Xiaohongshu soars to top of US app charts amid TikTok ban fears

In an overnight sensation, Xiaohongshu, a social media platform widely nicknamed by its international users as "Rednote," has skyrocketed to the pinnacle of the U.S. app store charts. This unexpected surge comes amid mounting concerns over the looming ban on TikTok in the United States.

The Instagram-like platform has witnessed an unprecedented influx of new users, primarily American users, who have dubbed themselves "TikTok refugees."

One such user, HeatherRoberts, shared, "...If they think we are going to stand for this TikTok ban, we are just gonna go to a new Chinese app and here we are."

Many Chinese users left comments saying: “Just over one night, we became Chinese spies...”

Screenshots of posts from newly registered U.S. users on Xiaohongshu, China's popular Instagram-like platform for lifestyle sharing. 

The sudden spike in Xiaohongshu's user base can be attributed to the legal quagmire that TikTok finds itself in within the U.S. The U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling, prioritizing national security over free speech, has upheld the ban on TikTok. As per the ruling, if TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, refuses to sell the app, it will be forcibly shut down in the U.S. on Jan. 19.

Despite the incoming President Donald Trump's expressed desire to save TikTok, his Jan. 20 inauguration seems too late to reverse the impending ban. As a result, hordes of TikTok users have begun seeking out new social media platforms, with Xiaohongshu emerging as one of the preferred choices.

The deluge of new users has been astonishing. Many newly registered American users have called themselves "TikTok refugee," embracing a polite demeanor as they integrate into the Xiaohongshu community. Their posts have garnered significant attention in a short period, with comment sections filled with warm welcomes from Chinese netizens.

The interaction between American and Chinese users has cultivated a vibrant and harmonious atmosphere. Since the app hasn't provided AI translation functions, users are trying to leave messages with their limited language skills. American users are endeavoring to communicate in both English and Mandarin, while Chinese users are responding with wit and humor. For example, one user playfully commented, "You use it during the day, we'll use it at night," highlighting the lighthearted cultural exchange that has made the phenomenon even more intriguing.

The interactions between American and Chinese users are lively and warm.

Xiaohongshu, initially known for its focus on lifestyle, fashion, and beauty content, is now witnessing a diverse range of posts from its new American users. From sharing their experiences of transitioning from TikTok to exploring new trends and cultures, the platform has become a melting pot of global interactions.

The sudden rise of Xiaohongshu in the U.S. market underscores the resilience of users in adapting to changes. As TikTok faces an uncertain future in the U.S., Xiaohongshu stands poised to benefit from this shift, welcoming a new wave of users who are eager to continue their social media journey.

In another development, two U.S. Democratic lawmakers Monday urged Congress and President Joe Biden to extend the Jan. 19 deadline for ByteDance to sell the U.S. assets of TikTok or face a U.S. ban.

A lawyer for TikTok and ByteDance, Noel Francisco, said it would be impossible to complete a sale by next week's deadline.

Biden could extend the deadline by 90 days if he certifies ByteDance is making substantial progress toward a divestiture but it is unlikely ByteDance could meet that standard.

Trump has asked the court to delay implementation of the law, arguing he should have time after taking office Jan. 20 to pursue a "political resolution" to the issue.