Due to TikTok currently being unavaible in the US, many have flooded to a new app called RedNote – but what exactly is this?
Many believed that the TikTok ban wouldn’t go ahead, and yet, at 11:00PM on Saturday, January 18, users across the country couldn’t access it.
A message displayed to US users read: “A law banning TikTok has been enacted, meaning you can’t use TikTok for now.”
The shutdown follows a Supreme Court decision upholding a law passed in April 2024, which required TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to either sell the platform to a U.S.-approved buyer or withdraw from the American market entirely.
The ban has sparked outrage among TikTok’s 170 million American users, who argue that the platform fosters free expression.
Donald Trump could come to the app’s rescue, with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew expected to be at his inauguration.
A message also posted to TikTok read: “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office.”
While people across the country seek another way to fill their time, they appear to have landed on another Chinese app called RedNote.
The app, which lacks the usual firewall separating China from much of the global internet, has become a hub for self-proclaimed “TikTok refugees” seeking a new online home, as reported by BBC News.
RedNote has seen a massive surge in downloads, with 700,000 new US users joining in just two days, making it the most downloaded free app in the US App Store.
One American user, posting under the name Definitelynotchippy, explained their motivation: “A lot of us are smarter than that though so we decided to piss off our government and download an actual Chinese app.
“We call that trolling, so in short we’re here to spite our government and to learn about China and hang out with you guys.”
While RedNote’s newfound role as a cultural exchange platform may not align with official diplomacy goals, the app has become a vibrant space for dialogue.
Chinese users have welcomed Americans, expressing surprise and excitement at the chance to interact directly.
However, an alarming trend has seen Chinese users asking Americans whether they actually have to pay for healthcare or if that’s just propaganda…
The flood of new users has prompted RedNote to hire English-language moderators, and other companies are capitalizing on the trend.
Language app Duolingo, for instance, reported a 216% jump in usage compared to the same time last year.
Despite RedNote’s growing popularity, its long-term appeal may be short-lived. Like TikTok, the platform could face scrutiny over potential national security concerns.
Beijing’s tolerance for such open exchanges is also uncertain, given its strict internet controls.
Chinese users have advised their American counterparts to avoid sensitive topics like politics, religion, and drugs.
One post also warned US users to respect China’s “One China” policy, which recognizes Beijing’s sovereignty over Taiwan.
All things considered, it looks like TikTok’s ban has accidentally led to improved relations between US and Chinese citizens.
