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TikTok users’ attempted migration to Chinese app RedNote isn’t going too well
American TikTok users have been thumbing their collective noses at the U.S. government’s decision to ban TikTok by spitefully joining another Chinese social media app, Red Note (aka Xiaohongshu), sending it to the top of the U.S. App Store on Monday. Unfortunately, many of those who already made the transition have faced problems with having their accounts suspended and banned for a variety of reasons.
Initially, RedNote had seemed like a promising alternative to ByteDance’s TikTok in terms of its functionality, given its focus on short-form video feeds and creator content. However, the app isn’t a one-to-one replacement for TikTok as it’s also designed to serve as something akin to a Chinese Yelp or Google alternative offering local recommendations and nearby connections in addition to the video feed.
Meanwhile, some users who joined RedNote – including popular TikToker, entrepreneur, and former Bravo star Bethany Frankel – found themselves penalized or kicked out entirely after their initial posts on the Chinese app. According to various reports from TikTok users, these bans were due to a multitude of reasons. Some were penalized because their videos featured the TikTok watermark, which apparently may be an issue on RedNote, they said.
Other incidents involved verification issues. Users attempting to verify their accounts using their U.S.-based phone number – an option available on the app – didn’t receive their codes and attempted multiple times, only to see their accounts suspended over suspected bot activity.
Some suspensions don’t have a clear explanation, however. For example, one TikTok user claimed their account was frozen after posting a picture of cinnamon rolls. Another joked they must have been banned for “liking” posts too much.
Several TikTok creators said they’re attempting to appeal their bans but it’s unclear what those efforts will yield.
In the meantime, every other app that competes with TikTok is making a play for its users though most likely creators will return to apps run by Meta and Google given the need to monetize their followings at scale.
Source: techcrunch.com
