Among all free iPhone apps, RedNote is currently the top social networking app on the Apple app store rankings. Young people who have used it as an alternative to TikTok are finding humor in being called "TikTok refugees" by Chinese influencers who welcome them to the platform.

RedNote has been thrust into the limelight after more than half a million TikTok users recently joined the platform in protest against a likely imminent ban on the short video app in the United States.

As TikTok faces a potential U.S. ban, users are grieving the loss of their digital community and exploring new platforms