Struggles of TikTok Users: The Rocky Transition to Chinese App RedNote

American TikTok users are responding to the U.S. government’s decision to potentially ban TikTok by flocking to a new Chinese social media platform, RedNote (also known as Xiaohongshu). This move has propelled RedNote to the top of the U.S. App Store, but many users have encountered issues, including account suspensions and bans after making the switch.

RedNote: A New Contender in Social Media

Initially, RedNote appeared to be a viable alternative to TikTok, offering similar functionalities with its emphasis on short-form video content and creator engagement. However, it is more than just a video-sharing app; RedNote also combines elements of a local recommendation platform akin to Yelp or a Google alternative for nearby connections.

Challenges Faced by New Users

Despite its promising features, many users have reported challenges after transitioning to RedNote:

• Account Suspensions: High-profile users, such as entrepreneur and former Bravo star Bethenny Frankel, have experienced account penalties shortly after posting.
• Violation of Community Guidelines: Some users received suspension notices citing violations of the Xiaohongshu Community Guidelines, raising concerns about the app’s moderation policies.
• Verification Issues: Newcomers attempting to verify their accounts using U.S.-based phone numbers faced difficulties in receiving verification codes, leading to suspensions due to suspected bot activity.
• Unexplained Bans: Several users reported being banned without clear reasons, such as one user whose account was frozen after posting a picture of cinnamon rolls.

While these issues are being reported, TechCrunch has not independently verified the specifics of each case, but the frequency of complaints suggests a significant problem for newcomers.

Navigating Community Guidelines

One contributing factor to these issues may be the language barrier. Many users cannot read the Community Guidelines, which are primarily in Mandarin. Although there is an option to switch the app’s language to English, finding this setting can be challenging for English-speaking users.

Efforts to Appeal Bans

Several TikTok creators are currently attempting to appeal their bans, but the outcomes of these efforts remain uncertain. As users navigate these challenges, they may look to other platforms for monetization opportunities.

What’s Next for Social Media Creators?

As the landscape of social media continues to evolve, many creators might revert to established platforms run by Meta and Google, which offer better monetization options. With the competition heating up, it will be interesting to see how platforms like RedNote adapt to these challenges and attract users.

For more information on navigating social media platforms, check out our articles on effective social media strategies and Business Insider for insights on the latest trends in digital marketing.