As TikTok’s future becomes uncertain for many users, a growing wave of “TikTok refugees” is seeking new social media platforms that offer similar features and even more creative freedom. Enter REDnote, a Chinese app that has quickly surged in popularity worldwide. Known as Xiaohongshu (meaning "Little Red Book" in Mandarin), REDnote is a hybrid of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, with an emphasis on short-form video content, lifestyle discovery, and shopping.

As of January 2025, REDnote became the No. 1 downloaded app in the U.S., attracting millions of new users. However, with its primary language set to Chinese, many English-speaking users are unsure how to fully navigate and make the most of the platform. This guide will help you understand how to use REDnote in English and explore all its features seamlessly.

What is REDnote? A Quick Overview

REDnote, often referred to as Xiaohongshu, is a Chinese social media app designed for both video sharing and photo-based content. It’s been compared to a blend of Instagram’s photo-sharing and Pinterest’s visual boards, with TikTok-like short-form video capabilities. This makes REDnote a perfect platform for anyone who loves creating engaging videos, discovering new products, and building a community around their interests.

What sets REDnote apart is its strong focus on product discovery and lifestyle curation. Users often share product reviews, travel experiences, beauty tips, and fashion recommendations, creating a community-driven space where consumers and creators alike can interact.

How to Use REDnote in the U.S.: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're ready to jump into REDnote, here's how to download the app, set up your profile, and start creating content—specifically tailored for English-speaking users.

▶ 1. How to Download REDnote

REDnote is available for both iPhone and Android users. Here’s how to download it:

For iPhone Users: Open the Apple App Store and search for “REDnote” or the Chinese name “Xiaohongshu.” You should see the app with the Chinese characters 小红书. Tap "Download" to install the app.

For Android Users: Go to the Google Play Store and search for the same terms. If the app isn’t available in your region, you can also download the APK file from a trusted source and install it manually.

Once installed, launch the app, and you'll immediately be able to browse the feed, which combines both photo and video content.

▶ 2. How to Create Your REDnote Account

Creating an account on REDnote is simple, though there are a few steps to complete. Here’s how:

Step 1: Sign Up

Open the app and tap on Sign Up. You can create an account using either your email address or phone number. Choose the phone number option for faster access, but make sure to select the correct country code (e.g., +1 for the U.S.).

Step 2: Verification

REDnote will send you a confirmation code via text or email. Enter the code in the app to verify your account. Note that some users report a slight delay in receiving verification codes, so be patient—it may take up to 30 minutes.

Step 3: Onboarding and Interests

During onboarding, you'll be asked to select your interests. This helps REDnote personalize your feed with relevant content, including videos, photos, and product recommendations.

Step 4: Profile Setup

After signing up, complete your profile by uploading a profile picture and writing a short bio. You can also link your other social media accounts, which is useful for cross-promotion.

▶ 3. How to Change REDnote to English

The default language of REDnote is Chinese, which can make it difficult for English speakers to navigate the app. Fortunately, you can switch to English, making the experience more user-friendly:

Step 1: Go to Settings

Tap on your profile icon (located at the bottom right corner of the screen) to open the settings menu.

Step 2: Change Language

Tap the gear icon (top right corner) to open the settings page. Select Languages, and choose English as your preferred language.

While this changes much of the app to English, some sections, particularly the interface and certain product listings, may still be in Chinese. However, the app is continuously evolving, so it’s likely that full English translation will be rolled out soon.

▶ 4. How to Create Content on REDnote

REDnote thrives on creativity, so if you’re coming from TikTok, you’ll feel right at home with the video creation features. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Start Creating

Tap the Create button located at the bottom center of the screen. This will activate the camera interface, allowing you to record videos directly within the app. Alternatively, you can upload pre-recorded content from your gallery.

Step 2: Editing Your Video

After recording, REDnote offers a wide range of editing tools. You can add filters, effects, text overlays, and music, much like you would on TikTok. There’s also a vast library of songs and sound effects to choose from, or you can upload your own.

Step 3: Posting Your Video

Once you’ve perfected your video, write a compelling caption, add relevant hashtags to increase discoverability, and hit Post. You can choose to share the video publicly or limit it to your followers.

▶ 5. Engaging with the REDnote Community

Building a following on REDnote requires more than just posting content—you need to engage with the community actively. Here’s how to make meaningful connections:

Like, Comment, and Share

Just like TikTok, you’ll want to interact with other creators. Like videos, comment thoughtfully, and share content that resonates with you. This helps build a rapport with other users and fosters community growth.

Participate in Trends and Challenges

REDnote often hosts viral challenges, similar to TikTok. By participating in these trends, you can quickly get your content in front of a wider audience. Use trending hashtags and follow the latest challenges to stay relevant.

Collaborate with Other Creators

REDnote is a platform built on collaboration. Reach out to other users for joint projects, whether it's a video, product review, or creative collaboration. This helps cross-promote content and can significantly boost your visibility.

▶ 6. Why Switch from TikTok to REDnote?

As a TikTok refugee, you may be wondering if REDnote is worth the transition. Here’s why it could be the perfect fit for you:

• More Creative Freedom: REDnote’s video editing features and versatility allow for a greater range of creative expression compared to TikTok.

• E-commerce and Product Discovery: Unlike TikTok, REDnote integrates shopping and product reviews directly into the platform, giving users the opportunity to discover new products seamlessly.

• Community-Driven Content: The platform thrives on user-generated content, making it easier for niche communities to grow organically.

• A Growing Global Presence: With its increasing popularity, REDnote offers a unique opportunity to build your audience early in the U.S. market before the platform becomes oversaturated.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Big Platform

As TikTok faces uncertainty, REDnote offers a fresh alternative for content creators, lifestyle influencers, and everyday users looking for something new. By following this guide, you can set up your account, navigate the app in English, and start creating content right away. Whether you're looking to share your creativity, discover new products, or engage with a community, REDnote is an exciting new platform that’s poised to redefine social media.