As the threat of a ban on TikTok in the United States approaches, many TikTok users are migrating to a Chinese platform called RedNote.
Dubbed “TikTok refugees,” such users have propelled RedNote to become the most downloaded app on Apple’s US App Store.
RedNote, which has gained popularity among young users in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking regions, boasts approximately 300 million monthly users.
The app combines features of TikTok and Instagram, allowing primarily young urban women to share lifestyle tips ranging from dating to fashion.
The urgency of the migration is underscored by a Supreme Court ruling that could require TikTok to sell its US operations by January 19 or face a ban.
TikTok has stated it will not comply with a sale, arguing that such a ban would infringe on free speech rights for its 170 million US users.
Welcoming its new US audience, RedNote has seen a surge of posts tagged “TikTok refugee,” where users can learn how to navigate the app and pick up basic Chinese phrases. New users have expressed gratitude, with one commenting, “To our Chinese hosts, thanks for having us - sorry in advance for the chaos.”
However, similar to TikTok, RedNote has faced accusations of censorship regarding criticism of the Chinese government. In Taiwan, public officials are barred from using RedNote due to security concerns related to Chinese software.
Sarah Fotheringham, a school canteen worker from Utah, sees the move as a way to “snub” the government, stating, “If they want my data that bad, they can have it,” she told BBC News.
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Fashion designer Marcus Robinson from Virginia also joined RedNote to promote his clothing brand, despite being slightly apprehensive about the app’s Mandarin terms and conditions.
While a potential TikTok ban wouldn’t eliminate the app overnight, it could lead to its gradual decline as users explore alternatives.
Some have reported spending more time on RedNote than TikTok, with one user, Sydney Crawley, quickly gaining followers on the new platform.
Fotheringham appreciates RedNote for broadening her perspective on Chinese culture while Robinson finds the community to be very welcoming. “I love RedNote so far … I just need to learn how to speak Mandarin!” he added.
