Are you curious about Xiaohongshu (RedNote) and its growing influence in the world of social media, shopping, and content sharing? This platform, launched in 2013, is rapidly becoming a cultural hub for young users, especially those in the post-90s generation. Combining social networking, e-commerce, and user-generated content, Xiaohongshu offers a unique experience that blends lifestyle and commerce. In this article, we’ll explore what Xiaohongshu is, its features, how to navigate the platform, and tips for making the most of your experience.
What is Xiaohongshu (RedNote)?
Xiaohongshu (RedNote) is a platform that integrates social networking, shopping, and content sharing. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Shanghai, its mission is to “share and discover the wonders of the world.” The platform has attracted a large number of young users, especially the post-90s generation. Xiaohongshu enables users to document their lives, share shopping experiences, fashion tips, travel stories, beauty insights, and more, primarily through text and video content. Over time, it has evolved into a comprehensive platform that combines social networking with e-commerce.
The mission of Xiaohongshu is to “share and discover the wonders of the world,” aiming to become a trusted lifestyle platform for young people. Its vision is to be the most trusted internet company among users. The platform is committed to continually enhancing the user experience through openness, pragmatism, and responsibility. Xiaohongshu is not only a social platform for recording and sharing life, but also an innovative platform integrating e-commerce, content creation, and community interaction, making it especially popular among the younger generation.
Key Features and Functions of Xiaohongshu
- Community Interaction: At the heart of Xiaohongshu is its vibrant community, where users share and interact on topics spanning fashion, beauty, travel, fitness, food, and parenting, among other lifestyle areas. User-generated content (UGC) accounts for most of the platform’s content, and millions of posts are generated daily. According to data, the platform’s monthly active users number in the hundreds of millions, with over 70% of users being young people.
- E-commerce Platform (Welfare Club): Xiaohongshu is more than just a social platform; it also launched an e-commerce platform called “Welfare Club.” Users can purchase high-quality global products in categories like beauty, fashion, home appliances, and food. The e-commerce model on Xiaohongshu is deeply integrated with its community content, allowing users to shop directly while browsing posts, creating a unique “community-based e-commerce” model.
- Brand and Enterprise Accounts: To help brands establish closer connections with users, Xiaohongshu introduced “Enterprise Accounts,” offering a one-stop marketing service that helps businesses interact more efficiently with users and drive transactions on the platform.
- Global Perspective: Xiaohongshu launched an overseas shopping-sharing community in 2014, allowing users to share their experiences of purchasing international products. With its increasing internationalization, the platform now supports cross-border shopping and offers users a broader range of choices.
The Development History of Xiaohongshu
Since its inception, Xiaohongshu has passed several milestones:
- 2013: Xiaohongshu was founded and launched its overseas shopping-sharing community.
- 2014: The e-commerce platform “Welfare Club” was launched, marking Xiaohongshu’s transition from a pure social platform to a social commerce platform.
- 2017: Xiaohongshu was featured in People’s Daily as the world’s largest community-based e-commerce platform, with over 50 million users.
- 2018: Xiaohongshu completed a $300 million Series D financing, with a valuation exceeding $3 billion.
- 2019: The user base surpassed 300 million, becoming one of the most important platforms for young people in China.
Download Xiaohongshu (RedNote) App
How to Download the Xiaohongshu App?
Xiaohongshu iOS App Download:
Xiaohongshu iOS App Store Download Link
Xiaohongshu Android App Download:
Xiaohongshu Android Google Play Store Download Link
Xiaohongshu (RedNote) Account Registration Guide
How to Register/Create an Account on Xiaohongshu (RedNote)?
Step 1: Access Login Options
On the login page, tap on “Other Login Methods” at the bottom to view additional ways to register for Xiaohongshu (RedNote).
Step 2: Select Phone Registration
Choose the phone icon (📱) from the available options. This method is the most reliable, especially for international users looking to sign up for Xiaohongshu (RedNote).
