With the impending TikTok ban less than a week away, creators are looking for alternative platforms to continue sharing their content. Many creators have turned to TikTok’s American competitors, such as Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts. However, an unexpected contender has emerged in the form of the Chinese-owned Xiaohongshu, also known as Red Note in English. Although Red Note was previously popular among Chinese audiences, it has recently seen a surge in American users, becoming the number one app on the App Store for two consecutive days. Lemon8, another Chinese social media app owned by ByteDance, sits at number two. This influx of American users to these Chinese-owned platforms highlights a desire to find a new social media destination, as well as discontent with the potential TikTok ban.
While Red Note and Lemon8 may be temporary alternatives for American users, they also face regulatory pressures similar to those affecting TikTok. Despite this, many Americans are eager to explore these platforms and potentially influence how the government views the situation surrounding TikTok. Entrepreneur Christina Shuler, who runs the small business Glam Farmhouse, joined Red Note this week as a way to show support and potentially impact the outcome of the ban. The shift towards these Chinese-owned platforms reflects a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with the ban, which many view as paternalistic.
The TikTok ban is the result of a bill passed by Congress last year, requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to either sell the app by January 19 or face a ban in the U.S. TikTok contested the law in court, citing concerns over freedom of speech, but Supreme Court Justices recently expressed doubts about the company’s legal arguments. Since ByteDance has indicated that it will not sell TikTok, the ban is expected to go into effect on Sunday. This impending ban has prompted creators and users to seek alternative platforms to continue sharing their content and engaging with their audiences.
The migration of American users to Red Note and Lemon8 highlights the broader issues surrounding the TikTok ban and the desire for a new social media platform. Creators are exploring various options, including TikTok’s American competitors and Chinese-owned apps, in search of a platform that meets their needs and preferences. While the long-term viability of Red Note and Lemon8 remains uncertain, the current surge of American users on these platforms underscores the evolving landscape of social media and the challenges faced by creators in navigating regulatory pressures and bans. As the ban on TikTok looms, creators and users continue to adapt and explore new avenues for content creation and community engagement.
