With the Chinese version of TikTok, Douyin, unavailable on U.S. app stores, self-described "TikTok refugees" are flocking to Rednote, some aiming to build new followings and others seemingly protesting the looming ban.

Chinese social media app 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.

Users who have the TikTok app on their phone will still be able to access it after Jan. 19. However, because the ban would prevent Apple and Google from providing the app with necessary updates, TikTok would quickly break down and become unusable, leading Americans to look for an alternative app.