Xiaohongshu Reaches Top of US App Store Download Chart Amid TikTok Uncertainty
As the US Supreme Court accelerates its review of a bill that could lead to the forced sale or nationwide ban of TikTok, the short-video social media platform is facing an uncertain future in the country. Meanwhile, a new player has emerged to capitalize on the potential void left by TikTok's absence: Xiaohongshu, also known as Little Red Book, a Chinese social media platform that has gained immense popularity among American users.

13 January 2025
According to recent data, Xiaohongshu has topped the free app download charts on the US App Store, with many users flocking to the platform as a potential alternative to TikTok. The app's sudden surge in popularity can be attributed to the growing uncertainty surrounding TikTok's fate in the US. As one user aptly put it, "TikTok refugees" are seeking new homes, and Xiaohongshu is one of the beneficiaries.
Xiaohongshu's rise to prominence in the US market is a remarkable turn of events, given that the platform has struggled to gain traction in its home market, China. However, its unique blend of social commerce, community-driven content, and discovery features has resonated with American users, who are eager to explore new platforms in the wake of TikTok's uncertain future.
The app's user interface has been flooded with posts from American users, with many expressing their excitement and curiosity about the platform. One user, who identified themselves as a TikTok refugee, exclaimed, "I came here from TikTok, and I'm loving it so far!" Another user, who claimed to be from California, asked, "What do you guys think of this app? Is it a good alternative to TikTok?"
As the US Supreme Court considers a bill that could potentially ban TikTok or force its sale, Chinese social media platforms are seeing an unexpected surge in popularity among American users. At the forefront of this trend is Xiaohongshu, or Little Red Book, a Chinese social media app that has become the go-to platform for users fleeing TikTok.
According to recent data, Xiaohongshu has reached the top spot on the US App Store download chart, a remarkable feat for a Chinese social media platform. This sudden interest in Xiaohongshu is largely attributed to the uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future in the US. Many American users, who have grown accustomed to the short-form video format popularized by TikTok, are now turning to Xiaohongshu as a substitute. The app's user base is growing rapidly, with many new users joining the platform to connect with others who share similar interests.
Chinese social media platforms, long dominated by Western counterparts, are now seizing the opportunity to expand their reach in the US market. As Yang Sheng, a Chinese commentator, noted, "Just a few years ago, we were worried about the Western media's dominance and the difficulty of breaking into the market. But now, we're seeing a shift, and our own platforms are growing in popularity."
The influx of new users on Xiaohongshu has also sparked a sense of community among American users, who are eager to connect with others who share their interests. Many users are translating their comments and posts into English to show respect and friendliness to their new online friends.
As one American user, Cornedhamdip, commented, "Hello! I heard they like when we translate our comments to show respect. I hope this app I got does a good job!" The sentiment is echoed by many other users, who are embracing the opportunity to connect with users from different cultural backgrounds.
Xiao Hong Shu's sudden rise to the top of the US App Store download charts has left many wondering what factors contributed to its success. One reason, it seems, is the impending ban on TikTok in the United States. With the fate of the popular social media app hanging in the balance, American users have been searching for alternative platforms to fill the void.
As one user jokingly put it, "一觉醒来,小红薯收拾收拾准备升咖了" ("Woke up and found that Xiao Hong Shu is about to level up!"). Indeed, the app's popularity has been boosted by the influx of users from TikTok, who have been seeking a new platform to share and discover content.

Lemon8, another app that has been gaining traction in the US, has also been downloaded in large numbers, indicating that American users are actively seeking alternatives to TikTok. As one user on Xiao Hong Shu noted, "不知道的还以为去了外边......" ("I didn't know and thought I was abroad......"), highlighting the sudden influx of American users on the platform.
As the ban on TikTok draws near, it remains to be seen whether Xiao Hong Shu can sustain its momentum and retain its position as the top-downloaded app on the US App Store. For now, it seems that American users are warming up to the app, with many sharing their thoughts and opinions on the platform. As one user wrote, "Fresh discoveries every day and I'm curious what you guys think!"
As the US Supreme Court considers a ban on TikTok, a new "refugee" crisis has emerged - but this time, it's not about people fleeing war or persecution, but about social media users seeking a new home. In this case, the beneficiary is a Chinese social media platform called Little Red Book, or Xiaohongshu in Chinese.
According to recent data, Little Red Book has shot to the top of the US App Store download charts, with many American users flocking to the platform in anticipation of a TikTok ban. The app's popularity has been fueled by users seeking a new outlet for social media expression, and Little Red Book's unique blend of e-commerce, social networking, and content sharing has proven to be a winning formula.
On social media, users are jokingly referring to Little Red Book as a "refugee camp" for TikTok users, with many sharing their experiences of discovering the platform and marveling at its features. Some users have even taken to sharing screenshots of the app's US App Store ranking, which shows Little Red Book at number one, followed closely by another Chinese social media platform, Lemon8.
The sudden surge in popularity has also led to some cultural clashes, with American users encountering Chinese-language content and struggling to navigate the app's features. However, for many users, the novelty of exploring a new platform has been part of the fun, with some even embracing the opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture.
As the US Supreme Court deliberates on the fate of TikTok, one thing is clear: the social media landscape is constantly evolving, and users are always on the lookout for new and exciting platforms to call home. For now, Little Red Book is basking in the spotlight, but only time will tell if it can sustain its newfound popularity.
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