Xiaohongshu (小红书): The Ultimate Guide to Chinese TikTok & China’s Top Lifestyle App
Xiaohongshu, also known as Little Red Book or Red-Note has recently surged to the top of the app download charts in the U.S making a significant splash across Western media this month. This Chinese lifestyle app often referred to as the Chinese TikTok or a leading social commerce platform, has become popular for influencer marketing cross-border eCommerce and beauty product recommendations.
In this step-by-step guide we’ll help you learn everything you need to know about Xiaohongshu content creation and how to navigate this app like a pro for brand promotion, travel tips and language learning.
Everything You Need to Know About Xiaohongshu
Step1: Understand the Name
The Chinese name of this app is 小红书 Xiǎohóngshū, commonly known in English as RedNote or RED.
小红书
Xiǎohóngshū
Xiaohongshu, RedNote
(lit. “little-red-book”)
Xiaohongshu was launched in 2013 as a platform for users to share shopping experiences in China and authentic product reviews. Since then it turned into a Chinese lifestyle social media app that allows users to post short videos, vlogs and photo posts with personal recommendations about a trending topics including Chinese fashion tips, beauty tutorials, travel guides, local food recommendations, wellness routines and Chinese skincare trends.
NOTE
Think of it as a Chinese alternative to TikTok and Instagram a hybrid app where the feed offers endless scroll of lifestyle content, beauty influencer videos and AI-personalized recommendations. It’s one of the fastest-growing social commerce platforms in China used by both locals and international users exploring Chinese trends.
Download Xiaohongshu
You can easily download this app from the App Store or Google Play by simply searching for “小红书” or “rednote” in the search bar.
Step 3: Login / Create an Account
You can now create an account on Xiaohongshu with three login options available:
- If you already have a WeChat account, you can use it to log in;
- Sign in using your mobile phone number (select “Other login methods”).
- Log in through your Apple or Google account (select “Other login methods”).
NOTE
If you use an unregistered phone number or account, it will be automatically registered, and you’ll receive a verification code to begin browsing Xiaohongshu. You can also set a password and update your login information in the settings section.
Step 4: Understand the App
Once your account is created, you’ll be directed to the Xiaohongshu homepage where you can explore these key features:
- Follow: see recent posts from Xiaohongshu accounts you follow. If you’re new the app will suggest popular Xiaohongshu users and Xiaohongshu influencers for you to follow, Xiaohongshu recommended profiles, and best Xiaohongshu accounts to follow.
- Explore: discover personalized content based on your interests and activity. Explore Xiaohongshu posts on beauty, fashion, food and travel. Explore trending posts on Xiaohongshu and user-generated content (UGC).
- Nearby: Check out location-based content on Xiaohongshu and discover local products and services in China. With this feature you can find products on Xiaohongshu by location and Xiaohongshu local trends.
Visit your Xiaohongshu homepage to view the main feed featuring posts from followed accounts and the latest lifestyle content.
- Home: This takes you to your homepage with the main feed.
- Trending: Check the most popular and viral content.
- “+”: Click to share your first post.
- Messages: View new likes, followers, comments, and messages from other users and businesses.
- Me: Go to your profile to edit your content and BIO.
NOTE
Xiaohongshu is more than just a social media platform – it’s a unique ecosystem that combines social media with e-commerce, enabling users to discover, discuss, and purchase products. Key features include:
- User-generated content: reviews, tutorials, lifestyle posts
- E-commerce integration: direct product links, online shopping, live streams
- Social interaction: likes, comments, shares, follows
Step 5: Post Content
Simply tap the “+” icon to create your first post on Xiaohongshu. You can upload photos or videos, or even start a live stream.
PRO TIP
A cool feature on the platform is “Templates.” You can explore suggestions from other users’ content (UGC) for inspiration and create your unique posts.
🔹 小红书热点 (xiǎohóngshū rèdiǎn) – Xiaohongshu trends
That’s it!
Whether you’re curious about the latest trends or looking for unique shopping experiences, Xiaohongshu is a platform to watch as it reshapes the way we engage with social media and e-commerce.
Follow us on Xiaohongshu for daily videos exploring China and Mandarin Chinese: @thatsmandarin!
