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.

TikTok may be banned in the U.S. over the weekend, but Americans are heading to another Chinese-owned video platform: RedNote.

As TikTok faces a potential shutdown in the United States on January 19 because of security concerns over its Chinese ownership, many users are exploring American-owned alternatives to fill the void in the social media landscape.

Americans are going to lose access to TikTok in less than a week, unless China green-lights a sale to what Congress has deemed a non-adversary of the United States — something China is unlikely to do but might.

Chinese officials are evaluating a potential option that involves Elon Musk acquiring the U.S. operations if TikTok fails to fend off a controversial ban.