TikTok’s potential ban has users fleeing to another Chinese App ‘REDNote’—Internet can’t hold their laughter on this irony

TikTok might be getting the heave-ho from Uncle Sam, so what do we do? Of course, we pivot to another Chinese app REDNote. It is the latest app to dominate your phone screen while lawmakers scratch their heads, wondering what just happened.

As the U.S. government inches closer to waving goodbye to TikTok, citing national security, American users are already swiping right on their new digital fling, REDNote—also known as Xiaohongshu, or for those who prefer the aesthetic, "Little Red Book."

Social media is on fire with jokes about how banning one Chinese app only sent us rushing to another one. If we can’t use TikTok, we’ll just use Xiaohongshu.

This article contains the opinions of the writer. Reader discretion is advised.

A post (via @GallFAM4) read: "American government: banning TikTok because of ‘Chinese spying’. American Tiktokers: signing up for RedNote the Chinese version of TikTok."

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Another post (via @THEfirstKBGAMES) reads: "TikTok is a threat because of China". *A bunch of us moving from TikTok to REDnote* The brainde*d US Gov:"

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Meanwhile, a user (@notophliagrace) mentioned: "the fact people can post pictures with comments on rednote and people are asking for help with their english hw is so funnyyy."

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A user (@TVchats1) stated: "Yalll dear I say …………. It’s kinda giving on RedNote ! 😂😂😂 . I’m crying at how many Americans are over there ! I have Chinese people in the comments welcoming us over ! 🥹"

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A user (@userbfIy) stated: "american tiktok users installing a chinese app (rednote) directly on their phone bc of the tiktok ban is hilarious."

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Another user (@LocalWvlf) just went on to depict a dramatic scenario of meeting their so-called "Chinese spy". This generation is so unserious on all accounts.

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A user (@Nuzcom) humorously noted: "I feel bad for Congress. Who is going to explain this to them?"

"This might be the funniest move Americans have made in years", a comment (@WickyDubs2) read.

What’s the buzz about REDNote?

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REDNote, birthed in 2013, started as a humble platform for sharing overseas shopping finds. Fast forward to now, and it’s a full-blown social media and e-commerce mashup, kind of like if Instagram and Pinterest had a chic, tech-savvy baby.

The app is the place to be for TikTok refugees looking for a new home to post their latest dance moves, food hacks, or that #OOTD.

For the uninitiated, REDNote lets users create "notes,"—which sounds like we’re all just exchanging sticky notes, but it’s actually a content buffet of text, images, and short videos.

You can create product reviews, lifestyle tips, and personal rants that convince you to buy that skincare. It also has a top-tier integration of e-commerce that makes impulse buying dangerously easy.

Scrolling through REDNote is like wandering through a digital mall where every store has its own content creator hyping up the latest must-haves.

And if you are convinced enough to shop, you don’t even have to leave the app.

And in case you’re wondering, it’s got all the usual social features—likes, comments, follows—plus a user base that’s predominantly young, urban women who are all about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle.

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Meanwhile, the TikTok’s woes

Chinese Social Media App TikTok To Be Banned Unless Sold To US Company - Source: Getty

Now, why the sudden switch to REDNote? Congress passed legislation that might force TikTok to cut ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, by January 19, 2025.

If that doesn’t happen, TikTok could vanish from app stores and service providers.

The government's stance is the app can pose a considerable threat to national security as Bytedance, its parent company is headquartered in China. They’re worried about espionage, and while the courts deliberate, millions of creators are sweating over their livelihoods.

A potential amount of earnings could evaporate in just one month if TikTok gets the axe. According to CNN, the app could lose $1 billion in revenue with approximately 2 million content creators losing $300 million in earnings. This could happen all within a month of banning the app.