Xiaohongshu, the app’s original name in Mandarin, surged to the top of the Apple App Store downloads on Monday, drawing attention for its Instagram-meets-Pinterest aesthetic. The app’s appeal is undeniable as TikTok creators seek alternatives ahead of the looming ban.
Popular influencer Jen Hamilton, with 3.9 million TikTok followers, addressed the shift in a sarcastic yet humorous video. “Oh, you don’t want the Chinese to have our very sensitive personal data?” she quipped, promoting her move to RedNote.
The crackdown on TikTok stems from legislation passed last year, which mandates its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to either divest from the platform or face its closure. The law, which takes effect this Sunday, claims national security concerns over alleged data-sharing and propaganda risks linked to Beijing—a claim strongly denied by both ByteDance and the Chinese government.
Critics of the ban argue it stifles free speech, but the US government remains steadfast, citing concerns over surveillance and data misuse. For users like Hamilton, however, the controversy seems far-fetched.
“I can’t stress enough how little I care about the Chinese having my data,” Hamilton said in her video, joking about users sharing their social security numbers to help “spies get promoted faster.” She encouraged her followers, whom she dubbed “TikTok refugees,” to join her on the new platform.
Interestingly, RedNote’s interface, predominantly in Mandarin, has not deterred Americans eager for a social media haven. Despite the language barrier, curiosity about the app is growing, underscoring the resilience of TikTok’s vibrant creator community.
TikTok, which boasts an estimated 170 million US users, faces an uncertain future. However, the rise of RedNote signals the community’s determination to keep creating and connecting—no matter the platform.
