RedNote's Rocky Road: Challenges Facing U.S. TikTok Users Migrating to the Chinese App

In response to the U.S. government's ban on TikTok, many American users have turned to RedNote, a Chinese app also known as Xiaohongshu. This shift catapulted RedNote to the top of the U.S. App Store. However, these new users are encountering significant issues, including unexpected account suspensions and bans.

Functionality and Limitations

RedNote initially appeared to be a suitable alternative to TikTok, given its focus on short-form videos and creator-driven content. Yet, it diverges from TikTok with its additional features akin to a Chinese version of Yelp or Google, providing local recommendations alongside video content.

Challenges with Community Guidelines

Several users, including notable TikTok influencer and entrepreneur Bethany Frankel, have experienced penalties or account removals shortly after joining. These incidents reportedly stem from various infractions such as including TikTok watermarks in videos or violating RedNote's elusive community guidelines.

"Some users found their accounts banned due to videos featuring TikTok watermarks," one report indicated.

Verification and Suspected Bot Activity

Issues with account verification have been widespread. Users attempting to verify their accounts with U.S. phone numbers often do not receive verification codes, leading to multiple attempts that sometimes trigger suspensions due to suspected bot-like activity.

Language Barrier

A significant barrier for new users is the app’s community guidelines, which are written in Mandarin. While an option to switch to English exists, navigating the settings to enable this feature is challenging for those unfamiliar with the language.

Unexplained Suspensions

In some cases, account suspensions occur without clear reasons. For example, one user reported their account was frozen after posting a seemingly innocuous picture of cinnamon rolls.

"Another user jokingly speculated that they were banned for 'liking too many thirst traps,'" according to user accounts.

Attempts at Resolution

Some creators are attempting to appeal their bans, though the outcomes of these efforts remain uncertain.

The Competitive Landscape

As these challenges continue, other platforms are vying for TikTok's displaced user base. Most creators may revert to platforms like those operated by Meta and Google, which offer scalable monetization opportunities.