Duolingo has recently reported an astonishing 216% surge in the number of users beginning their journey to learn Mandarin Chinese in the United States, marking a sharp increase from last year.
This uptick aligns with a broader movement among TikTok users who are turning to the Chinese social media platform RedNote, especially given the increasing chatter about a possible TikTok ban.
The Rise of RedNote
The rapid rise of RedNote has been evident, with the app welcoming nearly 3 million new users in just one day.
This exodus from TikTok is spurred by users seeking new platforms in light of potential restrictions on the popular video-sharing service.
Remarkably, RedNote’s downloads in the U.S. have soared by 200% compared to the previous year, indicating a strong shift in user preferences.
The surge in interest in Mandarin can be linked to concerns about the future of TikTok.
Reports suggest that a ban could cost creators and small businesses around $1.3 billion in the first month alone, heightening the urgency for users to find alternatives.
Legislation and Future Implications
Back in April, new legislation mandated that ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, divest from the app by January 19 or face a prohibition.
While it’s possible that the law could encounter hurdles in the Supreme Court, many TikTok fans are already actively exploring options like RedNote.
While overall usage of TikTok appears to be on the decline in the U.S., the significant leap in Mandarin learners backing Duolingo underscores a transformative shift in language interest.
This trend is shaped both by the current geopolitical landscape and the pursuit of fresh social media experiences, offering a fascinating glimpse into changing cultural dynamics.
Source: Entrepreneur