Tue Jan 28 17:54:08 UTC 2025: ## Chinese Social Media App Xiaohongshu Sees Influx of Indian Users Amidst TikTok Uncertainty

**NEW DELHI, January 28, 2025** – As the future of TikTok remains uncertain in the U.S., its Chinese counterpart, Xiaohongshu, is experiencing a surge in users, including a growing number from India. Five years after TikTok’s ban in India drove users to platforms like Instagram and YouTube, a new wave of Indian users are joining Xiaohongshu, creating an unexpected bridge between Indian and Chinese internet communities.

This influx offers a unique window into how Chinese users perceive India. While some comments reveal existing prejudices and biased views stemming from skewed media portrayals, others highlight positive interactions. Indian users report encountering both admiration for Indian culture (Bollywood films, the Mahabharata, the Gita) and instances of prejudice regarding India’s development and cleanliness. However, positive interactions also exist, with some Chinese users expressing appreciation for Indian colleagues and classmates in international settings.

One Indian user, Vanshika Kumar, noted the surprising interest among Chinese users in Indian culture, while also acknowledging the presence of biased opinions. Another user, Harish Meena, highlighted Xiaohongshu’s focus on informative content over pure entertainment. Meanwhile, Neenu Vinod described how the platform facilitates interactions between American former TikTok users and Chinese users, leading to helpful exchanges on language and translation.

Xiaohongshu’s approach differs from that of American social media companies; for instance, account verification codes are sent via WhatsApp instead of SMS. This, coupled with a thaw in Indo-Chinese relations, suggests the app might avoid the mass bans imposed on other Chinese apps following the 2020 border conflicts.

For many Indian users, the geopolitical implications are secondary. The appeal lies in the platform’s perceived relative freedom from the negative trends observed on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Some users even see it as a potential alternative to platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

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