Americans Flock to Chinese App Xiaohongshu Amid TikTok Ban Concerns
As concerns over a potential TikTok ban in the United States continue to grow, Americans are increasingly turning to Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform also known as RedNote or Red Book. The app, which offers a similar short-form video experience to TikTok, has gained significant popularity in recent years, boasting over 200 million users by 2019.
Xiaohongshu has quickly climbed the ranks in the US App Store, becoming one of the top downloaded apps as users seek alternatives to TikTok. The platform, whose name translates to “little red book” in English, closely resembles TikTok in format, with familiar faces appearing in the “Explore” section.
While the app’s instructions are primarily in English, some elements remain in Chinese. Xiaohongshu describes itself as a “lifestyle platform for young people,” allowing users to share their lives through videos, pictures, and texts. The app features a “For You” page and a “Shop” section, enabling users to interact based on their interests.
To get started on RedNote, users must create a profile using their phone number and agree to data-related terms of service. The app allows users to select content preferences, such as fashion or food and provides related feeds. Profiles include a bio, profile picture, and customizable username, similar to TikTok’s format.
The potential TikTok ban has sparked debate on which platform will dominate short-form video content in the future. While alternatives like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Lemon8 are also being considered by users, RedNote has recently claimed the top spot for downloads on the Apple App Store, indicating its growing popularity.
As the social media landscape continues to shift, Xiaohongshu’s rise in the US reflects users’ search for alternatives to TikTok. The app’s future success may depend on how it continues to adapt and attract users in an increasingly competitive market.
