TikTok is going through a tense period in the United States. A law passed last year set a deadline for ByteDance, its parent company, to sell the app’s US operations or be shut down.
That deadline is quickly getting closer, leaving many people worried about losing one of their favourite apps for short videos. Politicians have questions about personal data and hidden influence.
ByteDance denies these claims and has taken the matter to the Supreme Court, arguing that the law crosses constitutional lines. This legal conflict has prompted discussions around privacy and speech rights.
Some observers predict enforcement of the ban if ByteDance declines to part with TikTok’s American segment. Others guess a deal might happen before the cutoff date. In the meantime, users and content creators are eyeing other social platforms. Xiaohongshu and Lemon8, both owned in China, look like strong replacements.
Reasons Two Chinese Apps Rose In The Charts
Xiaohongshu, also called RedNote, went right to the top of Apple’s store listings this week. It mixes photos, short clips, and lifestyle tips. It began life as a shopping tool before becoming a site that merges ecommerce and social elements.
Lemon8, launched under the same umbrella as TikTok, is also receiving a warm welcome. People compare it to Pinterest due to its feed of pictures and product suggestions. Creators post ideas, and users scroll through streams of curated content. Many find this different from the usual platforms.
Observers see a rise in new sign-ups from US folks that are uneasy about TikTok’s situation. Some choose these apps as a playful dig at policy makers, claiming they can still jump to another platform with Chinese ties if one is blocked. Others simply seek something that feels familiar in its creative style.
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Could The Ban-or-Sell Rule Apply To These Other Platforms?
Lemon8 and Xiaohongshu may face the same legal ground as TikTok. The measure targets social networks connected to countries considered adversaries. ByteDance is named, so Lemon8 is tied to that language.
Its still unclear how soon officials will act, but some think Lemon8 may go through a similar legal fight.
Xiaohongshu is owned by a separate firm in Shanghai, but it is still under Chinese ownership. The measure covers apps that allow text, images, or video posts, which describes Xiaohongshu. Authorities have not made a statement on RedNote, leaving people guessing about its long-term availability.
Some services that revolve around consumer or travel comments are given exceptions under the law. That means marketplaces like Shein and Temu are probably not affected. The choice around Xiaohongshu or Lemon8 hinges on how enforcement agencies read the law.
How Are Content Creators Reacting?
Influencers on TikTok have joked about data concerns, telling followers to switch over to Xiaohongshu or Lemon8. This move resembles earlier pranks, such as the rally ticket purchases in 2020 that reduced attendance.
Many creators want to keep their communities together. Some have begun calling themselves “TikTok refugees,” joking about their readiness to hop on another platform if the ban happens. They aim to preserve the spirit found on TikTok.
Observers see these downloads as both playful protest and genuine interest in fresh social outlets. Some wonder if these apps might be the next targets of the measure.
Others hope lawmakers or the Supreme Court might produce a last minute resolution. Until that, sign-ups continue as Americans try out new digital spaces.
