In the aftermath of a new wave of rumors that the administration might ban the Chinese-owned platform, American users are downloading Chinese app Xiaohongshu-the popular shopping application also known as RedNote-to epidemic proportions. Sources close to the NBC News team say RedNote took the number-one spot on Apple’s free list for US downloads on Monday and was followed closely by second place on Tuesday by Lemon8, the sibling app of the beleaguered TikTok.
Downloads are soaring among users seeking alternative video-sharing options, in case the popular service, TikTok, is shut down on January 19. TikTok is being shut down under a law forcing the company to break up with its parent company from China, ByteDance, or stop the services in the United States. Though the ban is set to happen, TikTok may still be reprieved by the US Supreme Court.
About Xiaohongshu (RedNote)
Created in 2013 in China, the app Xiaohongshu (also colloquially “Little Red Book”) combines shortform videos with online trading. The popular app, counting 300 million monthly active users mainly among younger women, started its popularity also outside of mainland China, specially in Taiwan as well as Malaysian Chinese diasporas. More often than not, RedNote users rely upon it for searching products, learning how to get to a good place, information on restaurants to eat at or some beauty recipe.
As the ban on TikTok looms, many American users are switching to RedNote, with some even adopting the app as a form of protest against the ban. Some users have also expressed plans to stop using Meta-owned platforms like Instagram and Facebook if the TikTok ban is enacted, referencing Meta’s reported involvement in efforts to malign TikTok in 2022 through a Republican lobbying firm.
Over recent days, it has taken up residence with RedNote in users described as ‘TikTok refugees,’ seeking advice for their ‘debut performances in navigation of app exploration in front of a moot ban.”.