As the Supreme Court deliberates a decision that could potentially ban TikTok in the United States, many users of the platform are preemptively migrating to a Chinese social media app known as Xiaohongshu, or “little red book” in Mandarin. As of Monday, Xiaohongshu has surged to become the most downloaded app in Apple’s US App Store, despite lacking an official English name. Not far behind on the list is Lemon8, another platform owned by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, that has also witnessed a spike in users migrating away from TikTok.
Over the weekend, a notable influx of users began exploring Xiaohongshu, a platform that specializes in lifestyle and travel content and boasts over 300 million users in China. Many of these individuals refer to themselves as “TikTok refugees” and rely on translation tools to navigate the predominantly Chinese interface. Among their motivations, some express a desire to recreate the communities they built on TikTok, while others join out of a sense of defiance against government actions aimed at banning TikTok due to concerns over potential surveillance by the Chinese government.
One user captured this sentiment, stating, “I would rather stare at a language I can’t understand than to ever use a social media platform that Mark Zuckerberg owns.” Numerous videos highlighting user experiences on Xiaohongshu have gained traction, illustrating the vibrant, if challenging, transition as many newcomers explain their motivations for joining the app. A spokesperson for Xiaohongshu could not be reached for a comment regarding this sudden boom of Western users.
The Supreme Court’s recent oral arguments, which focused on a law requiring TikTok to either divest its US operations or face a ban by January 19, show signs that justices may lean towards upholding this law. This speculation leaves TikTok users anxious, as while the app may remain available for now, it stands at risk of being removed from US app stores, prompting many to seek alternatives.
Though some users have opted for familiar platforms like Instagram or YouTube, others seek out Xiaohongshu to express their dissent against US lawmakers. A user remarked on Bluesky that they felt motivated to download the app “out of spite” over the potential ban. Moreover, internet culture journalist Taylor Lorenz noted Xiaohongshu’s rising popularity, labeling it “the hottest new social app in America.”
At present, it appears that the determination and a hint of rebellious spirit are encouraging users, despite the language barriers and unfamiliarity of Xiaohongshu. “I have no idea what I’m doing here. I can’t even read the rules,” shared one TikTok refugee on the app, highlighting the willingness of users to adapt and explore their new online community amid uncertainty.
This development underscores the dynamic nature of social media usage and the power of community ties, as users rally around shared experiences and frustrations. Such migration also illustrates a notable shift in digital landscapes and user preferences in response to regulatory pressures. As this situation unfolds, it becomes evident that, for some, finding a new platform rooted in a sense of belonging is more than just a continuation of online activity—it’s an act of resistance.