TikTok users in US flock to ‘China’s Instagram’ ahead of ban
Taipei, Taiwan – As a TikTok ban looms in the United States, young Americans are flocking to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu as “TikTok refugees” in search of a similar experience. The app has risen to the top spot on the iOS and Google Play stores in the US in recent days as users prepare for TikTok to be banned on national security grounds from Sunday unless Chinese parent company ByteDance divests its ownership. Chinese lifestyle app Lemon8, which is also owned by ByteDance, has ranked as the second most downloaded app. Xiaohongshu, which has been described as China’s answer to Instagram, allows users to post photos, videos and text and is known for its female-heavy user base. While boasting about 300 million monthly active users, Xiaohongshu’s reach is smaller than that of other popular apps in China, such as Sina Weibo and WeChat, which claim 1.2 billion-plus users. A surge in new users, some of them describing themselves as “TikTok refugees,” is now flooding the app’s “Discover” page with videos seeking tips on how to use “RedNote,” the app’s new nickname in the US. Advertisement “Hello. I don’t know what’s happening any more. Americans are coming here. So sorry if y’all hate us. I promise we’ll do our best,” a female user calling herself “Star404” said in a short-form video posted on Tuesday. “Don’t even worry, we’re going to do so great. This is so much better than TikTok. Just not Meta. Instagram reels, I can kind of dig. Facebook and YouTube shorts, no shot. Never happening,” she said. The irony of many users moving from one Chinese-owned app to another has not been lost on observers like Ryan Broderick, the author of Garbage Day, a newsletter that covers the internet. “It’s definitely funny that American teenagers are protesting the looming TikTok ban by using a much more culturally Chinese app,” Broderick told Al Jazeera. “At the moment, RedNote doesn’t seem to be siloing Chinese content or requiring users to have a Chinese phone number, so it’s turned into a sort of fun cultural chaos on the app, an experience that never really even happened on TikTok,” he said. The post by “Star404” racked up more than 4,000 comments in 24 hours, mostly from Chinese users welcoming her to the platform or joking about language challenges. Another user, “Fern,” expressed her gratitude to the flood of Chinese followers that came her way after joining the platform. “We need to talk about you guys blowing up my video about moving to Rednote to 50,000 new followers in less than 24 hours. You guys are insane,” she said. “But thank you so much for all the support, I really appreciate it.” Advertisement While amusing to many Chinese Xiaohongshu users, the surge in American users has reportedly put the app’s owner in an awkward spot. Chinese media outlet PConline on Tuesday reported that Xiaohongshu employees have been instructed to “not discuss, not promote, and not share” news about their new US user base, citing sources within the company. “This wave of traffic has become the sword of Damocles hanging over Xiaohongshu’s head. In fact, for Xiaohongshu, which inexplicably received this traffic, the risks far outweigh the opportunities,” the report said. Those potential risks include regulatory complications. Chinese social media platforms typically require users to register with a Chinese phone number, while content is subject to government censorship. For this reason, Chinese tech companies often create domestic and foreign versions of their apps, said Yiwen Lu, a researcher at ChinaTalk, a newsletter and podcast focusing on Chinese technology. TikTok is an international version of Douyin, while Lemon8 was specifically designed by ByteDance for the foreign market. For now, Chinese and American users are seeing the same content on Xiaohongshu. However, some users have reminded their American counterparts that the app comes with its own set of rules. “Friendly reminder: On Chinese social media platforms, please do not mention sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and drugs!!! Please adhere to the One China policy and reject pornography, gambling, and drugs,” one user wrote under Star404’s post. Advertisement “[You] can say everything here, except the history [of China] from 1949-2025,” another user said. ChinaTalk’s Lu said that American users will have a hard time replicating their TikTok experience on the app – especially when it comes to monetising content. “The monetisation models vary greatly – XHS positions itself as a shopping platform, with most creators earning revenue through paid partnerships. This difference makes it challenging for creators to fully transition their work and income streams to XHS in the short term,” Lu told Al Jazeera. Livestream shopping, a hugely popular form of e-commerce in China, has taken off on Xiahongshu in recent months. In the US, many TikTok users still shop through links to Amazon or the shopping platform LTK, short for “Like to Know.” Lu and Broderick both expressed doubt that the influx of US users would last due to differences between the platforms and the fact many users had joined as an act of protest. Still, the migration to Xiaohongshu should serve as a warning to the US government and Big Tech, Broderick said. “It’s a funny way to hopefully make US politicians realize that Chinese apps are coming for the US whether they like it or not,” he said. “And, similarly, it’s a good way of letting Silicon Valley know that their products are stagnating and no amount of federal bans are going to make young people excited about Meta products again.” Adblock test (Why?)
