Learn the do’s and don’ts of using REDNote or Xiaohongshu (XHS).
Whether you’re a TikTok refugee, looking to expand your audience reach, or exploring new ways to monetize your content, this article covers the essential tips you need to know about Xiaohongshu (XHS) REDNote app.
While the app is easy to use, its unspoken rules and unique culture can make or break your experience.
The last thing you want is to upload content only to find out it’s been flagged or removed for violating community guidelines.
Let’s dive straight into the tips that will help you survive and thrive on REDNote.
11 Tips On How To Use REDNote (Do’s & Don’ts)
Using REDNote is like traveling to a foreign country.
Before you go, you research the language, culture, and etiquette to understand what’s appropriate and what’s not.
Applying the same mindset to REDNote ensures you build positive connections and avoid common pitfalls.
Here are the 11 tips on how to use Xiaohongshu.
1. Learn the local language
While you don’t need to be fluent in Chinese, learning basic phrases can go a long way.
Think of it like traveling — knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” and other essentials makes connection and engagement smoother. This means understanding key terms and being able to recognize basic text on the app.
Plus your effort in getting to know Chinese will be much appreciated by local netizens.
DO: Learn basic Chinese via platforms like Duolingo, YouTube or free language exchange channels.
2. Add Chinese subtitles
Xiaohongshu is a Chinese platform designed for their people.
While many Chinese are fluent in English, adding Chinese subtitles to your videos and descriptions shows respect and effort. Even if your translations aren’t perfect, locals will appreciate your attempt to connect.
DO: Add Simplified Chinese subtitles to your videos, and consider also translating your description and comments.
3. Be respectful
Respect yourself, your audience and the REDNote community guidelines.
Avoid stereotypes or content that might be seen as disrespectful.
Make sure that everything you post (comments, descriptions, etc) are culturally appropriate, original (not someone else’s), not sexualised, racist, political or anything over the top that’s not part of the cultural norm.
Remember, the values of Chinese and North Americans are very different. Think with Chinese values and etiquette in mind before sharing.
DO: Respect local differences and Xiaohongshu community guidelines. If you’re not sure or have concerns, reach out to REDNote for help. Alternatively, share your questions on the app — local users are warm and friendly, and many will be able to provide you the answers you need.
4. Be authentic
Like desperation, inauthenticity can be spotted a mile away.
Share your real experiences and personal stories.
If you’re doing a product review, disclose that it’s commissioned or sponsored.
DO: Be yourself and have fun.
5. Avoid external links or shop promotion
Unlike Tik Tok or Instagram where external links to personal or shopping websites are encouraged, this type of promotion is an absolute no-no in XHS.
REDNote work very hard to keep the community safe, any products or services that you want to sell must be fully disclosed and sold via the app (you have to open a store within the platform), and no where else.
Do not attempt to cheat around the system and risk getting banned from the community.
DON’T: Avoid sharing any external links or encouraging viewers to visit shops outside of Xiaohongshu. This is not allowed. All products, and sponsorships included, are dealt within the platform.
6. Engage with the community
Like all other social platform, engagement is key.
Comment on other posts, respond to comments on your content, write thoughtful Notes and interact with trending hashtags.
When engaging, always mindful of the cultural differences and local etiquette.
Avoid spamming comments like “follow to follow” or “like for like.”
DO: Proactively connect with local users. Consider using Google Translate or similar apps to boost engagement.
7. Follow the REDNote community guidelines
It’s important that you familiarize yourself with REDNote’s official guidelines to ensure your content aligns with their standards, and to avoid issues like post removal and account suspensions.
Following the rules not only protects your account but also helps maintain a positive environment for all users.
DO: Familiarize yourself with the Xiaohongshu community guideline.
8. Don’t be negative
Avoid overly critical or negative posts or comments.
This includes using verbal abusive words, swearing, and promoting harm and violence.
REDNote’s community values positivity and constructive feedback.
Sharing optimism and solutions is a great way to boost engagement and goodwill among users.
DON’T: Pessimism is not welcome in the XHS community. Doing so may lead to account suspension or ban.
9. Avoid all political discussion or sharing
RedNote isn’t the place for political debates or controversial discussions.
Unlike other platforms that might tolerate controversial topics, RedNote focuses on content such as lifestyle, travel, and food. Remember to keep your content aligned with these themes.
DON’T: Discuss share or discuss controversial and overly sensitive topics in any of your posts, comments and desciption.
10. Learn from feedback
Xioahongshu is a friendly community with very supportive netizens.
Be open-minded about feedback on your content — it’s an opportunity for growth and understanding what resonates with your audience.
DO: You’re on a new platform — learn, unlearn and relearn, and enjoy the process.
11. Stay consistent
Like any other platform, building a following or creating influence on REDNote requires consistency.
Post regularly (a few times daily if possible) and maintain the same high-quality standards. Also, do research on your topic and pay attention to trends to stay relevant.
DO: Show up for yourself every single day.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you’ll not only avoid common mistakes but also build a positive reputation in the community.
Think of RedNote as a unique destination — the more effort you put into understanding its culture, the more rewarding your experience will be.
