User Perspectives on Rednote: Exploring Migration Trends and Opportunities for Connection among Social Media Users

This study explores the phenomenon of TikTok users migrating to Xiaohongshu (Rednote), revealing the complex attitudes and social dynamics of existing Xiaohongshu users towards this migration. With TikTok being banned, over 500,000 users have quickly turned to Xiaohongshu in search of online communities that meet their social needs and interests. The research utilizes semi-structured interviews to gather perspectives from 25 original Xiaohongshu users, focusing on their views of TikTok migrants, concerns about changes in community culture, and motivations for connecting with new users. The results indicate that existing users generally welcome the arrival of new users, viewing it as an opportunity for cross-cultural exchange, but they also express concerns about potential changes in content recommendation algorithms. Users’ social experiences have significantly changed with the influx of new users, particularly in the use of chat features, fostering deeper interactions and understanding. However, some users feel a diminished sense of belonging, especially those who focus on Chinese news and entertainment content. This study emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural communication and provides valuable insights for the management and development of social media platforms, particularly in the context of user migration.