TikTok users embrace RedNote ahead of possible US ban

As the US prepares to decide the fate of TikTok, users are turning to alternatives such as RedNote, a Chinese app that quickly shot to the top of the US Apple App Store.

The looming ban on TikTok, driven by national security concerns about its Chinese parent company ByteDance, has also raised concerns about the future of other Chinese-owned apps.

RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu in China, combines photos, short videos and text posts into a dynamic platform with channels like “follow”, “explore” and “nearby”. While it shares some similarities with TikTok, RedNote offers unique features such as community building tools and integrated shopping. The app, owned by Shanghai-based Xingyin Information Technology, is not directly affiliated with ByteDance. However, its Chinese origin could still subject it to scrutiny under the same legislation aimed at TikTok.

Experts point out that the law enabling the TikTok ban gives the executive branch the power to classify a country as a “foreign adversary” and ban apps originating from it. Since China is already considered a foreign adversary in this case, the way is open for similar actions against other Chinese apps such as RedNote, WeChat, and ByteDance-run platforms such as Lemon8 and CapCut. However, lawmakers behind the bill have made it clear that its primary focus is TikTok and its sister apps, leaving the future of other apps uncertain.

Despite these concerns, RedNote has become a haven for American TikTokers, many of whom are urging their followers to join as a form of protest. Some see the shift not only as a change of platforms, but also as a challenge to the US government and Meta, which is benefiting from TikTok’s absence through increased reel usage. RedNote, which debuted in 2013 as a shopping platform, now has more than 300 million monthly active users and has reportedly earned more than Last year’s profit was 1 billion dollars.

A look at RedNote’s “Explore” page reveals a mix of English and Chinese content that promotes cultural exchange as users adapt to the platform. Many refer to themselves as “TikTok refugees” and share memes about their transition. This humor reflects both dissatisfaction with the political background and a willingness to embrace new digital spaces.

Meantime, High Court is considering whether to force a ban on TikTok or demand that ByteDance sell its US operations. A decision expected by Jan. 19 could set a precedent for how other applications are treated under similar laws. Meanwhile, some users are boycotting Meta platforms, while others are exploring alternatives such as Lemon8. However, Lemon8, as a product of ByteDance, may also face scrutiny in the future.

As Sunday approaches, TikTok users await the Supreme Court’s decision with uncertainty. RedNote has emerged as a leading alternative for now, but its long-term safety against similar bans remains unclear in this evolving chapter of social media history.

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Labels: Social media, tiktok