TikTok Ban in 2025: Why Are Users Turning to Xiaohongshu?

Introduction

As TikTok faces increasing scrutiny and the possibility of a ban in the U.S., many American users are seeking alternatives to continue their social media presence. Among these new platforms, Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) aka REDnote has emerged as a popular choice.

Already popular among Chinese users and the Chinese diaspora, RED has built its reputation through a seamless blend of lifestyle content and e-commerce. Xiaohongshu delivers a unique social media experience that continues to captivate overseas users.

This evolution underscores how social media platforms can adapt and innovate, creating opportunities for creators to connect, engage, and flourish in an ever-evolving digital ecosystem.

U.S. TikTok Ban

In recent years, TikTok, the popular video-sharing app, has faced increasing scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and regulatory bodies. Concerns about national security and data privacy have led to significant legal challenges for the app’s parent company, ByteDance. The core issue revolves around the potential access the Chinese government might have to the vast amount of data collected by TikTok from its American users, including personal information, viewing habits, and location data.

The situation escalated in 2023, with the U.S. government implementing measures to restrict TikTok’s operations, primarily due to national security concerns. Lawmakers feared that the app, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, could be used for espionage or to spread misinformation.

Under former President Donald Trump, efforts to ban TikTok had already begun, but the issue remained unresolved. In October 2023, the Biden administration took decisive action by issuing an executive order requiring ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations or face a complete ban. This move was part of broader concerns about Chinese ownership of major U.S. platforms.

The decision led to a series of legal battles, with the Supreme Court weighing in on the matter. In December 2024, a federal court upheld the ruling, which meant TikTok would be banned in the U.S. unless ByteDance divested its U.S. assets by January 19, 2025.

This decision created an immediate impact, leaving millions of American users searching for alternatives to maintain their online presence and content-sharing activities. Among these alternatives, Xiaohongshu, also known as “Little Red Book”, emerged as a compelling option.

What is Xiaohongshu ?

Xiaohongshu (RED), or “REDnote” is one of China’s fastest-growing social platforms and a leading social media company, combining user-generated content with e-commerce.

Launched in 2013, it has quickly become a favorite among active users, allowing them to share photos, videos, and reviews on a wide range of lifestyle content topics, such as beauty, fashion, and travel. The platform emphasizes authentic content, with users providing personal experiences and recommendations.

Xiaohongshu also serves as a shopping platform, enabling users to purchase products directly through the app. With features like live streaming and interactive shopping, it offers a seamless integration of social interaction and e-commerce, making it especially popular among Chinese people who seek genuine product insights.

As the platform grows, it continues to capture the attention of both domestic users and the growing global interest in the Chinese market.

Why Are American Users Turning to Xiaohongshu? Instead of Douyin, Instagram, or Facebook?

As TikTok faces increasing legal challenges in the United States, many English-speaking users are seeking an alternative platform, and Xiaohongshu has emerged as a popular choice. On January 14, Xiaohongshu (REDnote) reached the top of download charts in Apple’s iOS App Store.

Here are several factors contribute to this shift:

Xiaohongshu is not region-specific

Initially an overseas shopping app, Xiaohongshu gained popularity among Chinese students abroad. Its Chinese version could be easily downloaded from app stores in various countries, with no country-specific restrictions, making it easily accessible to international users.

Douyin has higher registration barriers

While Douyin is more similar to TikTok, it has strict registration requirements that block foreign users. It’s not available on the U.S. App Store, so users must set their Apple accounts to the Chinese region to download it. Additionally, Douyin requires real-name authentication for registration, which can only be completed with a Chinese ID card, making it less accessible for American users.

Xiaohongshu’s recent redesign

Xiaohongshu’s updated interface, which now includes a “Hot” tab similar to Instagram’s swipe-up feature, has made the platform more familiar and user-friendly for TikTok users. This design overhaul has made it easier for TikTok users to transition and adapt to the app’s features.

TikTok users’ rejection of Instagram and Facebook

Many TikTok users have turned away from platforms like Instagram and Facebook due to dissatisfaction with the TikTok ban. There is a strong rebellious sentiment against U.S. apps, and many American content creators, led by influential TikTok creators, have opted for Xiaohongshu as a way to escape perceived U.S. government control.

This combination of accessibility, familiarity, and political sentiment has driven American users toward Xiaohongshu as the preferred alternative.

The Phenomenon of “TikTok Refugees” on Xiaohongshu

The wave of TikTok users migrating to Xiaohongshu can be seen as a direct consequence of the TikTok ban in the U.S. The transition is not merely about finding a new platform but also reflects a deeper shift in the way social media users are adapting to the changing digital landscape.

A New Home for Content Creators

TikTok creators, who built massive followings on the platform, have been particularly vocal about the need to relocate to alternative spaces where they can continue to reach their audience.

REDnote offers these creators a chance to rebuild their community, as it provides similar video-sharing capabilities combined with a robust social-commerce model. The app’s seamless integration of e-commerce means creators can not only continue to post engaging content but also directly monetize it.

The Appeal of Xiaohongshu’s Niche Community

Unlike the highly competitive and often oversaturated markets of U.S.-based platforms like Instagram, Xiaohongshu’s smaller, niche user base allows for more targeted content and personalized interactions.

Many former TikTok users find this environment more conducive to building authentic connections and a loyal following. The platform’s emphasis on genuine user experiences and product recommendations further appeals to content creators who focus on lifestyle, beauty, fashion, and travel.

The Search for New Opportunities

As TikTok users face restrictions and uncertainty about the future of the app in the U.S., they are looking for platforms that offer similar functionality but with fewer barriers.

RED’s global reach, ease of use, and adaptable format offer new opportunities for these users. It provides a space where they can continue to create, share, and engage without the fear of immediate shutdowns or heavy regulation.

Conclusion

The phenomenon of “TikTok Refugees” on Xiaohongshu highlights the resilience and adaptability of social media users in navigating political and technological changes. For many, Xiaohongshu represents an alternative and a new digital home where creativity and community can thrive free from the shadow of TikTok’s uncertain future.