RedNote, Duolingo: Prepare for Friendship?

The TikTok ban is officially, official. And, a surprising number of Americans nationwide are looking for a similar app with the same interface and functions.

Over 700 million TikTok users have already switched to RedNote (also known as Xiaohongshu). This has sparked an unexpected cultural exchange as many Chinese users have even begun asking their American counterparts for help with English homework.

In recent years, many Black content creators have been leaving TikTok due to concerns over algorithmic bias, content suppression, and a lack of proper credit and compensation for their viral trends. Despite significantly shaping online culture, Black creators have frequently spoken out about their work being copied without acknowledgment while their visibility on the platform remains limited compared to non-Black influencers. Additionally, frustration over inconsistent enforcement of community guidelines, as well as the platform’s handling of discussions on racial issues, has pushed many to explore alternative apps such as Fanbase, Triller, and other Black-owned or creator-friendly platforms. This migration highlights the growing demand for digital spaces where Black creatives can thrive, monetize their work fairly, and receive the recognition they deserve.

Because RedNote is designed primarily for a Chinese audience, its default language is Mandarin, prompting a surge in U.S. users taking Mandarin courses on Duolingo. The language-learning app reports a 216% increase in new Mandarin learners compared to the same period last year, with a sharp rise in mid-January as RedNote’s popularity grew. In Duolingo’s “How did you hear about us?” survey, a growing number of users now cite TikTok as their reason for joining.

This feature has created a surge for Duolingo with U.S. users taking Mandarin courses on the famed language learning app. According to Duolingo reports, there was a 216% increase in new Mandarin learning compared to the same period last year, with a noticeable sharp increase in mid-January as the ban neared. Now when Duolingo asks new users “How did you hear about us?” a lot of users are citing TikTok as their reasons for joining the app.

Not one to pass up a unique opportunity to grow their audience, Duolingo has leaned into the trend with humor. On X, the company quipped, “Oh, so NOW you’re learning Mandarin,” while on TikTok, it posted a video of its green owl mascot heading to China, overlaid with the text: “Me because I’d rather move to China & learn Mandarin on Duolingo.” The clip has amassed over 500,000 likes, while another video teaching Mandarin phrases for “TikTok refugees” has surpassed 620,000 likes.

Appfigures, an app intelligence firm, reported that the demand for language learning has also increased Duolingo installs. By January 3rd, there had been a 36% jump in Duolingo downloads in both the App Store and Google Play. This was a pretty early experimentation with Chinese social apps before the RedNote wave.

There are options and opportunities to support Black-owned apps. Here’s a deeper look at DW’s tops 4 and why they’re special.

1. Fanbase

• Founder: Isaac Hayes III (son of legendary musician Isaac Hayes)
• What it Does: Fanbase is a social media platform that allows users to share short videos, photos, stories, and live streams. What makes it unique is its monetization feature—creators can earn money through subscriptions, tips, and virtual gifts.
• Why It Stands Out: Unlike TikTok, where creators rely on brand deals or the creator fund, Fanbase allows users to monetize all content directly. It also has an algorithm that supports organic reach.
• Available On: iOS & Android
• Website: https://www.fanbase.app/

2. Breakr

• Founder: Anthony Brown & a team of HBCU alumni
• What it Does: Breakr connects independent artists with influencers who can promote their music through short-form content, challenges, and viral trends. It’s designed to help artists break into the industry without needing a record label.
• Why It Stands Out: It provides direct access between musicians and social media influencers to push new songs to the masses.
• Available On: Website-based
• Website: https://www.breakr.co/

3. MelaninPeople

• Founder: Chinto D.
• What it Does: MelaninPeople is a social networking platform designed for Black entrepreneurs, creators, and everyday users. It combines elements of TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn, allowing users to post videos, engage in discussions, and network.
• Why It Stands Out: It’s 100% Black-owned and focuses on building wealth and business connections within the Black community.
• Available On: iOS & Android

4. The Cookout

• What it Does: The Cookout is a Black-owned, invite-only social media app that fosters a positive space for Black users to share content, discuss issues, and connect. It has features for video posts, discussions, and community-building.
• Why It Stands Out: It’s a safe space for Black users who want an alternative to mainstream social media platforms.
• Available On: iOS & Android
• Website: https://thecookout.app/

Interestingly enough, despite data privacy being cited as a key reason behind TikTok’s ban, the widespread adoption of RedNote seems to contradict concerns that U.S. users are bothered by these risks.

Only a week ago, Duolingo was ranked in the 40s amongst Top Apps (excluding games),
and it was Top Overall (including games). Now, it is ranked as No. 22 in Top Overall and No.
20 in Top Apps, and this is a reflection of its growing popularity amid digital migration.

Despite some users facing technical challenges due to language barriers and others being banned for violating community guidelines, the mass migration delivers a stark message to Meta and the U.S. government. That message is clear: Americans prefer the social media experience crafted by Chinese tech companies—an experience that, despite numerous attempts, American tech firms have struggled to replicate successfully.