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What’s RedNote? American TikTok users fleeing to another Chinese app amid ban

Icons for the smartphone apps Xiaohongshu and TikTok are seen on a smartphone screen in Beijing, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) (Andy Wong, Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

HOUSTON – What is RedNote?

RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu or “Little Red Book” in English, is a Chinese social app that combines e-commerce, short videos, and social media posting functions. The app has become a trending alternative for Americans amid the looming TikTok ban in the United States.

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Ironically, while the U.S. government seeks to limit TikTok’s influence due to its ties to Chinese ownership, many Americans are flocking to another Chinese-owned platform. The move highlights a paradox: users protesting a potential TikTok ban are migrating to Xiaohongshu, another app owned by a Chinese company, thereby undermining the intent of the proposed ban.

READ: A possible TikTok ban is just days away. A list of other apps available

The TikTok controversy centers around national security concerns. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on a law requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its ownership by January 19. If ByteDance fails to comply, TikTok could face a nationwide ban. The legal battle and potential restrictions have led many TikTok users to seek alternative platforms, with Xiaohongshu emerging as a popular choice.

According to Reuters, Xiaohongshu experienced a surge in new users, with more than 700,000 people joining within just a few days. The app is already well-established in China, boasting 300 million monthly active users, as reported by TechCrunch. Notably, the platform’s user base is predominantly female, with women accounting for 79% of its active users.

Xiaohongshu’s appeal lies in its unique blend of content and commerce. Users can share short videos, post about their lives, and shop for products directly through the app. This multifaceted approach has made it a go-to platform for lifestyle inspiration, beauty tips, and product reviews, attracting a global audience.

The migration to Xiaohongshu raises questions about the effectiveness of the TikTok ban in addressing national security concerns. While the app’s rise reflects users’ desire for continuity in their online communities, it also underscores the complexity of regulating digital platforms in a globalized world


About the Author
Brittany Taylor headshot

Award-winning journalist, mother, YouTuber, social media guru, millennial, mentor, storyteller, University of Houston alumna and Houston-native.

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