Chinese State Media Cheers 'TikTok Refugees' Flocking to RedNote

Self-described "TikTok refugees" who have created accounts on another Chinese social media app, Xiaohongshu, known as RedNote in English, have been welcomed by articles published in Chinese state media—which have emphasized the interconnectedness between China and the United States.

Newsweek has reached out to RedNote's press team, the U.S. State Department and the Chinese Embassy for comment via email on Friday.

Why It Matters

On Friday, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that TikTok's ties to China pose significant national security risks, outweighing concerns about free speech for the application and its 170 million American users. The highest court upheld a bipartisan federal law requiring TikTok's China-owned parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban.

In the days leading up to the ruling, RedNote, viewed as a potential alternative to TikTok, gained nearly 3 million new users, often referred to as "TikTok refugees." The Chinese-owned social media app could face similar challenges as TikTok, and also raises questions about how it's ownership by Shanghai-based Xingyin Information Technology differs compared to ByteDance from a national security standpoint.

What To Know

Two Chinese-state media outlets, Global Times and China Daily, which are both published by the Chinese Communist Party, welcomed the new RedNote users, with an opinion piece in the latter saying it is bringing them "closer to China" and is an act of "protest against the ban."

The Global Times article said that Western politicians and media have shaped an "information cocoon" that resulted in new RedNote subscribers being surprised by the Chinese users "friendliness and openness."

RedNote topped Apple's App Store free downloads this week and saw a remarkable increase in Google searches. Market intelligence firm Sensor Tower told NPR that RedNote jumped 161 positions from last year to become the top-ranked social app on Google Play as of Wednesday.

Xiaohongshu, which translates to "little red book," is often compared to TikTok due to its focus on short-form video content. RedNote also integrates elements similar to Pinterest, providing users with a mix of video and livestreaming features. The platform allows users to share product reviews, experiences, and lifestyle content, creating a blend of social interaction and online shopping.

Launched in 2013, RedNote has rapidly grown to become one of China's fastest-growing social platforms, valued at over $3 billion. It enables users to discover, research and purchase products directly through the app.

What People Are Saying

The Global Times editorial board said in an article early January 17: "Some admit that years of Western politicians and media shaping an 'information cocoon' to demonize China left them initially apprehensive about exploring a Chinese-language platform. Yet, they quickly discover that the friendliness and openness of Chinese users dissolve their unease. Some are even moved to tears by a single 'hello' from a stranger across the Pacific. From sharing memes and 'cat taxes' to helping with homework and balancing budgets, the enthusiasm for mutual exchanges between netizens of both countries is rising rapidly. Conversations are transitioning from lighthearted to profound, causing the 'information cocoon' to be squeezed into its cracks."

The article also said: "Now, 'RedNote' has become a message board for the people of China and the US, reflecting the simple wish of both countries and the international community for a world of peace, prosperity, and universal security."

In a January 16 opinion article in the China Daily: "American netizens downloading Xiaohongshu is not just a platform shift; it is also an act of protest against the US government's decision. Many believe this is in defense of freedom of speech. By downloading Xiaohongshu, users are attempting to show that they will not easily give up their beloved social media platform and hope the government will reconsider the ban on TikTok."

Further down in the opinion article, the author wrote: "The actions of TikTok refugees show how a country that claims to be a democracy does not grant freedom to its own people. What right does it then have to point an accusing finger at other countries?"

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said during a press conference per Reuters: "China has always supported and encouraged strengthening cultural exchanges and promoting mutual understanding among the peoples of all countries."

Aynne Kokas, professor of media studies and the C.K. Yen Professor at the Miller Center, University of Virginia, told Newsweek this week: "Like TikTok, RedNote is subject to a number of Chinese government regulations that assert oversight over the app's data and algorithm, including the same national security export controls the TikTok algorithm is subject to and the same data security regulations. The app's increasing user base creates similar national security dynamics that led Congress to ban TikTok."

Trump said in a Truth Social post on Friday following the Supreme Court's decision: "The Supreme Court decision was expected, and everyone must respect it. My decision on TikTok will be made in the not too distant future, but I must have time to review the situation. Stay tuned!"

A White House spokesperson said in a previous statement to Newsweek: "Our position on this has been clear: TikTok should continue to operate but under American ownership. Given the timing of when it goes into effect, over a holiday weekend a day before inauguration, it will be up to the next administration to implement."

What Happens Next

The future of the TikTok app remains uncertain, however some legal analysts have said that Trump could decline to enforce the ban, as he has vocally opposed the effort.

The law allowed for a 90-day pause in the restrictions on the app if there had been progress toward a sale before it took effect. Without a sale to an approved buyer in the wings, TikTok had indicated it plans to shut down its app for U.S. users on Sunday. However, the companies CEO Shou Zi Chew suggested on Friday that Trump may still help the company find a "solution."

If enforced, the app would be removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and users trying to access it will be redirected to a website explaining the ban. TikTok will also allow users to download their personal data. It appears that many users may jump to RedNote, although it is unclear how long this trend will last.