With the upcoming TikTok ban in the United States, thousands of American users are turning to RedNote, a popular Chinese social media platform known for its strict moderation rules. While some see the move as an opportunity to embrace cultural exchange, others quickly clash with the strict censorship typical of Chinese platforms.

The Rise of ‘TikTok Refugees’
Since the announcement that TikTok would be banned this weekend in the U.S., RedNote, known in China as Xiaohongshu, has become a refuge for former TikTok users. Many new users refer to themselves as “TikTok refugees” and praise the friendly community and new interaction opportunities.
American artist Heather Roberts said, “It’s beautiful to see how this platform brings us together. It shows that people from different cultures are not really that different.”
However, not all experiences have been so positive. Within days, American users clashed with the strict censorship rules inherent to Chinese social media.

Strict Moderation and Clashes with Censorship
RedNote is subject to Chinese law, and strict moderation ensures that content deemed politically or culturally sensitive is removed. Posts about LGBTQ+ topics, such as a U.S. user asking if RedNote “welcomes gays,” were censored within hours. Even posts with seemingly innocent images, like fitness photos with exposed torsos, fell victim to moderation rules.
Users also discovered that topics like the popular Japanese anime My Hero Academia were censored due to sensitivities surrounding Japanese war references in China. Some users found the restrictions frustrating and considered leaving the platform.

Reactions from China
The Chinese government has responded positively to RedNote’s growing popularity among U.S. users. According to a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the influx of foreign users illustrates China’s “soft power” success. People’s Daily, a state-run newspaper, emphasized that the interest of foreign users stems from “China’s historical and cultural richness and the openness of its society.”
Meanwhile, RedNote is rushing to cope with the influx of English-speaking users. The company has posted job openings for English-speaking moderators and is working on tools to better manage content in both languages.

Cultural Clashes and New Opportunities
Some users point out that RedNote’s strict rules are a challenge for new American users, but others see it as an opportunity for intercultural dialogue. Analyst Ivy Yang called the influx of users “a rare chance for China to improve perceptions of its culture and society.”
One user, Jeremy Fraga from Texas, said the experience has changed his view of China: “I’ve spoken with people on RedNote for hours, and it has challenged my worldview.”

Conclusion
The rapid growth of RedNote in the U.S. shows how geopolitical shifts are forcing users to seek alternatives and discover new cultures. While the platform’s strict censorship rules present a barrier, it can become a valuable tool for intercultural understanding in a time of digital division if managed effectively. For many users, it provides a new digital home, even in a world without TikTok.