Introduction
As the TikTok ban looms over U.S. users, many are seeking new platforms to continue sharing content and connecting with others. Enter Xiaohongshu—also known as Red Note—a Chinese social media app that has recently skyrocketed to the top of app store rankings, including in the U.S. TikTok refugees are flooding to this vibrant platform, eager to explore new ways of sharing content and engaging with an entirely different audience.
But Xiaohongshu is not just another TikTok. It’s deeply rooted in Chinese culture and social norms, so blending in and making meaningful connections requires a bit of cultural understanding. Here’s a guide, from a Chinese user’s perspective, on how TikTok refugees can respectfully and effectively integrate into the Xiaohongshu community.
1. Respect the Culture: Embrace Xiaohongshu’s Chinese Roots
The most important thing to remember is that Xiaohongshu is a Chinese app with a predominantly Chinese user base. Unlike TikTok, which has a more global user distribution, Xiaohongshu thrives on Chinese culture, traditions, and social norms.
Why It Matters
- Cultural sensitivity is key. As a foreign user, it’s essential to respect the culture of the platform’s original audience.
- Chinese users appreciate when foreign users make an effort to adapt to their environment, rather than expecting the app to cater to a global or Western audience.
How to Embrace the Culture
- Learn about Chinese traditions and holidays. If you’re engaging with content around Chinese New Year or other local celebrations, show interest and understanding.
- Avoid demanding that Chinese users adjust their behavior or content to suit a foreign audience. Instead, focus on learning and adapting to their ways of communication and interaction.
2. Respect the Language: Use Chinese or Bilingual Communication
One of the unique aspects of Xiaohongshu is its language environment. With 90% of users being Chinese, the app is predominantly used in Mandarin. While many users appreciate the presence of foreigners, language respect goes a long way in making genuine connections.
Why Language Respect Matters
- Communication is at the heart of social media, and using the local language shows respect and genuine interest in engaging with the community.
- Chinese users may be more open and willing to interact when they see you’re making an effort to communicate in their language.
How to Communicate Effectively
- Use translation tools: If you’re not fluent in Mandarin, translation apps like Google Translate or built-in tools can help you understand posts and craft replies.
- Post bilingual content: When creating your own posts or comments, consider using both Chinese and English. This makes your content accessible to a wider audience and shows respect for the local language.
- If you’re replying to a post written in Chinese, make an effort to respond in Chinese (even if it’s a simple sentence) to show that you’re trying to engage on their terms.
3. Embrace Memes: The Universal Language of Xiaohongshu
Just like TikTok has its own meme culture, Xiaohongshu thrives on memes. Memes are a fun and informal way to communicate, and they’re widely used by Chinese users to express thoughts, emotions, and humor.
Why Memes Matter
- Memes create a common ground between users, regardless of cultural or linguistic barriers.
- They are a fun way to lighten the mood and engage in a way that feels organic and natural to Xiaohongshu’s culture.
Popular Memes on Xiaohongshu
- Lady Gaga memes: Often used to express exaggerated emotions or reactions.
- Cat and dog memes: Pet-themed memes are a staple of Xiaohongshu culture, often used to convey cute, funny, or relatable content.
- Reaction GIFs and stickers: These are frequently used to respond to posts in a humorous or playful way.
How to Use Memes Effectively
- Look at how local users are employing memes in their posts and comments, and mimic their style.
- Add humor and visual flair to your own posts by incorporating relevant memes. This can help you blend into the community more naturally and engage with users in a fun, relatable way.
4. Share Your Pet Photos: Pay the “Cat Tax” or “Dog Tax”
If there’s one thing that transcends cultural boundaries, it’s a love for pets. On Xiaohongshu, it’s common for users to share photos of their pets, and newcomers are often jokingly asked to “pay the Cat Tax” or “Dog Tax” by sharing pictures of their furry friends.
Why Pet Photos Matter
- Pet content is universally loved and an easy way to break the ice.
- Sharing photos of your pets is a simple, yet effective way to introduce yourself to the community in a friendly and engaging manner.
How to Share Your Pet Photos
- If you have pets, consider sharing a few photos in your first post to introduce yourself. Caption it with a simple greeting like, “Hello Xiaohongshu! Here’s my cat/dog!”.
- Engage with other users by commenting on their pet photos and sharing stories or experiences about your own pets.
5. Share Videos: Continue Your Content Creation Journey
One of the best things about Xiaohongshu is its support for video content, much like TikTok. If you enjoyed creating and sharing videos on TikTok, you’ll feel right at home on Xiaohongshu, where users are equally passionate about short videos and creative content.
Why Video Content Works on Xiaohongshu
- Video posts receive a lot of engagement and can help you quickly build a following.
- Sharing personal experiences, daily routines, or even travel diaries resonates well with Xiaohongshu’s community.
How to Make Engaging Videos
- Keep your videos authentic and informative. Xiaohongshu users value content that is relatable and offers practical tips or insights.
- Engage with comments on your videos to build relationships with Chinese users and learn more about their interests and perspectives.
Conclusion
As TikTok refugees flock to Xiaohongshu, understanding how to respectfully integrate into this Chinese social media platform is key to making meaningful connections and enjoying the full experience. By respecting the culture and language, embracing memes, sharing pet photos, and continuing to create video content, you’ll blend in effortlessly and find yourself warmly welcomed by the Xiaohongshu community.
So, grab your pet photos, brush up on your Mandarin (or translation app), and dive into the world of Xiaohongshu (Red Note)—a place where cultural exchange and genuine connections flourish.