Olympic champion Zheng ousted as Australian Open 2025 delivers first shock
Zheng exits after second round loss to unseeded Siegemund as former champions Sabalenka and Osaka battle through. Zheng Qinwen has become the first big name to exit the women’s draw at the Australian Open after the Olympic champion was stunned by Laura Siegemund while top seed Aryna Sabalenka made heavy weather of her second-round match before going through. Jessica Pegula, who lost to Sabalenka in last year’s US Open final, safely advanced while Tokyo Olympics champion Belinda Bencic moved on after a brief spell of rain delayed proceedings on the outer courts on the fourth day. China’s Zheng had been bidding to emulate compatriot Li Na’s 2014 triumph at Melbourne Park but her hopes evaporated at John Cain Arena, where unseeded German Siegemund pulled off a stunning 7-6(3), 6-3 victory. The fifth seed left the court looking like she was about to burst into tears while world number 97 Siegemund was beaming from ear to ear after a famous win. “I knew I just had to play more than my best tennis – you have nothing to lose so I told myself to swing free,” Siegemund said on court. “She’s an amazing player, she’s one of the best players now. But I know I can play and I wanted to make it a tough fight.” Advertisement Zheng said it was just not her day. “I had a lot of chances to break her in the first set, but you know in that moment maybe my concentration wasn’t there,” the 22-year-old said. “At the same time, I felt she was playing really good. It’s tennis, nothing more.” Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka had to dig deep against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro during their second-round match, January 15, 2025 [William West/AFP] Sabalenka is bidding to become the first woman to win three straight titles at Melbourne Park since Martina Hingis, from 1997 to 1999, and while the Belarusian beat Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3, 7-5, she did not have it all her own way. After easing through the first two games of the match on Rod Laver Arena, Sabalenka twice swapped breaks with the world number 54 before taking control for a 5-2 lead and closing out the opening set on serve. The three-time Grand Slam champion’s serve came under intense pressure in the next set and she found herself trailing 4-1 as an inspired Bouzas Maneiro began hitting stinging winners on both sides of the court. Sabalenka found a spark from somewhere and fought back from 5-2 to level at 5-5 and fired a backhand winner to break again in the next game before wrapping up the contest to extend her win streak at the hardcourt major to 16. “She played incredible tennis today and it was a really tough one,” Sabalenka said. “I mean, I expected this tennis from her, so I’m really glad that I was able to win this match. “In the second set … I wasn’t rushing too much after 5-2, I was like, ‘OK, whatever, we just leave this second set and we move on. And yeah, I was able to turn it around. “I’m super happy with the win in straight sets, especially against someone like her, who makes you work for every point.” American seventh seed Pegula beat Belgian Elise Mertens 6-4, 6-2 on Margaret Court Arena while Bencic beat Suzan Lamens 6-1, 7-6(3) after Olga Danilovic stunned 25th seed Liudmila Samsonova 6-1, 6-2. Advertisement Former world number one Osaka, the 2019 and 2021 champion in Australia but now unseeded, stormed back to defeat 20th seed Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-1, 6-3. Naomi Osaka celebrates after beating Karolina Muchova, January 15, 2025 [Paul Crock/AFP] Adblock test (Why?)
