Xiaohongshu, also known as Little Red Book, or RedNote, has recently surged to the top of the app download charts in the U.S., making a significant splash across Western media this month.
In this step-by-step, we’ll help to learn everything you need to know about Xiaohongshu and navigate this platform like a pro.
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 and product reviews. Since then, it has evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle platform that allows users to post photos, videos, and personal recommendations about a variety of topics, including fashion, beauty, travel, food, and wellness.
NOTE
Think of it as a Chinese alternative to TikTok and Instagram: an app where the feed offers an endless scroll of Instagram-style posts, driven by TikTok-style personalized recommendations.
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 with the following options:
- Follow: all the recent posts and content from the accounts you follow. If you do not follow anyone, then the app will suggest people for you to follow.
- Explore: this section will suggest content based on the interest you chose, or posts you liked. This section is the main way to discover user-generated content.
- Nearby: you can see posts and products based on your location.
You can also use the menu at the bottom of the page to access functions such as:
- 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.
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