As the US government cracks down on TikTok, hundreds of thousands of American users have migrated to Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform also known as RedNote. The app’s algorithmically selected videos and welcoming messages have created a humorous commentary on the government’s actions.
TikTok refugees, who are now using Xiaohongshu en masse, have been branded by existing Chinese users as “new Chinese spies.” However, instead of being seen as threats, they are being incorporated into the platform’s community. Chinese users are even offering Mandarin lessons and forming in-app group chats to help new users navigate the app.
The ease with which American users can switch to Xiaohongshu is a reflection of the relative flexibility of social media platforms. Unlike TikTok, which has been criticized for its lack of transparency about user data, Xiaohongshu’s opaque nature may actually provide a more secure alternative.
While some worry that American users may dominate the app’s culture and water down its appeal, others see it as an opportunity to engage with Chinese perspectives on America. The platform offers a unique glimpse into China’s views on the US, packaged for American consumption.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/16/arts/tiktok-red-note-china.html