Trending off TikTok? US users going to China’s Xiaohongshu face challenges, analysts say

Published: 7:01am, 15 Jan 2025Updated: 7:03am, 15 Jan 2025

Analysts are predicting that a recent surge of Americans flocking to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu could be short-lived, as users soon find its content regulations differ sharply from those on TikTok US.

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The sudden migration to Xiaohongshu is largely seen as a protest against a US law set to take effect on January 19, banning TikTok stateside unless it is sold to a non-Chinese buyer.

A Supreme Court ruling on TikTok’s lawsuit challenging the ban is expected on Wednesday.

Some observers believe Xiaohongshu’s popularity may fade. Also known as Rednote, it lacks an English-language version or translation features like mainland messaging app WeChat and social media platform Weibo, arguably making long-term engagement difficult.

They also expect the incoming Donald Trump administration is likely to face questions about other mainland-based apps owned or operated in China.

TikTok awaits a ruling by the US Supreme Court on a law banning it if it is not sold to a non-Chinese buyer. Photo: AFP
TikTok awaits a ruling by the US Supreme Court on a law banning it if it is not sold to a non-Chinese buyer. Photo: AFP

Paul Triolo of Washington-based global advisory firm Albright Stonebridge Group said most Americans going to Xiaohongshu “appear to be doing it as a protest” over the impending TikTok ban.

  

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