By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-01-14 23:01:32 | Updated at 2025-01-15 05:34:02
6 hours ago
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.
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.
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.
