RedNote Sees Surge of 700,000 American Users as TikTok Ban Looms
As TikTok faces a potential shutdown in the United States, American users are migrating to RedNote (Xiaoshongshu), another Chinese-owned social media platform. Over 700,000 new users have joined RedNote since the TikTok shutdown news broke, though this represents only a small fraction of TikTok's 170 million U.S. users.
RedNote app shown on smartphone screen
Chinese RedNote users have welcomed American newcomers, engaging in cultural exchanges and discussions about Chinese life and customs. Jacob Hui, a translator in Hangzhou, notes this unprecedented opportunity for direct interaction between Chinese and American users.
Chinese state media has endorsed this migration, with CCTV reporting positively on TikTok users finding a new home on RedNote. Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized that social media choice is personal while supporting cross-cultural exchange.
Important context:
- China's 'Great Firewall' blocks American platforms like Meta and X
- China maintains its own social networks (Weibo, RedNote, Douyin)
- These apps typically limit access to Chinese residents and nationals
- RedNote is actively developing English-language moderation tools
- New American users report content restrictions on sensitive topics
- The platform is working to improve English-Chinese translation capabilities
The influx of American users has highlighted both opportunities and challenges in cross-cultural social media engagement, particularly regarding content moderation and translation needs.
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