Today, Explained cover image

Today, Explained

From TikTok to 小红书

Jan 24, 2025
Steffi Xiao, an Internet culture reporter, shares her insights on the rise of Xiaohongshu (Red Note) as an alternative to TikTok, fueled by American users seeking cultural exchange. David Pierce, Editor at The Verge, discusses the Fediverse as a potential solution to social media concerns, emphasizing user control and decentralized interactions. They explore the challenges of censorship, data privacy, and the evolving dynamics between American and Chinese users, highlighting the humorous critiques and genuine connections blossoming in this new digital landscape.
27:52

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The rise of Red Note as an alternative to TikTok showcases a cultural exchange between American and Chinese users, fostering unprecedented interactions around lifestyle content.
  • American users jokingly pledge allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party on Red Note, highlighting their disillusionment with domestic politics and frustrations with government neglect.

Deep dives

The Evolving Landscape of TikTok and Alternatives

TikTok's recent tumult has led many users to explore alternatives, leading to a surge in popularity for the Chinese app Red Note. Originally called Xiao Hongshu, it was positioned as an Instagram and Pinterest hybrid focused on lifestyle content primarily appealing to young women. In light of growing concerns over TikTok's data privacy and possible government restrictions, many users have ironically shifted to Red Note, viewing it as a way to 'stick it to the government.' This cultural exchange has given rise to an active dialogue between American and Chinese users, highlighting the app's unique position in contemporary social media dynamics.

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