Title: Discovering Little Red Book: The Social Media App Favorite Among TikTokers in the US
Title: Discovering Little Red Book: The Social Media App Favorite Among TikTokers in the US
The popular app named "Little Red Book" or "RedNote" by American users, famously known as Xiaohongshu in its homeland, topped Apple's US App Store on Tuesday. Founded in 2013, Xiaohongshu boasts a staggering 300 million users, according to research firm Qian Gua. Often likened to Instagram, the app has gained recognition for its role in sharing advice on topics like travel, makeup, and fashion.
While it has dominated China's social media landscape, Xiaohongshu hasn't garnered much attention beyond its native Chinese-speaking audience until now. The reason for this sudden shift? TikTok's potential downfall in the US.
The Xiaohongshu Blastoff
In the same week that TikTok could potentially face a US ban, Xiaohongshu is making headlines worldwide. The growing interest in Xiaohongshu among American TikTok users surfaced as a form of defiance against Washington's intention to control TikTok.
"Our government is out of their minds if they think we're going to stand for this TikTok ban," a user named Heather Roberts asserted in a video message sent to Xiaohongshu, which garnered well over 45,000 likes. "We're just going to a new Chinese app, and here we are."
Currently, the hashtag "TikTok refugee" has raked in almost 60 million views, boasting over 1.7 million comments.
"This is so much better than TikTok," a self-proclaimed "refugee" declared in another video message. "Americans are coming here ... so sorry you'll hate us, but I promise we'll do our best."
While Xiaohongshu remains tight-lipped about the sudden surge of American users, the app has become a unique space for Chinese and American interactions.
The Unlikely Union
With this unexpected migration of American users, Xiaohongshu has gained an unprecedented platform for exchanging ideas between Chinese and American users.
"I just want to reassure you that we want to try to find a way to communicate with you, be respectful to your community," one user said. "We want to be good guests."
Some American "newcomers" have encouraged fellow Americans to respect Chinese users present on the app.
"Just a quick message for the American users coming over here: Please don't bring politics here. We want to have fun here, we want to enjoy here, and we want to show respect to the people who are already here," one user posted.
As expected, most Chinese users have welcomed the newcomers with open arms. Some have even taken it upon themselves to teach the new "TikTok refugees" the ropes of Xiaohongshu, creating a sense of community.
"This could be a historic moment," one Chinese user commented. "It feels like so much has changed in an instant. Ordinary people from our two countries have never really connected before ... I hope everyone can take this brief chance to engage in meaningful exchanges of ideas."
One person even seized the opportunity presented by the influx of American netizens to ask for help with their English homework in a popular post that received over 2,000 likes.
Ivy Yang, a China tech analyst and founder of consulting firm Wavelet Strategy, referred to the unusual exchange as an "organic form of cultural exchange" between the US and China, calling it an "unexpected" development.
"Users are finding creative ways to transcend language barriers, navigate cultural differences, and co-exist in fascinating ways," she concluded.
Although Xiaohongshu and TikTok share similar features, the two platforms differ in many aspects.
Why You Might Enjoy Xiaohongshu Instead of TikTok
For starters, Xiaohongshu wasn't created with English speakers in mind, whereas TikTok isn't accessible in China.
One of Xiaohongshu's defining features is its content algorithm, which focuses on user interests instead of the people they follow. This algorithm helps generate more unique content and minimizes the influence of powerful influencers.
The company behind Xiaohongshu, Xingin Information Technology, was founded by Charlwin Mao and Miranda Qu and is based in Shanghai.
While the app's catchy red-cover name might remind you of a red-covered book of quotations from Communist China's founding father Mao Zedong, Xiaohongshu launched Lemon8, a lifestyle community app, as an alternative to TikTok.
Lemon8: Another Option for American "Refugees"
Lemon8, which is also owned by ByteDance, is currently ranked as the second-most downloaded app on Apple's US store. Lemon8 shares similar video-sharing functions with TikTok and was modeled after Instagram and Pinterest.
Although the association with ByteDance might cause some concerns among American users, the looming ban on TikTok could also affect Lemon8's operations in the US.
As Americans scramble for alternatives to TikTok, Xiaohongshu and Lemon8 are gaining ground. CNN is keeping a close eye on the situation.
In response to potential TikTok's ban in the US, American users are turning towards Xiaohongshu as an alternative, which has led to a surge in its user base and created a unique space for cultural exchange between both nations. This influx of American users has also propelled Lemon8, another app owned by ByteDance, into popularity, as people seek alternatives to TikTok.
Despite these recent developments, Xiaohongshu and TikTok differ significantly, with Xiaohongshu's content algorithm focusing on user interests and minimizing the influence of powerful influencers, setting it apart from TikTok's more popular-influencer-centric platform.