Chinese social media app RedNote has come into focus after tens of millions of U.S. TikTok users migrated to it, fearing an earlier ban on TikTok in the U.S.

Within 48 hours from January 13, more than 700,000 new users joined RedNote, Reuters reported. Many of them call themselves "TikTok refugees" seeking a new home on the Internet.

On January 13, RedNote was at the head of App Store's list of top free apps, according to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower.

What has caused the sudden surge in traffic to RedNote?

Charlotte Silverstein, a 32-year-old publicist in Los Angeles, downloaded RedNote after seeing videos on TikTok about migrating to it. She described the move as a "last act of defiance" in her frustration about the potential TikTok ban, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The media intelligence platform Truescope reported that many U.S. users called the switch to RedNote a symbolic act of protest and resistance to the perceived "restrictions on digital freedom."

There is a primal need for emotional exchange between people. The sudden migration of U.S. users to RedNote has created a new platform for veteran Chinese users and American counterparts to interact with each other.

Chinese users have warmly welcomed the newcomers, with some even sharing video tutorials to help the "TikTok refugees" navigate the app.

"I like that two countries are coming together," said Sarah Grathwohl, a 32-year-old marketing manager in Seattle. "We're bonding over this experience."

Ivy Yang, a China tech analyst, said users are finding creative ways to transcend language barriers, navigate cultural differences, and co-exist in fascinating ways. This community building happening in real time could have a lasting impact.

One thing that can't be ignored is that the Chinese platform provides high-quality services based on a deep understanding of user needs. The New York Post said that RedNote's rise suggests that users prioritize engaging content and community over geopolitical considerations.

U.S. users who have come to RedNote paid "cat tax" and "dog tax", that is, sharing photos of their pets, establishing a friendly and harmonious interactive atmosphere.

Another engaging content was someone posting a photo of questions from a textbook used in China for learning English, with the caption, "American please." U.S. users helped answer the questions and received a "Thank you Honey," from the poster.

The popularity of RedNote has also aroused a strong interest in American users in learning Chinese. Language-learning app Duolingo put out a graph showing a 216 percent jump in its user base, compared to this time last year.

All in all, RedNote's rise also suggests that both Chinese and Americans are eager to enhance exchanges and mutual understanding.

In 2024, nearly 16,000 American teenagers visited China. The U.S. children's choir One Voice performing the Chinese song "As You Wish" at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing went viral on social media.

More and more Americans are visiting China and sharing their encounter with the delicious food and beautiful scenery and other interesting experiences in China with the rest of the world.