18 sources·Technology

U.S. TikTok Users Turn to Xiaohongshu Amid Looming Ban

As TikTok faces a potential ban, U.S. users are migrating to Xiaohongshu, signaling a cultural and technological shift in social media usage.

This story was covered by 18 sources. This shows the distribution of these sources: left-leaning (blue), center (gray), and right-leaning (red).
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The underlying sources are generally reliable but sometimes include opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
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  1. China app RedNote scrambling to accommodate 700K new users seeking TikTok alternative

    The sudden surge of users flocking to RedNote highlights not only a desire for alternative platforms but also serves as a reflection of growing distrust towards government interventions in the digital space.

    China app RedNote scrambling to accommodate 700K new users seeking TikTok alternative

    New York PostNew York Post·2M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  2. 'TikTok refugees' unexpectedly turn to Chinese alternative as ban looms

    Despite the awkwardness of navigating a largely Chinese app, many U.S. TikTok users seem determined to embrace Xiaohongshu as a form of protest against what they see as an unjust ban, highlighting a sense of defiance against being pressured into abandoning a beloved platform.

    'TikTok refugees' unexpectedly turn to Chinese alternative as ban looms

    Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles Times·2M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  3. More than half a million ‘TikTok refugees’ flock to China’s RedNote as ban looms

    The surge of users flocking to RedNote not only underscores the app's immediate appeal as an alternative to TikTok, but also highlights a broader sentiment of defiance against government intervention in social media.

    More than half a million ‘TikTok refugees’ flock to China’s RedNote as ban looms

    The GuardianThe Guardian·2M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  4. Another Chinese app rises in popularity in the US as TikTok ban looms

    The rise of Xiaohongshu as a TikTok alternative highlights not only the eagerness of users seeking new platforms amid looming bans, but also raises significant concerns about data privacy and user safety that American users should seriously consider.

    Another Chinese app rises in popularity in the US as TikTok ban looms

    Straight Arrow NewsStraight Arrow News·2M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  5. A possible TikTok ban is just days away. A list of other apps available

    As U.S. users brace for a potential TikTok ban, the search for alternative social media platforms highlights the cultural impact TikTok has had, while underscoring the uncertainty of where its users will land next.

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

    Associated PressAssociated Press·2M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  6. TikTok users flock to China-based "RedNote" as ban looms

    As users flock to Xiaohongshu in the wake of TikTok's impending ban, the irony of seeking a China-based alternative while expressing concerns over national security becomes evident, highlighting a complex and often contradictory landscape in the realm of social media.

    TikTok users flock to China-based "RedNote" as ban looms

    SalonSalon·2M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Left
    This outlet favors left-wing views.
  7. TikTok Users Mock Likely Ban By Downloading Chinese Competitor: 'Shoutout Xi Jinping'

    The irony of a government ban on TikTok, purportedly to protect user data from China, is underscored by the ensuing rush of users to a Chinese app, RedNote, which is experiencing a surge in popularity as TikTok's future remains uncertain.

    TikTok Users Mock Likely Ban By Downloading Chinese Competitor: 'Shoutout Xi Jinping'

    HuffPostHuffPost·2M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  8. TikTok users flock to Chinese-owned RedNote as ban looms

    The surge in downloads of Xiaohongshu highlights the irony of Americans turning to a Chinese platform in the face of a potential TikTok ban, reflecting both the humor and desperation of users seeking alternatives.

    TikTok users flock to Chinese-owned RedNote as ban looms

    Washington ExaminerWashington Examiner·2M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  9. Why TikTok Creators Are Moving to Red Note

    The emergence of Xiaohongshu as a top contender in the U.S. social media landscape underscores an urgent public yearning for alternatives amid an increasing frustration with government overreach, highlighting the complexities of digital freedom and the intricate dynamics of international influence on American media.

    Why TikTok Creators Are Moving to Red Note

    TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·2M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  10. So many Americans have signed up for Xiaohongshu that Chinese people on the app are asking them for help with English

    The rise of Xiaohongshu in the US, catalyzed by the impending TikTok ban, highlights a remarkable cultural exchange, transforming a social media app into a bridge between Chinese and American users.

    So many Americans have signed up for Xiaohongshu that Chinese people on the app are asking them for help with English

    Business InsiderBusiness Insider·2M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  11. TikTok users are flocking to a Chinese-owned app, not back to Meta. It's wild. | Opinion

    The unexpected rise of RedNote among Americans highlights a significant misunderstanding by U.S. tech giants and lawmakers about what social media users truly desire.

    TikTok users are flocking to a Chinese-owned app, not back to Meta. It's wild. | Opinion

    USA TODAYUSA TODAY·2M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  12. TikTok users flock to Chinese app RedNote before US ban

    The migration of TikTok users to RedNote underscores a significant shift in social media dynamics, as users seek alternatives that not only allow them to express themselves freely but also connect them with new cultures.

    TikTok users flock to Chinese app RedNote before US ban

    BBC NewsBBC News·2M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  13. Chinese TikTok alternative RedNote tops app charts ahead of potential TikTok ban

    The swift pivot to RedNote by TikTok users not only highlights their discontent with the government's national security rationale but also serves as a powerful indictment of the ongoing politicization of social media and its impact on the American public's freedom to connect.

    Chinese TikTok alternative RedNote tops app charts ahead of potential TikTok ban

    NBC NewsNBC News·2M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  14. ‘Long Live China’: Taylor Lorenz, Other Users Flock To Another Chinese App As TikTok Ban Looms

    With users flocking to Xiaohongshu as they await a crucial Supreme Court ruling on TikTok’s future, the app is swiftly establishing itself as a promising new home for the displaced social media community.

    ‘Long Live China’: Taylor Lorenz, Other Users Flock To Another Chinese App As TikTok Ban Looms

    Daily CallerDaily Caller·2M
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  1. New York Post
  2. Los Angeles Times
  3. The Guardian
  4. Straight Arrow News
  5. Associated Press
  6. Salon
  7. HuffPost
  8. Washington Examiner
  9. TIME Magazine
  10. Business Insider
  11. USA TODAY
  12. BBC News
  13. NBC News
  14. Daily Caller

Jan 13th, 2025, 11:02 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

With a possible TikTok ban set for January 19, U.S. users are flooding to Xiaohongshu (RedNote). The app, popular for short videos and e-commerce, has accrued 300 million monthly active users and is the top downloaded app in the U.S. as of January 14. Users, self-identifying as #tiktokrefugees, share their experiences while raising concerns over data privacy and censorship. Legal challenges surrounding TikTok's ownership are ongoing, with potential implications for Xiaohongshu as well, highlighting the complexities of social media platform popularity and user security in a politically charged environment.


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