US ‘TikTok refugees’ are signing up for Mandarin Chinese language classes en masse to make use of RedNote – Firstpost

With the TikTok ban within the US looming, many American customers are brushing up on their Chinese language — to not keep on TikTok, however to affix a new platform known as RedNote (or Xiaohongshu). The US regulation, set to kick in on January 19, would take away TikTok from US app shops and forestall it from working except customers set up a VPN.  

As a substitute of making an attempt to dodge the ban, hundreds of thousands of TikTok customers are leaping over to RedNote, a Chinese language-owned app that’s rapidly changing into the following massive factor. This shift has sparked an sudden cultural change, with American customers even serving to Chinese language customers with their English homework.

Studying Mandarin out of spite? You are not alone.

We’ve seen a ~216% progress in new Chinese language (Mandarin) learners within the US in comparison with this time final 12 months. https://t.co/9hzwBxfTgD pic.twitter.com/qWM9f5oFYA

— Duolingo (@duolingo) January 15, 2025

Studying Mandarin to navigate RedNote

As RedNote has gained momentum amongst US customers, it’s changing into clear that many are unconcerned in regards to the knowledge privateness considerations that led to TikTok’s ban within the first place. For a lot of, the attraction of Chinese language social platforms is simply too sturdy to withstand. Nonetheless, since RedNote is primarily designed for a Chinese language viewers, it defaults to Mandarin. This has led to a stunning facet impact — Individuals are flocking to Duolingo to study Chinese language.

Duolingo has reported an enormous surge in Mandarin learners, with new sign-ups skyrocketing by 216 per cent in comparison with the identical time final 12 months. This surge has been significantly noticeable since mid-January, as RedNote adoption reached new heights. Apparently, many customers have cited TikTok as the explanation they determined to study Mandarin, exhibiting simply how carefully the 2 apps are linked within the minds of customers.

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— pamela 🎡✨ (@tisthepamseason) January 14, 2025

Duolingo sees a lift in recognition

The Mandarin growth has been nice information for Duolingo, with the language-learning app seeing a 36 per cent improve in downloads within the US as of January 3. This increase in installs means that customers are eager to dive into RedNote and different Chinese language social apps, and are getting ready by studying the language.

Duolingo has even had some enjoyable with the pattern, posting a TikTok video with its inexperienced owl mascot heading to China to study Mandarin. The video has racked up tons of of hundreds of likes, reflecting simply how massive the Mandarin studying pattern has turn out to be.

With Duolingo now rating larger within the App Retailer and Google Play, it’s clear that the TikTok ban has had a major influence on each social media habits and language studying traits. Customers appear greater than prepared to embrace a brand new platform and study a brand new language within the course of.

A brand new period of social media and cultural change

This shift isn’t nearly switching apps — it’s additionally a couple of rising cultural change between the US and China. Whereas considerations about knowledge privateness and safety proceed to simmer, it appears many customers are prioritising the chance to discover new social experiences. With RedNote on the rise and Mandarin changing into a must-learn language for a lot of, it seems like we’re seeing a shift in how individuals join, share, and work together on-line. The world of social media is altering, and for some, it’s an opportunity to interrupt out of the outdated methods and take a look at one thing fully completely different.