TikTok Refugee: 10 Tips to Navigate Rednote Amid U.S. TikTok Ban

The impending TikTok ban in the United States, set for January 19, has created a significant upheaval for creators and users who have relied on the platform for entertainment, connection, and creative expression. Surprisingly, instead of flocking to established alternatives such as Facebook or Instagram, many TikTok Refugees have turned to Rednote—also known as Xiaohongshu—a popular Chinese social media app, as a means of voicing their frustration and continuing their digital presence.

According to a report from Reuters, as of January 15, over 700,000 American users have joined Rednote. The sudden influx has been met with curiosity and enthusiasm from Chinese users, fostering an unprecedented exchange of culture and dialogue. This shift raises questions about what makes Rednote distinct, whether it can serve as an alternative to TikTok, and how American users can seamlessly adapt to its ecosystem while fostering positive interactions with its predominantly Chinese user base.

This guide provides insights into Rednote and offers practical tips for new users to successfully integrate into this unique platform.

While both TikTok and Rednote are Chinese-developed apps, their purposes and content structures differ significantly:

Aspect	TikTok	Rednote (Xiaohongshu)
Core Focus	Entertainment and viral content	Lifestyle, knowledge-sharing
Content Style	Short, creative videos emphasizing trends	A mix of text, images, and videos with depth and aesthetics
Audience	Global, predominantly Gen Z	Primarily Chinese users (18–35 years old, lifestyle enthusiasts)
Algorithm	Hyper-personalized, promoting virality	Interest-driven, fostering niche communities
Cultural Role	Entertainment-centric	A resource for practical tips, reviews, and cultural exploration

Rednote functions as a hybrid of Pinterest, Instagram, and a lifestyle-focused search engine, often referred to as “Rednote University” by its Chinese users due to its wealth of tutorials, product reviews, and daily tips.

1. Paying the “Cat Tax”

On Rednote, sharing photos of cats—referred to as “paying the cat tax” (猫税)—is a lighthearted way to engage with the community. While it’s not mandatory, sharing wholesome or relatable content helps establish a friendly presence among users.

2. Post in Both English and Chinese

Most Chinese users have studied English, but their exposure may be limited to formal or academic contexts. Providing bilingual captions (English and simplified Chinese) can enhance clarity and demonstrate a willingness to bridge cultural gaps. AI translation tools or services like Google Translate can assist in this effort.

3. Learn Emoji Nuances

Emoji interpretations differ across cultures. For example, the 🙂 emoji, often seen as friendly in the West, can come across as sarcastic or passive-aggressive in China. To avoid misunderstandings, familiarize yourself with local emoji conventions or consult guides tailored to Rednote users.

4. Avoid Sensitive Topics

Rednote thrives on positivity and practicality, making it an unsuitable platform for discussions about politics, drugs, or gambling. Instead, focus on lifestyle-oriented content such as fashion, travel, food, and beauty—topics that align with the platform’s ethos and are well-received by the community.

5. Be Wary of Spamming Ads or Links

Excessive promotion of products or services can trigger restrictions from Rednote’s algorithm, which prioritizes authentic content. To maintain reach and engagement, avoid spamming links or overt advertisements in posts.

6. Try Chinese Stickers and Memes

Stickers play a significant role in Rednote’s culture, especially among its younger user base. Incorporating popular Chinese stickers, such as panda heads or meme-inspired graphics, into your content can enhance relatability and engagement.

Adding text to images is a common step in creating personalized stickers, but this process can often feel cumbersome on a mobile device. BeautyPlus is a versatile app designed for both photo and video editing, making it an essential tool for anyone looking to make the most of platforms like Rednote (Xiaohongshu). If you’re eager to engage effectively and creatively within the Rednote community, mastering this app is a must.

Here’s a simple image guide to creating your own custom stickers using BeautyPlus:

1. Upload the image to the BeautyPlus app that you want to make stickers or memes.
2. Add text to the image, and adjust the font and the size of the text.

7. Use Hashtags Strategically

Hashtags are essential for visibility on Rednote. For optimal reach, translate your content into Chinese and use relevant hashtags based on trending topics. Tools like ChatGPT can help generate hashtag suggestions tailored to your content.

8. Engage Thoughtfully

Rednote’s algorithm considers user interactions such as likes and comments when curating content recommendations. Engage with posts you enjoy by leaving meaningful comments and likes. If certain content doesn’t resonate, ignore it—your preferences will refine the platform’s recommendations over time.

9. Share Unique Perspectives

Chinese users are often intrigued by life outside their borders. Sharing authentic glimpses of your daily routines, local scenery, or cultural experiences can garner significant interest. Tools like BeautyPlus can help enhance the presentation of your photos or videos.

10. Be Cautious of Scams

With the surge of new users, opportunists may attempt to exploit the situation through fraudulent sponsorship deals. Verify the authenticity of any partnership offers to avoid potential complications.

Can foreigners use Xiaohongshu (Rednote)?

Yes. Foreign users can register with their phone numbers, and the app offers an English interface. However, the future availability of Rednote in the U.S. remains uncertain, especially in light of potential regulatory challenges.

What is the difference between Instagram and Xiaohongshu?

While both platforms emphasize visual content, Instagram often showcases polished, aspirational lifestyles, whereas Rednote fosters a more down-to-earth community vibe. Its algorithm also provides greater visibility to everyday users, making it easier for newcomers to gain traction.

Is Rednote similar to Pinterest?

Not exactly. While both platforms focus on visual inspiration, Rednote emphasizes social interaction and personalized content discovery, creating a more community-oriented experience.

Is Rednote a Chinese app?

Yes. Rednote is a Chinese-developed platform that primarily serves a domestic audience but has gained international popularity due to its unique approach to content and community engagement.

Conclusion

The migration from TikTok to Rednote represents a significant cultural shift in digital habits, offering American users an opportunity to explore a platform rooted in lifestyle, authenticity, and knowledge-sharing. By following these guidelines, new users can integrate seamlessly into the Rednote community, fostering meaningful cross-cultural connections and exploring the platform’s diverse content ecosystem.