What is XiaoHongShu and how to use it: a guide for TikTok refugees

Recently, TikTok has been at the center of political debates and bans in various countries, leaving many users looking for alternatives to satisfy their thirst for fresh and creative content. One such platform that has begun to gain global attention is XiaoHongShu (小红书), also known as "rednote." This Chinese app, which combines social media and e-commerce, is quickly becoming the new digital haven for "TikTok refugees."

With its focus on authentic content and an active community, XiaoHongShu is attracting users looking for something beyond short videos. Those migrating from TikTok find the platform a unique opportunity to explore lifestyles, discover innovative products, and connect with global and local influencers.

While TikTok remains a dominant force, XiaoHongShu is emerging as a vibrant alternative, especially for those who value the combination of social media with an interactive shopping experience. In this article, we tell you all about XiaoHongShu and how to use it easily.

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What is XiaoHongShu (rednote)?

XiaoHongShu (小红书), or “rednote,” is a dynamic platform where users share lifestyle content, shopping experiences, reviews, and recommendations. With photos, videos, live streams, and more, XiaoHongShu is a hub for topics like beauty, fashion, food, travel, entertainment, fitness, childcare, and more.

Often dubbed “the Instagram of China,” XiaoHongShu combines the best of social media with a seamless shopping experience. Users can explore new brands, discover authentic reviews, and even make purchases directly through the in-app shopping feature.

A Brief History of XiaoHongShu

Founded in 2013 by Miranda Qu and Charlwin Mao, XiaoHongShu started out as a shopping guide to help Chinese consumers research foreign brands. But the founders soon realized that users wanted more than just recommendations — they wanted to buy the products they explored. This led to the launch of XiaoHongShu’s e-commerce platform in 2014, transforming it into a thriving hybrid of social media and online shopping.

Popularity and user demographics

With more than 200 million monthly active users, XiaoHongShu ranks among the top five most popular social media platforms in China. Its core audience? Young women in their 20s and 30s, predominantly from first- and second-tier cities. These users, often middle to upper class, have significant spending power. Not surprisingly, beauty and fashion content — featuring luxury brands like Dior and Chanel — dominates the platform.

Step-by-step guide to using XiaoHongShu

How to download XiaoHongShu

Getting started with XiaoHongShu is simple:

For iOS devices:

1. Open the App Store.
2. Search for “XiaoHongShu.”
3. Tap “Get” to download and install.
4. Open the app and register or log in.

For Android devices:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for “XiaoHongShu.”
3. Tap “Install” to download and install.
4. Open the app and register or log in.

How to use XiaoHongShu

Create an account

When you first start XiaoHongShu, you'll create an account using methods like WeChat or your phone number. You'll also be asked to enter details like gender, age, and interests, which helps personalize your content feed.

Change language to English

Before you navigate through XiaoHongShu, the first step is to change the language to English as the default language is Chinese. Below I will explain how to change the language from Chinese to English. Unfortunately, currently, XiaoHongShu only supports Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and English.

The route: Me > Settings > General Settings > Languages ​​> English

Explore the home page

The home page offers three main tabs:

1. Continue: See posts from the accounts you follow.
2. Exploring : Discover content tailored to your interests.
3. Nearby: Find popular publications and products in your area.

Below the main navigation, you'll find category tabs such as:

• For you: Personalized content selected by the algorithm.
• Shop: Access the e-commerce section.
• Live: Watch live streams from content creators.

The bottom bar includes:

• Home: Return to the main feed.
• Video: Browse short videos, similar to Instagram Reels.
• +: Create and publish posts.
• Messages: See likes, comments and private messages.
• Yo: Access and edit your profile.

Create a publication

To share content on XiaoHongShu:

1. Tap the red “+” button.
2. Choose your content type: photo, video or live stream.
3. Add a title, description, location, hashtags and tags.
4. Enhance your post with music, stickers, filters or text.
5. Tap “Post” to share.

Interact with content

User-generated content is at the heart of XiaoHongShu. Posts often include detailed reviews and experiences, encouraging community building and word-of-mouth marketing. Interact with posts using:

• heart icon: Like the post.
• Star icon: Save posts to your collection (similar to Pinterest boards).
• message icon: Leave comments or ask questions.

Search function

Looking for specific products, brands, or topics? Use the search bar to explore posts, hashtags, and user reviews, making XiaoHongShu a valuable tool for discovery.

Some Chinese colloquialisms to help you integrate better into XiaoHongShu

To really connect with the community and enjoy the experience to the fullest, knowing a few Chinese colloquialisms can make all the difference. These expressions will not only help you better understand the content, but will also allow you to integrate as a true insider on this vibrant platform.

• WOC (Pinyin: Wo cao): Santa Mierda/Holy shit
• XSWL (Pinyin: Wo xiao si le): I'm dying of laughter/Lmao/LOL
• hhhh (Pinyin: Hahahaha): Laugh out loud
• SRDS (Pinyin: Sui ran… Dan shi…): Although… but…, when you want to express yes, but…
• U1S1 (Pinyin: You yi shuo yi): To tell the truth…
• YYDS (Pinyin: Yong yuan de shen): Eternal God, when you want to praise a thing or a person who is the best of all.

Frequently Asked Questions about XiaoHongShu

1. Is XiaoHongShu only for Chinese users?

No, although XiaoHongShu was created primarily for the Chinese market, the platform is gaining popularity among international users, especially in Chinese-speaking communities and among those interested in unique products and global trends.

2. Do I need a Chinese number to register on XiaoHongShu?

No, you don't need a Chinese number to register on XiaoHongShu. You can use an international phone number to create your account. During the registration process, you'll have the option to select your country code and use your personal number. You can also choose to register using other platforms such as WeChat or your email.

3. Is it possible to purchase products directly from XiaoHongShu?

Yes, XiaoHongShu has a built-in e-commerce feature that allows users to search, browse and purchase products directly from the app.

4. What kind of content can I find on XiaoHongShu?

You can find a wide variety of content including topics like beauty, fashion, food, travel, entertainment, fitness, parenting, and more. Plus, it's a great platform to discover new brands and emerging trends.

5. How can I download and start using XiaoHongShu?

To start using XiaoHongShu, download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Once installed, create an account by entering your gender, age, and interests. This will help you personalize your experience and explore content tailored to your tastes.

6. Does XiaoHongShu support languages ​​other than Chinese?

Currently, XiaoHongShu is mostly available in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and English.

7. Can I monetize my content on XiaoHongShu?

Yes, many content creators collaborate with brands to promote products and services on the platform, allowing them to earn money through commercial partnerships.

8. Does XiaoHongShu have any function similar to Instagram stories?

Yes, XiaoHongShu allows users to upload short videos and ephemeral content, similar to stories on other platforms like Instagram.

9. How do I discover new content on XiaoHongShu?

You can explore new content using the "Explore" tab or by browsing categories based on your interests. Additionally, the platform's algorithm shows you posts related to what you've previously interacted with.

Conclusion

XiaoHongShu is more than a social media platform; it's a gateway to Chinese culture, trends, and consumer ideas. Whether you're a brand looking to reach new audiences or a curious individual exploring global lifestyles, this "red note" has immense potential to connect, inspire, and empower.

Are you ready to turn the page and dive into XiaoHongShu?