Ahead of TikTok’s potential ban in the US, the platform’s users are now flocking to RedNote aka Xiaohongshu — a Chinese social networking app. With a week remaining before US users witness TikTok’s impending doom, the Chinese substitute Xiaohongshu has gained overnight popularity among netizens.
Hilarious interactions between the Chinese and US users on this TikTok alternative have gone viral. The American users are jokingly introducing themselves on the Xiaohongshu app as “TikTok refugees”.
They are further mocking the US Government’s concerns about the Chinese stealing their data by playing along with ‘spy’ jokes on the app.
Some commented on the irony of the situation, explaining how the US Government aimed to ban TikTok across the country over data theft concerns, only for users to start using an app solely based in China.
Many noted the beef has been between the US and Chinese governments all along.
On the other hand, the citizens have seemingly proved amicable interaction among one another and this has been possible all this without cultural or political barriers. Some also joked that American users would now learn Mandarin to spite their government.
In another hilarious instance, some others shared comments from the RedNote app, where Chinese users were asking the Americans to help with their homework.
From the screenshot of RedNote comments circulated online so far, American users are seen navigating their way through the app with Chinese users helping them with certain features.
RedNote tops App Store in the US as TikTok ban nears
TikTok will supposedly be inaccessible to Americans from January 19. In an attempt to retain the experience users found on the platform, they found refuge in RedNote or Xiaohongshu, a similar social media app.
Soon, an influx of Americans downloading the app from Apple’s App Store was reported. According to The Independent, Xiaohongshu has now hit #1 on the App Store.
This alternative is not an exact clone of TikTok but has a similar user interface and layout. Americans who began using the app also noted that Xiaohongshu has unique and fun emojis.
Apart from providing short video entertainment, the app also offers e-commerce services. Over 300 million monthly users are reportedly active on RedNote.
Xiaohongshu’s UI can be compared with a blend of Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
The Shanghai-based platform is owned by Xingyin Information Technology. It was launched in June 2013. Xiaohongshu or RedNote uses Mandarin as its primary language.
Edited by Prem Deshpande
