Supreme Court justices are weighing the future of TikTok in the United States, prompting a surge in American social media users to switch to an unlikely alternative: Xiaohongshu, a hugely popular Chinese app. Founded in 2013, Xiaohongshu has cornered China’s social media market with 300 million users, and its popularity is now spilling over into the US.
In the same week that TikTok could face a ban in the US, US mobile downloads of Xiaohongshu have almost tripled, with over 700,000 new users joining the platform within two days. The hashtag “TikTok refugee” has garnered nearly 250 million views and over 5.5 million comments, as Americans defying Washington’s move on TikTok join the app.
Xiaohongshu is designed to focus on user interests rather than the people they follow, fostering more original content and reducing the dominance of powerful influencers. The platform’s algorithm prioritizes unique experiences, making it an attractive option for users seeking a change from TikTok’s dominant influencer culture.
Chinese users have warmly welcomed newcomers, with some even sharing video tutorials to help them navigate the app. One person seized the opportunity to ask for English language help in a viral post that garnered over 2,000 likes.
Analysts see this as an “organic form of cultural exchange” between the US and China, where users are finding creative ways to transcend language barriers and co-exist despite cultural differences. This community building could have a lasting impact, according to China tech analyst Ivy Yang.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/14/tech/rednote-china-popularity-us-tiktok-ban-intl-hnk/index.html