech worker Sydney Crawley gained thousands of followers within a day. “Even if TikTok stays, I’ll continue building my platform on RedNote,” she said.
While a potential TikTok ban wouldn’t erase the app overnight, it would prevent new downloads, stunting future growth. For now, RedNote’s vibrant community and fresh opportunities are keeping its US newcomers engaged.
“I love RedNote so far,” said Robinson. “I just need to learn Mandarin!”
