So because it's behind a strong paywall I was only able to scrape the page source get the story.
The story reveals an ironic turn of events in early 2025 regarding social media platforms and US-China tech relations:
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A surge of American users have begun flocking to Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote), a Chinese social media app, in protest of potential TikTok restrictions in the US. They're doing this in the name of "free speech" - which is ironic given China's strict content controls.
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Key statistics:
- In early 2025, 22% of Xiaohongshu's total app downloads came from the US (up from just 2% in the same period in 2024)
- Downloads increased more than 20 times in a single week in January 2025
- This has created several challenges for Xiaohongshu:
- The platform was caught off guard and initially had no capacity for censoring English content
- Existing Chinese users (70% female, half born after 1995) are complaining about the flood of foreign posts
- The company had to modify its algorithms to show less English content to Chinese users
- The situation has also created some unique opportunities:
- Chinese brands like Luckin Coffee and Li Auto are using the platform to reach American audiences
- It may serve as an unofficial tourism campaign for China
- The platform has become a rare bridge for US-China civilian exchange, as it's one of the few Chinese apps that allows foreign users to register without strict ID verification
- However, there are concerns about sustainability:
- Xiaohongshu employs over 30% of its 15,000 workers as content censors
- The platform must balance keeping Chinese regulators happy while accommodating new foreign users
- The language barrier and different user expectations pose long-term challenges
The situation highlights the complex dynamics of US-China tech relations and the unintended consequences of attempts to restrict social media platforms.