HONG KONG (AP) — With the looming threat of a TikTok ban in the U.S., American users are turning to the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu, propelling it to the top of the download charts in the country. Referred to as 'TikTok refugees,' these users are opting for Xiaohongshu as a protest against the potential TikTok ban.
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on a law mandating TikTok's separation from its Chinese parent company ByteDance by Jan. 19, or face a ban over national security concerns. Following indications that the law may stand, a surge of TikTok users began migrating to Xiaohongshu, leading to it becoming the most downloaded free app on Apple’s App Store in the U.S.
Xiaohongshu, translating to 'Little Red Book,' is a Chinese social media platform that integrates e-commerce, short videos, and posting features. The app has gained popularity in China and among Chinese diaspora communities in regions like Malaysia and Taiwan, amassing 300 million monthly active users, predominantly young women who utilize it for product recommendations, travel tips, makeup tutorials, and more.
The hashtag #tiktokrefugee has garnered over 160,000 posts on Xiaohongshu, with American users sharing videos introducing themselves and seeking guidance on navigating the platform, which they've dubbed 'RedNote.'
While Xiaohongshu did not respond to requests for comment, users like Alexis Garman from Oklahoma, who transitioned to the app, expressed positive experiences. Garman, unconcerned about data privacy, highlighted the welcoming environment on Xiaohongshu.
Several American users have joined Xiaohongshu in protest against the potential TikTok ban, with one user explaining the move as a form of defiance against their government's stance on Chinese-owned apps. Chinese users on Xiaohongshu have extended a warm reception to their American counterparts, offering language lessons and cultural exchanges.
Despite the influx of users, it remains uncertain if Xiaohongshu can replace TikTok's robust e-commerce and advertising ecosystem. The app, primarily catering to a Chinese audience and lacking translation features, may not be optimized for an international user base.
Despite ongoing U.S.-China tensions, Xiaohongshu has facilitated friendly cultural exchanges between Chinese and American users, fostering interactions ranging from live chats to comments on posts. The platform has provided a unique opportunity for users from both countries to engage directly and share experiences.
Overall, the migration of American users to Xiaohongshu reflects a complex interplay of geopolitical tensions, user preferences, and the evolving landscape of social media platforms.
