With TikTok likely to be banned in the US, many users are now migrating to China’s RedNote app. With the change, these users, known as “TikTok refugees,” made RedNote the most downloaded app on the US App Store on Monday.
Introduction to Rednote:
The Rednote, known in Chinese as Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), is particularly popular among Chinese, Taiwanese, and other Mandarin-speaking peoples. The app has around 300 million monthly active users. Combining the experience of TikTok and Instagram, the app is used to share lifestyle tips from dating to fashion.
Threat of ban on TikTok:
The Supreme Court will order TikTok to sell its US business by January 19. Otherwise, there is a risk of banning this app across the country. TikTok has repeatedly made it clear that it will not sell its business. Also, its lawyers say that if the ban is implemented, it will affect the freedom of expression of 17 million users in the United States.
Reason for Migration to Rednote:
Rednote welcomes these new users with an open mind. There are about 63,000 posts on the topic “TikTok Refugees,” teaching new users how to use the app and basic Chinese phrases.
A new American user wrote, “Thanks to our Chinese hosts. Apologies in advance for the confusion we cause.”
Fear of security and censorship:
Many fear that Chinese apps like RedNote will compromise data security and freedom of expression. Public officials in Taiwan are prohibited from using RedNote, as the Chinese software could pose a potential threat.
User experience:
Although Rednote is called Little Red Book, it has been clarified that it is not related to Mao Zedong’s book. However, despite security concerns, American users are increasingly turning to these apps.
“Migration to Rednote is a way to defy the government,” says Sarah Fotheringham, a 37-year-old school canteen worker in Utah. “I have nothing to give to China. If they need my data so much, let them have it,” she says.
Marcus Robinson, a fashion designer from Virginia, created a Rednote account to share his clothing brand. He said, “I was a little hesitant because the conditions were written in Chinese, but I bravely took the chance.”
Social and cultural experiences:
Rednote has given many people a new perspective on life and culture in China. “I got 6,000 followers in 24 hours. I’ll try to get more followers on this platform,” says Sydney Crowley from Tennessee.
Marcus Robinson says, “I love Rednote. Only now I have to learn Mandarin!”
TikTok banned or not, the number of users migrating to Rednote is growing rapidly.