TikTok Ban Drives U.S. Users to Xiaohongshu

The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on January 10 upheld a ban on TikTok unless ByteDance divests its American operations. With the platform potentially shutting down in the U.S. by January 19, millions of TikTok users have migrated to alternative platforms, including Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book).

The hashtag #TikTokRefugee has gained over 78 million views and 2 million discussions on Xiaohongshu. Many new users describe the platform as a blend of Instagram and TikTok, offering both video content and social sharing features.

Xiaohongshu quickly climbed to the top of the U.S. App Store’s free apps chart and saw similar success in Australia, the UK, and the Netherlands.

Shift to Short Videos and E-Commerce

Xiaohongshu has been shifting its focus toward short video content, a move accelerated by the influx of TikTok users. The platform recently replaced its “Shopping” tab with a single-column video feed resembling TikTok’s layout.

Some Chinese users have criticized the change, calling it “Xiao Douyin” (Little Douyin), referencing TikTok’s Chinese counterpart. Despite this, Xiaohongshu sees the transition as essential for expanding its e-commerce business.

COO Conan Cheng stated in late 2024 that Xiaohongshu aims to position itself as a “lifestyle e-commerce” platform. The company has been refining its algorithms to integrate community engagement, content, and commerce, boosting revenue generation.

Strengthening Livestream Shopping

Livestream shopping is a key strategy for Xiaohongshu’s e-commerce expansion. The single-column video format encourages users to engage with live shopping streams, increasing conversion rates.

Xiaohongshu has also partnered with manufacturers from industrial regions like Guangdong and Fujian to broaden its product range. The platform, once known for high-end, niche products, is now offering more affordable, mass-market goods.

Livestreams featuring budget-friendly winter boots and casual apparel have gained popularity, adopting sales tactics similar to those on Taobao and Douyin.

Competing in a Crowded Market

Xiaohongshu faces stiff competition from established e-commerce platforms like Taobao, JD.com, and Douyin. These companies have heavily invested in small businesses and industrial suppliers, making it harder for Xiaohongshu to carve out its own market.

To grow its user base, Xiaohongshu has launched aggressive acquisition campaigns, targeting not only urban millennials but also older and rural demographics. The platform has partnered with local governments and introduced referral bonuses to attract new users.

Additionally, Xiaohongshu’s collaboration with China’s national Spring Festival Gala for the second consecutive year highlights its ambition to become a mainstream social commerce platform.

Challenges in Retaining New Users

While the TikTok ban has driven millions of users to Xiaohongshu, retaining them will be a challenge. Many users joined out of frustration with U.S. tech policies or geopolitical concerns rather than a strong affinity for the platform.

Cultural differences and regulatory barriers may also hinder Xiaohongshu’s long-term success in overseas markets. Its reliance on livestream shopping requires significant investment in infrastructure, partnerships, and merchant tools.

Competing with Douyin and Taobao in the livestream e-commerce space will require Xiaohongshu to refine its strategy and lower entry barriers for small businesses.

The TikTok ban presents a unique opportunity for Xiaohongshu to expand globally. However, its long-term success will depend on whether it can sustain engagement and build a scalable e-commerce ecosystem.