If you’re someone who prides herself on being constantly online, you’ve probably heard about the ongoing transition from TikTok to Rednote. This change is closely linked to the US government’s proposal to ban TikTok, leading to a wave of users moving to Chinese social media app Rednote in what can only be described as a digital exodus. As this movement continues to grow, the term ‘#TikTokRefugee’ has emerged, capturing the attention of netizens everywhere.
What is happening?
The situation began to come to a head when the US government proposed a ban on TikTok over national security concerns, citing the app’s ties to China and its handling of user data. The ban, which is set to take effect on January 19 (unless the Supreme Court blocks it), will see TikTok removed from the US App Store, rendering it unusable for many US users unless they install a VPN client. Don’t do it.
In anticipation of the ban, many Americans have begun migrating to other platforms. One of the most notable alternatives is Xiaohongshu or Rednote, a Chinese social media app that has quickly gained popularity as a potential replacement for TikTok; Xiahongshu means ‘little red book’ in Mandarin. As more and more Americans turned to RedNote, the term ‘#TikTokRefugee’ began trending on the platform and other social media apps. Additionally, according to The New York Times, the app received 100 million views and nearly 2.5 million discussion threads under the hashtag this Tuesday.
What is rednote?
RedNote, owned by Shanghai-based Xingyin Information Technology, was founded in 2013. It is a Chinese-language lifestyle, social networking, and e-commerce platform that blends elements of Instagram and Pinterest. Unlike other US-based alternatives like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, which many users find less creator-friendly, Rednote offers a more engaging, community-oriented platform.
Who are the ‘TikTok Refugees’?
Users joining RedNote are primarily American TikTok users or creators looking for a way to continue sharing their content, interacting with their audience, and discovering new trends. As more Americans are joining the platform, the term ‘#TikTok refugee’ has gained popularity, with millions of users migrating from their beloved TikTok to a new, less native format.
Unsurprisingly, the change to RedNote has brought American users into closer contact with Chinese users who were already using the app; This direct connection has also led to a unique cultural exchange between users from both countries, who share tips on how to navigate the app, which is primarily designed for Mandarin speakers. Another notable change is the increasing number of American TikTok refugees learning Mandarin to better interact with the platform, leading to a significant increase in the number of new Mandarin learners on platforms like Duolingo. The app has seen a 216% increase in US users learning Mandarin since last year.
Netizens react
The influx of TikTok refugees into Rednote did not go unnoticed by Chinese users. Many have welcomed the new arrivals with enthusiasm, offering support and even creating tutorial videos to help navigate the app. A popular comment from a Chinese user on the forum summed up this hospitality: “Friends who come from TikTok, I want to say, you are not refugees, you are brave explorers.” Other comments were also good overall.
The rise of the ‘#TikTokRefugee’ movement signals a change in the digital landscape, with US users turning to RedNote as a potential replacement for TikTok. As the threat of a TikTok ban looms, Rednote is establishing itself as a leading alternative; This change is also promoting cultural exchange and many are claiming it to be a ‘digital cold war’.
