With a looming U.S. ban on TikTok, hundreds of thousands of American users have flocked to the Chinese social media app RedNote (known as Xiaohongshu in China), transforming it into an unexpected cultural exchange hub.
While many Chinese users have welcomed these newcomers with open arms, others have expressed concern over foreign influence on the platform.
RedNote: The Unexpected Meeting Ground
RedNote, originally a lifestyle-focused app for beauty, fashion, food, and travel recommendations, has suddenly become a platform for U.S.-China social interactions. Over 700,000 new users have joined the app in recent days, engaging in lively discussions about pets, cuisine, video games, and everyday life in China and the U.S.
Many Chinese users have responded positively, posting selfies with messages like “Welcome TikTok refugees!” Others, like translator Jacob Hui from Hangzhou, have taken part in live discussions with American users, asking questions and exchanging cultural insights.
Even Chinese state media has embraced the trend, with CCTV describing RedNote as a “new home” for TikTok users. A spokesperson from China’s foreign ministry emphasized that the country encourages cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
A Rare Opportunity – But With Restrictions
Unlike other major Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and Douyin (China’s version of TikTok), RedNote does not require users to have a Chinese phone number. This accessibility has made it easier for foreign users to join.
However, China’s strict online regulations remain in place. Some users have already noticed censorship limitations on topics considered sensitive in China, such as the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. According to reports, RedNote is now working on moderation tools and English-Chinese translation features to handle the influx of international users.
Not Everyone Is Happy
While many Chinese users welcome the newcomers, others are skeptical. Nationalist bloggers and influencers have voiced concerns about foreign influence on the platform.
Ren Yi, a Harvard-educated Chinese blogger known as “Chairman Rabbit,” warned his followers that American users could use subtle persuasion techniques to influence Chinese opinions. He claimed that “propagandists from the United States” might first praise China to lower its users’ guard before introducing Western ideologies. His article on the topic was later removed.
A Temporary Trend or a Lasting Shift?
Beijing-based industry analyst Liu Xingliang believes the TikTok-to-RedNote migration is a short-term reaction rather than a permanent shift. He describes it as a “rebellious gesture” by American users frustrated with their government’s actions against TikTok.
RedNote itself appears unprepared for the surge of foreign users, with reports of poor user experiences for non-Chinese speakers and ongoing challenges in content moderation.
What’s Next for RedNote?
While the atmosphere on RedNote is currently warm and welcoming, the long-term impact of this influx remains uncertain. Will RedNote adapt to its new international audience, or will it face the same fate as Clubhouse, which was once popular among Chinese users but was eventually blocked?
For now, RedNote stands at a crossroads—embracing global engagement while navigating China’s strict internet regulations. How it handles these challenges will determine whether it becomes a truly global social media platform or remains a China-centric app with temporary foreign interest.
