The RedNote Revolution: How American TikTok Stars Are Facing Bans and Suspensions on a New App

In a dramatic turn of events, a group of American TikTok users has decided to thumb their collective noses at the U.S. government’s decision to potentially ban TikTok. Fueled by a mix of defiance and a desire to continue sharing short-form videos, many users have migrated to another Chinese social media app, RedNote (also known as Xiaohongshu), sending it straight to the top of the U.S. App Store on Monday. But while the migration to RedNote was celebrated by some as an act of rebellion, many who made the switch quickly encountered difficulties in the form of account suspensions, bans, and other unexpected roadblocks.

A New Contender in the Social Media Space

At first glance, RedNote seemed like a natural alternative to ByteDance’s TikTok. Both platforms focus on short-form video content, allowing creators to share quick clips that are tailored to individual interests. However, RedNote isn’t just a TikTok clone. The app also functions as a hybrid between a social network and a lifestyle platform, offering local recommendations, a map of nearby connections, and a comprehensive search engine for places, products, and experiences. For many, this seemed like an exciting new alternative, offering not only a space to post videos but also the chance to interact with users around their immediate environment.

As the app surged to the top of the charts in the U.S., it looked like RedNote could fill the void left by TikTok—at least for now. Yet, the app’s appeal quickly began to unravel for many users, especially those who had hoped to seamlessly transition from TikTok without a hitch.

Account Bans and Suspensions: A Growing Issue

Shortly after joining RedNote, several American users—particularly those from the TikTok community—began reporting issues with their accounts. Many were hit with account suspensions, and some were outright banned after posting just a few videos. High-profile influencers, such as Bethenny Frankel, a former Bravo star, entrepreneur, and popular TikTok creator, found themselves penalized or completely banned after making the switch. The reason for these bans varied, but there was a common thread: confusion over the platform’s community guidelines and how they apply to foreign users.

The TikTok Watermark Problem

One of the most frequently cited reasons for the bans was the presence of the TikTok watermark. Users who shared videos originally posted on TikTok—often as a way to introduce their content to the new app—found their accounts suddenly suspended. Many assumed that this was due to the TikTok watermark being seen as a violation of RedNote’s guidelines. It’s unclear why this would be the case, but the suspicion is that RedNote’s algorithm flags watermarked content as potentially stolen or duplicative, which leads to account penalties. This has left many TikTok creators frustrated, as they were simply trying to reuse their existing content in a new space.

Verification and Suspicion of Bot Activity

Another hurdle for users was the verification process. When new users tried to verify their accounts using U.S.-based phone numbers, many found that they weren’t receiving the required verification codes. Attempts to resolve the issue led to repeated verification requests, which eventually flagged the accounts for suspected bot activity. This led to even more suspensions as users were left frustrated with the process, unsure whether the problem was technical or due to some underlying policy that they weren’t aware of. This is a key issue that newcomers to RedNote—many of whom are unfamiliar with Chinese apps—are facing as they attempt to establish themselves in a new digital space.

The Language Barrier: Navigating Community Guidelines

While some users are aware that RedNote has a set of community guidelines, many found that reading and understanding them was a major challenge. The guidelines are written in Mandarin, and while the app does allow users to switch to English, the option is buried within the settings and not easy for English speakers to find. This language barrier creates confusion about what content is allowed and what constitutes a violation of RedNote’s rules. For U.S. users who are accustomed to the more straightforward terms of service of other social platforms, this adds yet another layer of complexity to their experience.

For many users, the inability to fully comprehend the guidelines means that even innocent actions—like posting a video with the TikTok watermark or trying to verify their identity—can lead to an account suspension. This is especially problematic because, unlike on other platforms where users can more easily appeal suspensions, it’s unclear how effective these efforts will be on RedNote. The lack of clarity around the appeal process is adding to the frustration of users who have been penalized without understanding exactly why.

What Does This Mean for the Future of RedNote in the U.S.?

The experience of American users has raised several important questions about the viability of RedNote as an alternative to TikTok in the U.S. While the app might have been initially embraced due to its similarity to TikTok, it is becoming evident that there are significant differences in terms of how the platform is structured, the challenges it presents, and its willingness to accommodate foreign users.

For one, RedNote’s dual nature as both a social media platform and a local recommendation engine makes it different from TikTok, which is solely focused on short-form video content. This multi-faceted approach may be a draw for some, but it also complicates the user experience for those simply looking for a TikTok alternative. Moreover, the issues surrounding account suspensions and bans suggest that RedNote may not be fully equipped to handle the influx of international users, particularly those unfamiliar with Chinese social media apps.

As TikTok faces increasing scrutiny in the U.S., many of its creators are looking for new platforms to grow their audiences. However, as the difficulties with RedNote show, transitioning to a new app isn’t always seamless. While the app’s popularity in the U.S. may continue to grow—if only out of defiance against the government’s stance on TikTok—it’s clear that users will have to navigate a steep learning curve and face potential setbacks if they hope to make the switch successfully.

What Are the Alternatives?

The competition for TikTok’s user base is fierce. In the wake of the app’s troubles, other platforms are likely to make plays for TikTok creators. Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, for example, already offer similar short-form video features through Reels, and Google’s YouTube is competing with YouTube Shorts. However, these platforms have the advantage of being more established and better equipped to handle large-scale user bases, which could make them more appealing to creators looking for monetization opportunities.

For now, RedNote may remain a niche alternative, appealing to those who are particularly motivated to break away from TikTok’s grasp. However, for many users, it may not be the perfect fit—especially if they continue to run into issues with account suspensions, verification problems, and language barriers. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see whether RedNote can overcome these hurdles and become a true competitor to TikTok in the U.S.

Ultimately, the story of the American TikTok exodus to RedNote serves as a reminder that even in the fast-paced world of social media, navigating new platforms is never as easy as it seems. Whether it’s TikTok, RedNote, or another app, users will always face a mix of technical issues, regulatory challenges, and cultural differences as they continue to seek out the next big thing in digital content creation.