Step 3: Prepare Your Phone Number
Before proceeding, make sure to:
- Verify your country code (tap to change if necessary)
- Enter your phone number without spaces or special characters
- Ensure that your phone is able to receive SMS messages for verification
Step 4: Choose Your Country Code
To change the country code:
- Tap the country/region selector
- Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find your country
- Popular regions are listed at the top for quick access
Step 5: Complete the Verification Process
After receiving the SMS verification code:
- Input the 6-digit code sent to your phone
- Agree to Xiaohongshu’s Terms and Privacy Policy
- Tap the button to finalize your registration
Step 6: Access Your Profile
To set up your profile:
- Tap the “Me” tab at the bottom of the screen
- Select “Profile” to start personalizing your account
Step 7: Customize Your Profile
Make your Xiaohongshu (RedNote) profile stand out by filling in these key details:
- Profile Picture: Choose a high-quality, attractive image
- Display Name: Pick a unique and memorable username
- Bio: Write a brief, engaging introduction
- Location: Add your country or region
- Gender: Select your gender (optional)
- Interests: Choose topics that match your passions
Pro Tips for a Successful Profile:
- Use a real photo to build trust with your audience
- Keep your username simple and easy to remember
- Write your bio in both English and Chinese if you are targeting a global audience
- Link your other social media accounts if available to enhance your profile visibility
Next Steps for Maximizing Your Xiaohongshu (RedNote) Experience
- Follow Accounts:
- Find and follow 5-10 relevant accounts in your niche
- Engage with their content regularly to stay active on the platform
- Explore Content:
- Browse through the homepage feed for inspiration
- Save interesting posts to refer to later
- Study what content performs well to inform your own posting strategy
- Prepare for Your First Post:
- Plan your first post with captivating photos or videos
- Write engaging captions to attract attention and interact with followers
Xiaohongshu (RedNote) App Language Settings
How to Switch to the English Interface on Xiaohongshu (RedNote)?
Xiaohongshu (RedNote) supports both Chinese and English language options, allowing you to easily switch between the two according to your preference.
How to Change the Language on Xiaohongshu (RedNote)
1. Tap the Three Horizontal Lines (≡) in the Top Left Corner
Open the app and look for the three horizontal lines (≡) located in the top left corner to access the menu.
2. Tap the Settings Icon ⚙️ “设置”
In the menu, tap the settings icon ⚙️ labeled “设置” to enter the settings menu.
3. Select “通用设置”
Next, select the option “通用设置” (General Settings) to access more customization options.
4. Tap “多语言”
Within the settings menu, tap on “多语言” (Multilingual) to change the language settings.
5. Choose “English”
Finally, select “English” from the list of available languages to switch the interface to English.
Xiaohongshu (RedNote) Web Version
You can access the web version of Xiaohongshu (RedNote) at: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/explore
For more information, visit the official Xiaohongshu (RedNote) website: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/en
Note: To log in via the web version, you must first use the mobile app to scan the QR code for verification, especially if you don’t have a Chinese phone number.
Additionally, if you’re using Microsoft Edge, you can add the web version to your desktop for easier access, simulating a desktop app experience.
Xiaohongshu (RedNote) Account Real Name Verification Guide
If your Xiaohongshu (RedNote) account has been locked after posting a selfie or engaging with the platform, you might be required to complete the real name verification process. This verification is part of the platform’s security measures to ensure users are real individuals, not automated bots.
What is Real Name Verification?
Real Name Verification (实名认证) is a process where users must prove their identity by submitting personal information, typically including a selfie or other identifying documents. This is to confirm that the account is being operated by a legitimate person.
How Long Does it Take?
The verification process typically takes 2 to 3 days. However, the exact time may vary based on factors such as the platform’s customer service workload and the accuracy of the submitted information.
How to Complete the Verification?
- Follow the prompts when you are asked to submit your real name verification. Usually, you will need to:
- Upload a selfie for identification.
- Provide any other required documents or information (if applicable).
- Wait for the review process to be completed. During this time, your account may be locked or temporarily restricted.
Tips for Speeding Up the Process
- Ensure that all submitted documents and your selfie are clear and match the information you provided during registration.
- If you have a Chinese phone number, using it for registration may help you avoid the real name verification process altogether.
Possible Workaround for Non-Chinese Users
Some users have suggested that using a Chinese phone number to register can bypass the real name verification step. This could be a useful tip if you’re looking to avoid delays.
Xiaohongshu (RedNote) Common Issues and Solutions
If you’re encountering difficulties while using Xiaohongshu (RedNote), you can find solutions to the most common issues faced by users in this guide. From account setup to feature malfunctions, this resource covers a wide range of challenges and offers practical advice for resolution.
Related Reading: For more detailed insights into common issues and their solutions, check out Xiaohongshu (RedNote) Common Issues and Solutions.
If Your RedNote (Xiaohongshu) Account is Banned or Frozen
If your RedNote (Xiaohongshu) account has been banned or frozen, you will need to contact RedNote’s official customer support for assistance. Submit your issue, provide details, and upload relevant screenshots and contact information. You should receive a response within 48 hours.
Refer to the following official RedNote (Xiaohongshu) guidelines:
- RedNote (Xiaohongshu) Community Guidelines: Read in English
- RedNote (Xiaohongshu) User Service Agreement: Read in English
For more information on Xiaohongshu account bans, please refer to the article.
