The Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, known as RedNote, is experiencing a surge of new users from the United States, as millions of “TikTok refugees” seek alternatives ahead of a looming ban on the popular short-video app TikTok.
“Hello, TikTok Refugees! I’m Lucia. I’m eight years old,” greets a young Chinese girl in a video posted on RedNote. American users have flocked to the platform, dubbing themselves “TikTok refugees” in their search for a new digital home.
“In the past few days, I’ve come across many foreign bloggers on Xiaohongshu. It makes me feel extremely surprised and wonderful,” Lucia says in fluent and confident English. “I don’t think it’s appropriate to describe you as ‘refugees.’ Instead, I’d rather call you friends.”
According to data from analytics firm Similarweb, nearly 3 million American users started RedNote accounts in a single day earlier this week. This surge comes as the January 19 deadline approaches for TikTok, owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, to be taken offline in the U.S. The sudden influx made RedNote the most downloaded free app in the U.S. Apple Store.
Launched in 2013, RedNote offers a short-video function but is primarily known in China as a lifestyle guide catering to niche interests, distinguishing it from Douyin, TikTok’s Chinese edition.
American users soon discovered that navigating the predominantly Chinese-language platform posed challenges. Thousands of English posts appeared, seeking tips on how to use RedNote effectively.
A buzz ensued when Chinese influencers on the network, who affectionately refer to themselves as “Little Sweet Potatoes”—a homophonous play on the platform’s Chinese name—decided to assist the newcomers.
“Hello, TikTok Refugees! Welcome to RedNote! I’m a 72-year-old grandma who loves speaking English. Today, I would like to share with you some tips and experiences on using RedNote,” says a user known as “Grandma Yu” in an English video message. She has amassed 300,000 followers.
“What makes RedNote unique is that it feels more like a community rather than just a platform for showing off,” Yu explains.
The warm reception has been met with gratitude from American users. “I feel encouraged that Americans are welcomed here on RedNote,” says a blogger who goes by “Tay.” “Chinese are the kindest.”
Amid the welcoming messages, TikTok faces an uncertain future in the United States. Earlier on Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law that would force TikTok to be sold to an American company or face a ban starting on Sunday, a day before Donald Trump is set to be sworn into the Oval Office. Eyes are on the president-elect for TikTok’s future operations in the U.S., as his team has hinted at maintaining the ban in the lead-up to the inauguration.
In April 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden enacted a law giving ByteDance 270 days to sell TikTok, citing national security concerns. If the company fails to comply, the law will require app store operators such as Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their platforms starting on January 19, 2025.
The migration of TikTok users to RedNote highlights the evolving landscape of social media and the potential for cross-cultural connections amid geopolitical tensions. As “Little Sweet Potatoes” and “TikTok refugees” build new bonds, a unique digital community is taking shape.
Reference(s):
Chinese 'Little Sweet Potatoes' embrace millions of 'TikTok refugees'
cgtn.com
