China’s RedNote gets half a million new US users as TikTok ban looms

China’s RedNote app has seen a surge of over 500,000 U.S. users this week as a possible TikTok ban approaches.

This influx coincides with a Sunday deadline for TikTok to either divest its U.S. operations or face removal from app stores due to national security concerns. RedNote, known in China as Xiaohongshu, has been the top download on the U.S. Apple App Store since Monday.

Newsweek reached out to Xiaohongshu via email for comment.

Why It Matters

TikTok’s potential ban threatens the livelihoods of its many U.S. creators and disrupts a platform used by 170 million Americans.

With the Chinese version of TikTok, Douyin, unavailable on U.S. app stores, self-described “TikTok refugees” are flocking to Rednote, some aiming to build new followings and others seemingly protesting the looming ban.

What To Know

Reuters reported Wednesday that more than 700,000 new users joined Rednote in two days, citing an unnamed source close to the company.

In a live chat dubbed “TikTok Refugees” on RedNote on Monday, more than 50,000 American and Chinese users joined the room.

The newcomers have sparked curiosity, with some netizens offering welcome messages and tips, and others expressing interest in personalized glimpses into American life. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram are officially banned in China, though some users access these through virtual private networks.

Is RedNote Safe to Use?

Questions remain about RedNote’s data privacy measures. While the app’s terms of service are primarily in Mandarin, its privacy policies for children and teenagers are available in English.

Users have reported account restrictions and content removal for violating strict content guidelines, such as posting LGBTQ+ material or revealing clothing.

Unlike TikTok, which has separate domestic and international apps, RedNote operates a single version worldwide, subject to Chinese moderation rules.

Who Owns RedNote?

RedNote was launched in 2013 in Shanghai by Miranda Qu, its current president, and Charlwin Mao, its chief executive. It is owned by Xingyin Information Technology Shanghai Ltd.

How Do You Create a RedNote Account?

Users can download RedNote from the Apple App Store or Google Play. After installing, they can create an account by navigating a Mandarin-language interface, with some English translations available for policies. Many new users identify themselves with the hashtag #TikTokRefugee.

Will TikTok Be Banned in the US?

Unless the Supreme Court grants a reprieve, TikTok will be removed from app stores on Sunday. The app may continue to function for a short time without updates, but ByteDance has indicated it may shut down U.S. operations entirely.