Adani-built Drishti 10 Starliner drone crashes off Porbandar coast in Gujarat, here’s what happened
The drone lost command mid-flight and plunged into the water. No injuries or collateral damage were reported
How to choose the perfect gift for your boyfriend based on his personality
Finding the perfect gift for boyfriend can be quite an exciting challenge, especially when you want to make it as unique as the bond you share. Choosing the right present can be one of the best ways to be thoughtful and affectionate towards him, depending on his personality, hobbies, and preferences
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says state will stockpile abortion pills ahead of Trump’s return to White House
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, said Tuesday that the state is going to stockpile abortion medication in preparation for President-elect Trump’s return to the White House next week with GOP control of both chambers of Congress. The governor made comments about protecting abortion drugs like mifepristone during his state of the state address, when he vowed to work with Trump on issues where they share priorities, but also stressed that the state is ready to push back against the incoming administration in areas where they are opposed. Murphy is one of a handful of Democrat governors who say they are open to cooperation with Trump’s administration. But Murphy emphasized that he will not back down from challenging “anti-choice” policies backed by the Republican-led House and Senate in Washington and said the state will stockpile mifepristone “so every woman can access this crucial form of reproductive care.” “I will never back away from partnering with the Trump Administration where our priorities align,” Murphy said. “But just as importantly, I will never back down from defending our New Jersey values — if and when they are tested.” MONTANA AG ASKS SUPREME COURT TO UPHOLD LAW REQUIRING PARENTAL CONSENT FOR A MINOR’S ABORTION New Jersey is the latest Democrat-led state to announce plans to stockpile mifepristone, one of two drugs used in combination to end pregnancies. Trump, who will be inaugurated on Jan. 20, said last month he does not plan to restrict abortion drugs, but he also admitted that “things change.” Pro-choice groups have expressed concern that Pam Bondi, who Trump nominated for attorney general, may bring back the Comstock Act, a law passed by Congress in 1873 that banned the mailing of medication or instruments used in abortion. PLANNED PARENTHOOD CHAPTER PROVIDED HARRIS CAMPAIGN WORKSPACE, VIOLATING TAX LAW: IRS COMPLAINT In June, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled to preserve access to mifepristone. The case sought to restrict access to the drug, including in states where abortion is legal. Abortion is banned, with some exceptions, at all stages of pregnancy in 14 states, and after about six weeks of pregnancy in three others. In Murphy’s Tuesday state of the state address, which was his second-to-last, he emphasized his reluctance to become a lame-duck governor before his second term ends, unveiling several proposals for the year. The term-limited governor will be leaving office in a year after November’s gubernatorial election. New Jersey and Virginia are the only two states regularly scheduled with gubernatorial races this year. “During this final chapter of our journey, our absolute top priority — as it has been since Day One — is delivering economic security and opportunity to every New Jerseyan,” Murphy said. Other proposals Murphy announced include directing schools to ban cellphones in grades K-12. “Our children are inundated with screens,” he said. “And they are making it incredibly difficult for our kids, not only to learn, but to retain the substance of what they learn.” The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Big setback for Arvind Kejriwal as Home Ministry grants ED sanction to prosecute ex-Delhi CM in liquor scam case
The development comes ahead of the Delhi Assembly on February 5. Kejriwal has been made an accused in his personal capacity as well as in the capacity of being the national convenor of his political party AAP.
Delhi-NCR engulfed in dense fog, flight, train operations hit, IMD issues Orange alert
The weather department also warned of a generally overcast sky throughout the day, with light rain or drizzle expected to occur later in the evening or night.
PM Modi, President Murmu extend wishes on 77th Army Day; know why it is celebrated on January 15
In a message to the soldiers on the occasion of Army Day 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the brave hearts and said the nation is proud of their “indomitable courage and sacrifice.”
Biden says he’s been carrying out ‘most aggressive climate agenda’ in history as he designates CA monuments
President Biden on Tuesday signed proclamations to establish the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument, which will protect hundreds of thousands of acres of land in California, during his last week in office. The event was delayed by a week due to the destructive wildfires raging in Southern California, and Biden revealed that he had wanted to do the ceremony in the state, but it had to be moved to the White House. “We’ve been carrying out the most aggressive climate agenda ever in the history of the world,” the president said in the East Room of the White House, before discussing the national monuments. “Our natural wonders are the heart and soul of our nation.” He said in his second week as president he signed an executive order “establishing the first ever conservation goal to protect 30% of all our lands and waters everywhere in America by 2030 … I call this national campaign America the Beautiful … And over the last four years, we’ve delivered … putting America on track to meet that bold goal, restoring it, creating new national monuments, conserving hundreds of millions of acres of land and waters all across America, from New England to Minnesota, Texas to Colorado, Arizona, Alaska.” BIDEN ISSUES SECOND AI ACTION DURING FINAL WEEK IN OFFICE WITH EXECUTIVE ORDER FAST-TRACKING US INFRASTRUCTURE He added, “Over the past four years, I’m proud to have kept my commitment to protect more land and water than any president in American history.” WHITE HOUSE REMOVES CUBA’S STATE SPONSOR OF TERRORISM DESIGNATION, REVERSING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION MOVE The Chuckwalla National Monument will protect more than 600,000 acres of public land in the California desert near Joshua Tree National Park and the Colorado River, according to the National Parks Conservation Association. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The Sáttítla Highlands National Monument will protect more than 224,000 acres of land in Northern California in the Modoc, Shasta-Trinity, and Klamath national forests and “provides protection to tribal ancestral homelands, historic and scientific treasures, rare flora and fauna, and the headwaters of vital sources of water,” according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Nancy Mace challenges Dem rep to ‘take it outside’ after ‘child, listen’ comment sparks chaos
Them’s fightin’ words. The House Oversight Committee devolved into chaos on Tuesday after Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., challenged Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, to a fight. “If you wanna take it outside, we can do that,” Mace said. The squabble was sparked when Crockett said “child, listen” during a back-and-forth about civil rights, women’s rights and transgender rights. TWO HOUSE DEMS JOIN GOP TO BAN BIOLOGICAL MALES FORM GIRLS’ SCHOOL SPORTS “Somebody’s campaign coffers are struggling right now. So she gon’ keep sayin’ ‘trans, trans trans’ so that people will feel threatened and child, listen,” Crockett said. Mace erupted in anger. “I’m no child! Do not call me a child! I’m no child. Don’t even start,” Mace said, interrupting Crockett. “I’m a grown woman. I’m 47 years old. I’ve broken more glass ceilings than you ever have… You will not do that. I’m not a child… If you wanna take it outside, we can do that.” TRANS VOLLEYBALL PLAYER ACCUSED OF PLAN TO HARM TEAMMATE AFTER TAKING SCHOLARSHIPS FROM FEMALE PLAYERS The two talked over each other as House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., attempted to control the chaos as he slammed his gavel. “Order! Order! Order!,” members could be heard saying. Crockett later attacked Republicans, accusing them of going after “the most vulnerable in our country.” She said, “Trans people ain’t goin’ no where. Just like when the racists wanted to make sure that Black people somehow were going to be dismissed in this country. We ain’t left either.” Mace later took to X to continue her war of words with Crockett. DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKER SUGGESTS ‘SLAVE MENTALITY’ BEHIND HISPANIC TRUMP VOTERS “I’m no child. And if I wanted a physical fight, you’d know it. That’s not what this was,” she wrote. “I won’t be bullied by someone who wants to take away women’s rights while lecturing about civil rights. I won’t be bullied by someone who thinks being scared of rape is a ‘fantasy.’ This ain’t political, it’s personal.” Mace further attempted to clarify her comments in a statement to Fox News Digital. “There’s been a lot of speculation about my intentions during a heated exchange on women’s rights earlier today on Oversight,” she said in the statement. “Let me be clear: I wanted to take the conversation off the floor to have a more constructive conversation, not to fight. At no point was there any intention of causing harm to anyone. I was just assaulted by a pro tr*ns man a few weeks ago and am still in physical therapy for my injuries. I know firsthand how the Left is capable of doing real physical harm. I will not be bullied into submission, I will not be called names by my colleagues like I was today, I will not be belittled, or invalidated—especially as a rape survivor. I will always stand up for women and push back against left-wing extremism that seeks to silence our voices and dismiss our rights.” NANCY MACE SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON HOW SHE FEELS ABOUT DONALD TRUMP Crockett also took to X to address the exchange, writing, in part: “Today, I introduced an amendment to reinstate the Oversight Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. My Republican colleague threatened to physically fight me about it. Bless her heart.” Crockett’s office also fired back at Mace, claiming it was clear Mace was threatening physical violence against Crockett. “It was clear that Rep. Mace was threatening physical violence against Congresswoman Crockett as part of her performative, ridiculous meltdown,” Crockett’s office said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Her slur-ridden screed exemplifies exactly why the House Oversight Committee needs to pass Congresswoman Crockett’s amendment to reinstate the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Congresswoman Crockett ignored her obvious, desperate baiting – if Rep. Mace wants to raise money off of the back of a qualified Black woman, she can try someone else.” The brouhaha between Mace and Crockett happened on the same day the House passed a bill banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports at schools that receive federal funding. Two House Democrats voted alongside Republicans to pass the Protection of Women and Girls In Sports Act. Reps. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, and Vicente Gonzales, D-Texas, were the lone Democrats to vote for the bill when it passed 218 to 206. Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C., voted “present.” Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.