As TikTok faces an uncertain future in the United States, a wave of American content creators is making a notable transition to Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform also known as Red Note.
Photo via TikTok
Xiaohongshu, which combines Instagram’s visual charm with Pinterest’s organisational touch, experienced a surge in popularity, climbing to the top of Apple’s App Store downloads on 13 January. This rapid ascent highlights the platform’s growing appeal amid the turbulence surrounding TikTok.
Jen Hamilton, a TikTok influencer with 3.9 million followers, addressed the situation with a dose of humour in one of her recent videos. “Oh, you don’t want the Chinese to have our very sensitive personal data? We will drop it off directly!” she remarked, playfully referencing the controversy over TikTok’s ownership.
The United States government has raised concerns about TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, claiming it poses a national security threat. Allegations include facilitating data collection and enabling propaganda. In response, legislation passed last year requires ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban, with the deadline looming on 19 January. Both ByteDance and the Chinese government have denied these accusations, but the situation has sparked wider debates about data privacy and freedom of expression.
Despite Xiaohongshu’s predominantly Mandarin-language content, its innovative design and the opportunity to engage with a fresh audience have piqued the interest of American creators. This shift demonstrates how the upheaval of one platform can pave the way for alternatives—even ones tied to the same geopolitical complexities.
With TikTok boasting approximately 170 million users in the US, the potential ban has left creators seeking new spaces to maintain their digital presence. The irony is not lost, as many now turn to another Chinese-owned platform to continue their creative endeavours.
This migration underscores a curious contradiction: while some Americans scrutinise Chinese technology, others are embracing it afresh, driven by the need to sustain their online influence.
Welcome to Xiaohongshu, America!
