With the possible shutdown of TikTok looming on January 19, 2025, American users are increasingly seeking alternatives to the popular app amid concerns surrounding data privacy and national security. Following calls from U.S. officials to ban the app due to its ties to its parent company, ByteDance, another Chinese short-form video app, Xiaohongshu, is beginning to capture the attention of TikTok users. Recently, Xiaohongshu surged to the top of the U.S. App Store rankings for free apps, signaling its growing appeal.
Why the sudden shift? Reportedly, TikTok creators are actively promoting Xiaohongshu, known as RedNote in English, on their platforms, urging their followers to migrate to this new social networking site. This move has been characterized as cautious ‘hedging’ by content creators against the uncertain future of TikTok. Since its inception in 2013, Xiaohongshu has adopted frameworks similar to Pinterest and Instagram, boasting not only vibrant social features but also built-in e-commerce capabilities. Now, it claims over 300 million monthly active users, with 79% identifying as women.
The urgency of finding alternatives arises from hefty pressure on TikTok to potentially divest its U.S. operations, which has been driven by accusations of spying and data mishandling linked to the Chinese government. This situation has sparked anxiety among users who depend on TikTok for their livelihoods; the platform reportedly contributed nearly $25 billion to the U.S. economy just last year, hosting around 170 million users.
According to unnamed sources cited by Bloomberg, there have been preliminary discussions about possible buyers for TikTok’s U.S. operations. One prominent name mentioned is Elon Musk, known for his controversial acquisition of Twitter. These deliberations are framed against the backdrop of fear surrounding the federal ban, compelling stakeholders to act swiftly before the January deadline. Meanwhile, other potential buyers have also emerged, like the investment group around Frank McCourt, who aims to transform the platform to prioritize American interests and privacy.
Highlighting the tangled web of interests, Project Liberty led by McCourt has proposed keeping TikTok operational under U.S. ownership. McCourt's ambition is to construct an American-focused platform without utilizing the Chinese-based algorithm, responding to accusations of data risks. They emphasized the necessity of substantial funding from private investors backing this effort.
Meanwhile, Xiaohongshu's rise seemingly coincides with the turmoil TikTok faces. With the app recently downloaded around 3.2 million times since 2017, its increased visibility and appeal among U.S. users derive from content creators promoting it as the next big thing. Indeed, such shifts can be attributed to concerns about TikTok’s surveillance capabilities by the Chinese government. After all, U.S. officials claim TikTok could be compelled to hand over sensitive data concerning its 170 million American users.
The efficacy of Xiaohongshu or other alternatives hinges significantly on the response from TikTok, ByteDance, and U.S. regulatory bodies. While the talk surrounding TikTok's future remains contentious, with the company denying any ties to espionage, public sentiment appears to be moving toward platforms perceived as safer. Xiaohongshu’s rapid climb to number one reflects this trend as both creators and users adjust to the potential fallout from stringent regulations.
Notably, if the ban goes through, TikTok will be removed from app stores, but users who already downloaded it may still have access for some time. Eventually, dwindling accessibility will occur as operational capabilities become limited. Experts have noted using VPNs may become one of the few methods for users to access TikTok as it retains its application on their devices.
What this also means is if ByteDance cannot align with U.S. demands by facilitating sales to American corporations, the app risks disappearing from the digital scene entirely. Observers note several future paths could emerge, including potential court interventions by the Supreme Court or negotiations to curb the ban altogether.
With TikTok's fate ruffling political feathers and igniting public discourse on data privacy, the attention on alternatives like Xiaohongshu shines light on both users' adaptability and the growing market for social media platforms independent of Chinese oversight. What remains to be seen is whether these alternatives can sustain user interest long-term, especially if the political and regulatory climate surrounding TikTok remains fraught.