In this @washingtonpost article, @DariImpio discusses a possible US TikTok ban and how it could 'set up American policymakers for years of “whack-a-mole” with various apps that violate requirements not to be controlled by a foreign adversary.'
Read ⤵️https://t.co/jn9ym5saqV
— ASPI (@ASPI_org) January 14, 2025
TikTok is preparing to shut down its app in the United States this Sunday, following a pending decision from the Supreme Court on a proposed ban, sources have revealed. In anticipation of a potential shutdown, TikTok has announced it will provide a data download option for users who want to save their content. This precautionary measure comes as the company acknowledges the far-reaching impact such a shutdown would have, not only on its US-based users but globally as well.
I have to say, it's extremely funny that TikTok users are joining Xiaohongshu out of spite as it looks more and more likely that the US government will succeed in banning TikTok https://t.co/wfWug7Mzm6
— Louise Matsakis (@lmatsakis) January 13, 2025
The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its final decision on the TikTok ban by the end of the week. The outcome will determine whether TikTok can continue its operations in the US or if the ban will be enforced, effectively halting its services. The legal challenges against TikTok stem from concerns over data privacy and national security, with US lawmakers arguing that the app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, poses a risk due to its data handling practices.
While RedNote is obviously a workable solution for those who aren't ready to give up TikTok, it's also another Chinese app. 🤦♂️https://t.co/vBNYMFCQbn
— Lance Ulanoff (@LanceUlanoff) January 15, 2025
As the situation continues to unfold, TikTok users and influencers are eagerly waiting for the court’s decision, which will significantly impact their digital social landscape. The language-learning app Duolingo has reported a significant increase in Mandarin learners from the United States compared to last year. This surge in interest comes as users flock to the Chinese-language social app RedNote ahead of TikTok’s ban.
“We are thrilled to see such a significant uptick in Mandarin learners,” said a Duolingo representative. “The partnership with RedNote, although unofficial, highlights our mission to make language learning accessible and fun.”
"After Supreme Court justices Friday seemed inclined to let stand a law that would shut down TikTok in the U.S., the Chinese social-media platform Xiaohongshu, translated in English as Little Red Book, received a flood of American TikTok users." https://t.co/bnhaLK5b8S
— Jojje Olsson (@jojjeols) January 15, 2025
As geopolitical tensions continue to influence tech and social media landscapes, apps like Duolingo are experiencing unexpected benefits. With the ban on TikTok, many users are seeking alternative platforms and ways to engage with Chinese culture and language.
As the future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain, a growing number of American social media users are turning to an unexpected alternative: Xiaohongshu. Known as RedNote by US users, Xiaohongshu is a popular Chinese social media app headquartered in Shanghai. Surging to the top position on Apple’s US App Store on Tuesday, Xiaohongshu has become a major platform for sharing tips on travel, makeup, and fashion.
While it boasts 300 million users globally, the app had not gained much prominence outside the Chinese-speaking world until now. The app’s sudden rise in popularity coincides with the potential ban on TikTok in the US. Reports indicate that US mobile downloads of Xiaohongshu nearly tripled over the past week.
Within two days, more than 700,000 new users had joined the platform, many as an act of defiance against Washington’s stance on TikTok.
TikTok users explore new social platforms
The hashtag “TikTok refugee” has garnered nearly 250 million views and over 5.5 million comments.
“Our government is out of their minds if they think we’re going to stand for this TikTok ban,” said Heather Roberts in a widely-liked video message on Xiaohongshu. The influx of US users has created a new platform for cultural exchange between Chinese and American users. Some American users have urged their fellow compatriots to respect the existing community on Xiaohongshu.
“Just a quick message for the American users coming over here: Please don’t bring politics here. We want to have fun and show respect,” one user posted. Chinese users have largely welcomed the newcomers, offering video tutorials to help them navigate the app.
“This could be a historic moment,” commented one Chinese user. “It feels like so much has changed in an instant.”
Xiaohongshu and TikTok serve different markets and functionalities. While TikTok isn’t available in China, its sister app Douyin serves the domestic market.
Xiaohongshu’s content algorithm focuses on user interests rather than who they follow, potentially fostering more original content. The app was founded by Charlwin Mao and Miranda Qu and is headquartered in Shanghai, whereas TikTok is owned by ByteDance and has a global focus. Lemon8, another app owned by ByteDance, is currently ranked as the second-most downloaded app on Apple’s US store.
Modeled after Instagram and Pinterest, Lemon8 also features video sharing features akin to TikTok. However, the US law requiring divestiture could impact all ByteDance-owned apps, potentially jeopardizing Lemon8’s operations in the US as well. Ivy Yang, a tech analyst, suggests that the migration of American users to Xiaohongshu is creating an organic form of cultural exchange.
“Users are finding creative ways to transcend language barriers and navigate cultural differences. This community building could have a lasting impact,” she noted. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this unexpected migration will shape the future of social media interactions between Chinese and Americans.
