As the deadline for TikTok’s potential ban in the US looms, its users are making a swift exit to a Chinese alternative app called RedNote. The app, which has garnered a massive following in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking populations, has seen a significant surge in downloads on the Apple App Store on Monday, with many users referring to themselves as “TikTok refugees.”
RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu or Little Red Book, has about 300 million monthly users and has been likened to a combination of TikTok and Instagram. The app allows users to share lifestyle tips, fashion advice, and more, with a strong focus on community engagement.
The migration to RedNote comes as the US Supreme Court is set to rule on a law that mandates TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell its US operations or face a ban by January 19. TikTok has repeatedly stated that it will not sell its US business, sparking concerns about the potential consequences of a ban.
In response to the uncertainty surrounding TikTok, RedNote has welcomed its new users with open arms. The app’s community section has seen a surge in activity, with users creating groups and sharing tips on how to navigate the app and learn basic Chinese phrases.
However, concerns have been raised about censorship on RedNote, particularly when it comes to criticism of the Chinese government. In Taiwan, public officials have been restricted from using RedNote due to alleged security risks associated with Chinese software.
Despite these concerns, many US users have flocked to RedNote, citing a desire to “snub” the government and assert their independence. Sarah Fotheringham, a 37-year-old school canteen worker in Utah, told the BBC that she is willing to share her data with the Chinese government if they want it.
“I’m just a simple person living a simple life,” she said. “If they want my data that bad, they can have it.”
Marcus Robinson, a fashion designer in Virginia, also joined RedNote over the weekend to share his clothing brand and connect with like-minded individuals. While he was hesitant about accepting the app’s terms and conditions, which were written in Mandarin, he decided to take a chance.
“I wasn’t able to actually read them so that was a little concerning to me,” he said. “But I took my chance.”
While a ban on TikTok may not erase the platform entirely, it could ultimately lead to its demise if app stores are forced to remove it. Meanwhile, RedNote is poised to capitalize on the uncertainty surrounding its competitor.
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American rapper Meek Mill has even offered to buy TikTok amidst the app’s potential ban in the US. “Sell TikTok to me,” he wrote on social media. “If they cut off TikTok, we’re going x and Fanbase.”
As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on the fate of TikTok, RedNote is looking like a promising alternative for users who want to continue sharing their content and connecting with others without fear of censorship or a ban.
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