Americans react to Chinese app "RedNote" trending at the top on App store ahead of Tiktok ban

From learning Mandarin to unlearning propaganda, Americans take the 'brain rot' to RedNote as Tiktok ban looms ahead.

With TikTok's future in the U.S. uncertain, Xiaohongshu, or RedNote, has become a leading alternative for short-video enthusiasts. The app recently claimed the top spot in the Apple App Store’s free app rankings, fueled by a wave of interest from users seeking a replacement platform.

RedNote, launched in 2013 by Charlwin Mao Wenchao and Miranda Qu Fang, began as a shopping guide for Chinese tourists. Over the years, it has evolved into a popular social media app with over 300 million monthly active users. Its unique combination of social media and e-commerce—reminiscent of Pinterest—allows users to shop directly through influencer-generated content.

Many users, dubbing themselves “TikTok refugees,” have rallied around RedNote, encouraging others to download the app. Perhaps the most memorable aspect that has emerged out of the whole debacle though, is the memes  that Americans are now taking from RedNote to Tiktok. 

The cross-platform migration has elicited reactions and realisations across the spectrum. While some come to terms with the fact that thirst-traps are a universal language and most of the U.S. government touted propaganda about China and its citizens is blindly misleading, others engage in the exchange of knowledge by learning Mandarin and teaching English.

@vanessa.symone

This is so funny

♬ original sound - vanessa.symone

 

https://www.tiktok.com/@jurassicchristie/photo/7459577738911927558?_d=secCgYIASAHKAESPgo8F5c%2FmuOaGtO9GHigTfPO3DsOpDIUFI4kRtYnhavyj4ANf10KbtSQsxfE5K1dU6Xy%2FpSPG%2F9yRKhqX%2BPBGgA%3D&_r=1&checksum=41f44b7eb24f0aa74a7953bef0f2154d676bbe2f516f4a4bd5372274e5f4d1ab&cover_exp=v1&preview_pb=0&sec_user_id=MS4wLjABAAAApYXxlThIkum-6fMV_D7vTE811tFVMFsB6OXhY8LhiGWcwLMl_lJ_-N_dKMw4Z-cC&share_app_id=1233&share_item_id=7459577738911927558&share_link_id=7BDD80EA-9289-4FE5-AFBF-A44B18069969&sharer_language=en&social_share_type=14&source=h5_m×tamp=1736853500&tt_from=copy&u_code=e2ib3cme6db1f2&ug_btm=b8727%2Cb2878&ug_photo_idx=0&user_id=7117951003451245574&utm_campaign=client_share&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=copy

For many users, the 'funniest possible outcome' was the fact that Americans, despite their government's warning about data protection, were migrating to the app in droves, pushing it to the No. 1 spot on the App store. 

The TikTok vacuum getting filled by an app that’s even more Chinese is unfortunately the funniest possible outcome here https://t.co/biXsAjOjYe

— WBR (@W_B_Rick) January 14, 2025

My roommate downloaded Red Note (the Chinese version of Pinterest/Insta) like 6 hours ago and he’s already saying “Big ups to Mao Zedong” we are witnessing a moment

— James Ray 🔻 (@GoodVibePolitik) January 14, 2025

While the Chinese netizens were generally welcoming toward their American counterparts, the niceties quickly became transactional.

The Chinese people on Xiaohongshu are now asking Americans for help with their English homework LMAOOOO pic.twitter.com/nAL3cedS85

— Gina Darling (@MissGinaDarling) January 13, 2025

 

@ariellamayamendes

 

♬ original sound - alex

As Americans and the rest of the world anticipate the Tiktok ban and its repercussions, the humor and memes persevere, leading some to wonder what will remain of the platform's legacy.