With all the buzz about TikTok getting banned in the U.S., people are looking for other apps to share their favorite videos. One name popping up a lot is RedNote, also called Xiaohongshu (“Little Red Book”) in China. It’s starting to catch on, so here’s what you should know about it and why it might be a great alternative to TikTok.
What’s RedNote All About?
RedNote started in 2013 as a way for people to share shopping tips and product reviews. Over time, it became a mix of short videos and online shopping. On RedNote, you can watch videos, post your own, and even buy stuff directly through the app. It’s like a combo of TikTok and Pinterest.
Why Are People Switching to RedNote?
1. TikTok’s Future Is Up in the Air
A lot of people are worried about TikTok getting permanently banned in the U.S. because of its ties to China. With all the uncertainty, many TikTok fans are giving RedNote a try since it has similar features. Even though TikTok is back, its future is still uncertain.
2. It’s Fun and Useful
RedNote lets you create and share videos just like TikTok, but it also has a cool shopping feature. You can find stuff you like in videos and buy it without leaving the app. This makes it super appealing for influencers and brands.
3. Creators Are Moving Over
Some TikTok creators are already checking out RedNote. It’s especially great for people who make videos about fashion, beauty, and travel because of its shopping focus. They are making foreign friends and exploring their culture. Even though TikTok is back, they don’t rush back and keep their options open.
What’s the Catch?
If you don’t speak Chinese, using RedNote can be tricky. You might need a translation app to help figure things out. That said, some people don’t mind the extra effort. With their latest update, the app added a translation button in the comments to adapt to changes and the influx of non-Chinese users.
Since RedNote follows Chinese laws, it has pretty strict rules about what you can share. Talking about certain political or sensitive topics might get your account flagged or even banned.
Like TikTok, RedNote’s connection to China raises questions about privacy. Some people worry about how their data might be used, so that’s something to keep in mind.
How to Make Money on RedNote (Xiaohongshu) as a Creator
If you’re a content creator, RedNote offers several ways to turn your content into cash. Here’s how you can make money:
Brand Collaborations and Sponsored Content
By becoming a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) on RedNote, you can work with brands to promote their products or services. Brands love creators with engaged audiences, so focus on making authentic, high-quality content that your followers enjoy. Even if you don’t have a massive following, strong engagement can make you attractive to brands.
Brands on RedNote often look for creators to promote their products. As a content collaborator, you can work directly with brands to create promotional posts that align with their goals.
Who Can Participate?
- Creators aged 18 or older.
- Accounts with at least 1,000 followers.
- Verified professional accounts that follow community guidelines.
Product Recommendations and Affiliate Marketing
Creators can promote items from RedNote’s Selection Center in their posts or live streams. When people buy the products you recommend, you earn a commission. Right now, the Affiliate Marketing feature is mainly available for users in mainland China, but it might expand in the future.
Open a Shu Store (薯店)
If you’ve got products to sell, you can set up your own online shop on RedNote, called a Shu Store. You can showcase and sell products directly through your posts or live streams. To open a Shu Store, you’ll need at least 1,000 followers, complete identity verification, and follow the platform’s rules.
Live E-commerce and Virtual Gifts
Live streaming on RedNote isn’t just for fun—it’s a great way to make money. You can promote products during your streams and earn commissions on sales. Viewers can also send you virtual gifts, which you can convert into “Shu Diamonds” and cash out. To access this feature, you’ll need to meet specific requirements, like verifying your identity and having a certain number of followers.
Build Your Personal Brand
RedNote is a great place to grow your personal brand. Use it to showcase your expertise, direct followers to your other platforms, or even sell digital products like courses or guides. It’s a platform where you can turn your passion into a business.
While not all features are available globally yet, RedNote gives creators plenty of ways to monetize their presence. If you’re curious about how to get started, explore the Creator Center in the app and discover what works best for your style!
Should You Try RedNote?
RedNote is growing fast, and it’s easy to see why. It’s fun, creative, and has a unique shopping twist. If you’re looking for something new, it’s worth checking out. Just remember to think about the language barrier and the app’s rules before diving in.
As TikTok’s future remains unclear, RedNote could become even more popular. Whether it’ll replace TikTok completely or just be another cool app to use, only time will tell. For now, it’s definitely a platform to keep on your radar.
While both platforms focus on short-form videos, RedNote integrates shopping features directly into the app. You can buy products featured in videos, making it a mix of TikTok and an online shopping platform.
Yes, you can download and use RedNote outside of China. However, some features, such as product recommendations and commissions, may currently be limited to mainland Chinese users.
Like any app, RedNote comes with privacy considerations, especially given its ties to China. It’s a good idea to review its privacy policy and consider the data you share.
RedNote allows a variety of content, from fashion and beauty tips to travel and lifestyle videos. However, content must comply with strict guidelines, particularly around sensitive or political topics.
The app’s primary language is Chinese, but you can navigate it with the help of translation tools. Some English-language support may be available, but it’s limited.
Yes, RedNote allows brands to collaborate with creators for sponsored content and promotions. This is a key way for creators to monetize their accounts.
Yes, the app is free to download and use, but shopping and premium features may incur costs.
RedNote has age restrictions, and users under 18 may face limited access to certain features. Parents should review the app’s guidelines before allowing their children to use it.
Reviewed By Rem Darbinyan
Revolutionizing industries with AI, Rem Darbinyan is the CEO of ViralMango and an entrepreneur, AI expert, and influencer marketing strategist.
