As the Supreme Court deliberates on a decision that could ban TikTok in the United States, a digital exodus is underway. Thousands of TikTok users, affectionately calling themselves “TikTok refugees,” are fleeing the app and migrating to a Chinese social media platform called Xiaohongshu—literally “little red book” in Mandarin. As of this week, Xiaohongshu has surged to the top of Apple’s US App Store, despite not even having an official English name.
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But this isn’t just another app migration. What’s unfolding is a fascinating cultural exchange, a protest against US tech giants, and a glimpse into the future of global social media. Here’s why Xiaohongshu is suddenly the hottest app in America—and what it means for the future of online communities.
The TikTok Ban and the Rise of Xiaohongshu
The Supreme Court’s potential ban on TikTok stems from concerns that the Chinese government could use the app to surveil Americans. This has left millions of users scrambling for alternatives. While some are predictably turning to Instagram or YouTube, others are making a bold statement by embracing Xiaohongshu, a platform developed by a Chinese company.
“I would rather stare at a language I can’t understand than to ever use a social media [platform] that Mark Zuckerberg owns,” one user declared in a Xiaohongshu video. This sentiment is echoed by countless others who see the migration as a form of protest against US lawmakers.
Xiaohongshu, often dubbed “the Chinese Instagram,” is primarily known for its travel and lifestyle content. With over 300 million users in China, it’s a powerhouse in its home country. But now, it’s becoming a haven for American users navigating its mostly Chinese ecosystem with the help of translation tools.
A Platform Built for Chinese Users, Now Hosting Americans
For many TikTok refugees, Xiaohongshu is uncharted territory. The app’s interface, designed for Chinese-speaking users, can feel alien to English speakers. “I have no idea what I’m doing here. I can’t even read the rules,” one user lamented in a post.
Yet, the language barrier hasn’t stopped the influx of new users. Many are posting introductory videos, explaining their reasons for joining and expressing hope to rebuild the communities they left behind on TikTok. These videos are racking up thousands of likes and comments, with Chinese users warmly welcoming their new American counterparts.
“Hello everyone, my name is Ryan. I’m a TikTok refugee. The American government is banning TikTok so we are looking for an alternative … We are very sorry to interrupt you here. Hope we don’t have to stay here for too long,” one user said in a video that has since garnered over 24,000 likes.
The response from Chinese users has been overwhelmingly positive. “It’s fine, you are not interrupting. When you guys are active, we are sleeping,” read one of the top comments.
A Cultural Exchange Like Never Before
What’s truly remarkable about this migration is the cultural exchange it’s sparking. Xiaohongshu is becoming a space where American and Chinese users are learning about each other’s societies, often for the first time.
Live audio chatrooms on the platform have become hubs for cross-cultural dialogue. In one popular chatroom, nearly 30,000 users tuned in to hear Americans and Chinese explain how their respective societies work and clarify common misunderstandings.
Sarah Fotheringham, a TikTok user from Utah, shared her experience on Xiaohongshu: “People have reached out to offer help in every way, from navigating the app, adding subtitles to videos, and translations. One comment on my video was from a Chinese user. She said, ‘Wow, it’s like looking over the Chinese wall.’ And for me, it’s been my first time seeing in.”
What Makes Xiaohongshu Different?
While Xiaohongshu does allow short vertical videos like TikTok, the majority of its content consists of photo slideshows paired with text. This has led many to compare it more to Instagram than TikTok.
The app’s AI-powered grid-shaped feed, often referred to as a “masonry grid,” has been so successful in driving engagement that tech giants like Tencent and ByteDance have copied the design. In fact, Lemon8—another ByteDance-owned app that’s also seeing a surge in downloads—is widely seen as an attempt to emulate Xiaohongshu’s success.
But Xiaohongshu’s appeal goes beyond its design. In China, it’s known as a trusted source of user-generated recommendations for everything from restaurants to skincare products. For American users, it’s a refreshing departure from the polished, influencer-driven content they’re used to seeing on other platforms.
The Future of Xiaohongshu in the US
While Xiaohongshu’s sudden popularity in the US is undeniable, its future remains uncertain. The same law that could ban TikTok also stipulates that any “foreign adversary controlled application” may face a similar fate. In other words, Xiaohongshu could eventually follow in TikTok’s footsteps.
For now, though, the app is thriving. Its existing user base is fascinated by the influx of American voices, and many are going out of their way to help newcomers navigate the platform.
“Most of the [new Xiaohongshu users] are probably in the curiosity phase. I think moments of cultural shock or controversies could emerge as time goes on, but that would be part of the process for them to know each other on a deeper level,” says David Yang, a Chinese user based in Paris.
A New Era of Global Social Media?
The TikTok ban has thrust Xiaohongshu into the spotlight, but its rise signals something bigger: the potential for a more interconnected global social media landscape. As users from different cultures come together on platforms like Xiaohongshu, they’re breaking down barriers and fostering understanding in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Whether Xiaohongshu will become a permanent home for TikTok refugees or just a temporary stopgap remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: this cultural collision is reshaping the way we think about social media, and it’s a story you’ll want to keep watching.
So, are you ready to join the Xiaohongshu revolution? Or will you stick to the platforms you know? Either way, the future of social media is looking more global—and more unpredictable—than ever.
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