RedNote, a Chinese app, surged to the top of the U.S. App Store as TikTok faced a temporary ban, attracting 700,000 new users. Clapper and Flip also gained significant traction, while TikTok's restoration did not reverse this trend. Despite TikTok's return, alternatives like RedNote and Likee have maintained high rankings in app stores. The TikTok ban prompted a notable increase in VPN app downloads as users sought ways to bypass restrictions. The shifting preferences highlight a competitive landscape in short video apps, reflecting user sentiment against Meta's Instagram Reels.