Ultimate Xiaohongshu (RedNote) Tips for Maximizing Your Experience
Xiaohongshu (RedNote) is a treasure trove of practical, high-quality content, offering more than just entertainment like TikTok. For users in the U.S. or other countries, the platform is an essential part of daily life, providing valuable tips on shopping, food, and lifestyle. If you want to make the most of your time on Xiaohongshu, learning how to navigate the community culture and discover great content is key.
Here’s a guide to exploring content on Xiaohongshu, along with some helpful search tips and popular Chinese keywords that will help tailor your feed. These tips are especially useful for those interested in creating engaging content, as Xiaohongshu users value original, high-quality posts beyond just selfies or generic threads.
1. Shopping, Deals, and Discounts
Xiaohongshu is an incredible resource for shopping tips, discounts, and food recommendations. Here are some effective search strategies:
- Supermarket Finds: Use keywords like “[store name] + 好物” (e.g., “Whole Foods 好物”, “Costco 好物”, “Trader Joe’s 好物”). Chinese users often use playful nicknames for stores, such as “猴父子” (Monkey Father and Son) for Whole Foods or “缺德舅” (Immoral Uncle) for Trader Joe’s. These nicknames yield great results too!
- Food & Restaurants: For food recommendations, try combining location and food keywords. For example, “湾区 美食” (Bay Area food), “北卡 RTP 奶茶” (Bubble tea in RTP, NC), or “DMV 中餐” (Chinese food in the DMV area).
- Deals & Discounts: Search for keywords like “[brand] + 折扣” (brand + discount), “薅羊毛” (getting great deals), “bug 价” (pricing bugs), “黑五” (Black Friday), and “史低” (lowest price ever). To narrow your search to U.S.-specific deals, include “美国” (USA) or “北美” (North America).
2. Recipes and Cooking
Xiaohongshu offers an incredible collection of recipes for all tastes, from Chinese to Western cuisine. Here’s how to find great cooking content:
- International Recipes: Search for “留子做饭” or “留子食谱” (留子 is a playful term for Chinese international students) for recipes featuring ingredients commonly found in U.S. supermarkets.
- Western Dishes: If you’re looking for Western recipes, try “白人饭” (white people food) for simple and easy-to-follow dishes. It’s a lighthearted term, not meant to offend, and it’s all in good fun.
3. Product Reviews & Recommendations
Xiaohongshu shines in the area of product reviews, particularly for beauty and lifestyle items. Here’s how to find helpful product recommendations:
- Product Reviews: Use keywords like “[product name] + 试色” (swatches), “[product name] + 测评” (review), or “[product name] + 种草” (recommendation).
- Personalized Suggestions: For tailored advice, search “[skin type] + [product category]” (e.g., “油皮 粉底液” for foundation recommendations for oily skin).
- Negative Reviews: To find less favorable opinions, try searching “[product name] + 避雷” (avoid) or “[product name] + 拔草” (not worth it).
- Yearly Favorites: For comprehensive product recommendations, use “年度爱用” (yearly favorites) or “爱用分享” (favorite products).
- Fun Trend: Popular beauty products from TikTok often trend with the term “白女好物” (white girl must-haves), which is a playful reference to the items many Western influencers use.
4. Travel Tips
Whether you’re traveling near or far, Xiaohongshu is a goldmine for travel tips and guides. It’s perfect for discovering new destinations and sharing travel experiences:
- Travel Guides: Search “[destination] + 攻略” (guide) for comprehensive travel tips and advice.
- Avoid Bad Experiences: To avoid common pitfalls, try searching “[destination] + 避雷”, “踩雷”, or “避坑” (all refer to avoiding bad experiences).
- Photogenic Locations: For the best photo spots, search “[destination] + 打卡” (check-in) or “[destination] + 出片” (great for photos).
5. Fun and Humor
Xiaohongshu is full of creative and humorous content, especially memes and jokes. Many are rooted in language or cultural context, but some are universally funny, such as cat videos. Here are some popular content ideas:
- Cute Animals: Search for “猫咪” (cats) or “萌宠” (cute pets) to find adorable cat and dog videos. Fun fact: many viral cat videos that appear on platforms like TikTok or Reels originally came from Xiaohongshu, including the famous “咣当” cat meme.
Conclusion
Xiaohongshu (RedNote) is not just a platform; it’s a lifestyle that connects millions of users around the world. Whether you’re looking for shopping inspiration, travel tips, beauty advice, or just a fun community to share your experiences with, Xiaohongshu has it all. By understanding its key features and community dynamics, you’ll be able to enhance your user experience and connect with like-minded individuals. Ready to dive in? Download the app today and start exploring!
