'I’m a TikTok refugee': Memes flood internet as US users flock to Chinese app RedNote ahead of ban

With TikTok’s ban imminent, US users find humor and refuge in Chinese app RedNote.

As TikTok’s looming ban inches closer, U.S. users have rapidly shifted to the Chinese app RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu. This unexpected migration has set social media ablaze with memes, cultural interactions, and plenty of humor.

Hilarious interactions between Chinese and American users have gone viral, with many Americans humorously dubbing themselves "TikTok refugees" as they introduce themselves on RedNote. 

One user posted, "I’m a TikTok refugee," while others mocked U.S. governmental concerns about data privacy by joking about "spy games" on the platform.

The way people are calling themselves TikTok refugees on Rednote 🤣

— Evy (@evelyynxs) January 13, 2025

Ironically, some netizens pointed out the situation's absurdity, highlighting how the U.S. government aimed to block TikTok over data concerns, only for users to switch to a fully China-based app.

American government: banning TikTok because of ‘Chinese spying’
American Tiktokers: signing up for RedNote the Chinese version of TikTok pic.twitter.com/ExTlQbeks8

— CGALL (@GallFAM4) January 13, 2025

"Hilarious RedNote memes highlight the cultural and political irony of Americans fleeing to Xiaohongshu amidst fears of TikTok’s ban," remarked one user. 

american tiktok users installing a chinese app (rednote) directly on their phone bc of the tiktok ban is hilarious pic.twitter.com/F9rfqarCLv

— 🐻‍❄️⁷ is happy (@userbfIy) January 13, 2025

Another noted, “The beef has always been between governments, not citizens,” celebrating the friendly interactions across borders.

RedNote’s popularity has surged overnight, with the app climbing to the #1 spot on the Apple App Store. U.S. users have embraced the platform's mix of Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts vibes. 

Beyond short video entertainment, RedNote also offers unique emojis and e-commerce services, keeping its 300 million monthly users engaged.

Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, has hit #1 on the US App Store following news of a possible TikTok ban on January 19th. pic.twitter.com/CwIXgtPEfO

— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 13, 2025

With TikTok expected to be inaccessible in the U.S. starting January 19, the influx of Americans exploring RedNote has only amplified. Chinese users, in return, have been asking Americans for help with English homework while guiding them through the platform’s features.

"TikTok is a threat because of China"

*A bunch of us moving from TikTok to REDnote*

The braindead US Gov: pic.twitter.com/QpCe2sAj0A

— Kᗷ (@THEfirstKBGAMES) January 13, 2025

Netizens have taken this shift as an opportunity to share memes, joke about cultural barriers, and even claim they’ll learn Mandarin out of spite. As one post humorously suggested, “TikTok refugees uniting on RedNote is a meme-worthy cultural reset.”