Xiaohongshu (RedNote): What It Is & How to Use It (2026 Ultimate Guide)

Key Takeaways

• Xiaohongshu (小红书), also called the Little Red Book or RedNote, is a Chinese social media + shopping app
• Think Instagram + TikTok + Pinterest combined
• It’s used for reviews, travel tips, beauty, and lifestyle content
• You can sign up easily and start browsing or posting within minutes

What is Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book)?

Xiaohongshu (小红书, Xiǎohóngshū), often called the Little Red Book app or RedNote, is a Chinese social media and e-commerce platform launched in 2013 where users share lifestyle content and product recommendations.

At its core, Xiaohongshu combines:

• Instagram (photos and lifestyle posts)
• TikTok (short videos and algorithm-driven feed)
• Pinterest (discovery and inspiration)

What makes Xiaohongshu unique is its focus on real user experiences. Most content comes from everyday users sharing honest opinions, making it a trusted platform for discovering trends and products. Today, Xiaohongshu has over 300 million monthly active users and is widely used as a search engine for lifestyle recommendations in China.

小红书
Xiǎohóngshū
Xiaohongshu, RedNote
(lit. “little-red-book”)

Want a quick explanation of Xiaohongshu (小红书) and how it’s used in real life?

Watch this short video to understand the Little Red Book app:

Why is Xiaohongshu so popular?

Xiaohongshu has grown rapidly because it offers a different experience from typical social media platforms.

Here are a few of the key reasons why:

1. Real, user-generated content (UGC)

Instead of polished ads, users share genuine reviews and personal experiences. This builds trust and makes the platform feel more authentic.

2. Powerful recommendation algorithm

The app quickly learns your interests and shows highly relevant content, making it easy to discover new ideas and products.

3. A mix of social media and shopping

Users can discover a product and often buy it directly through the app, combining inspiration with action.

4. Strong lifestyle focus

Users scroll through an endless feed of content, including:

• Beauty and skincare reviews
• Travel guides and food recommendations
• Fashion, fitness, and daily life tips

How to Use Xiaohongshu (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Download the app

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 2: 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 3: Explore the homepage

Once your account is created, you’ll be directed to the Xiaohongshu homepage, where you can explore these key features:

Key tabs include:

• Follow (关注): 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 the best Xiaohongshu accounts to follow.
• Explore (发现): discover personalised 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 (附近): 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.

Step 4: Understand key features

• Home: your main feed
• Trending: popular content
• “+” button: create a post
• Messages: notifications and interactions
• Profile (我): manage your account

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 your own content

Tap the “+” button to:

• Upload photos or videos
• Write captions
• Add hashtags

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. Write a compelling description, use relevant hashtags, and tag other users to increase interaction and engagement on your post. Explore the “Search” bar to discover trending topics and use them as inspiration for hashtags and content ideas.

小红书热点 (xiǎohóngshū rèdiǎn) – Xiaohongshu trends

FAQ: Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book / RedNote)

Using Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book)

Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) is more than just a social media app; it’s a platform where people discover trends, share experiences, and make decisions. 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!