Getting started with Xiaohongshu content creation can feel both exciting and intimidating. You might wonder: What kind of content performs well? How do creators grow their audience? Where do I begin? These are all common questions, and the good news is—you’re not alone.

In this Rednote beginner guide, we walk you step-by-step through what it takes to thrive on Rednote (Xiaohongshu): from account setup to video strategies, engagement tips, and even monetization. Whether you’re here to share your lifestyle, build influence, or tap into China’s growing creator economy, this guide is your first step forward.

Why Your Journey Starts with Real-Name Verification

Before you post your first video or story, there’s one essential step: verifying your identity on the platform. This isn’t just a security measure—it unlocks the full creator experience.

Real-name verification gives your account credibility, boosts your visibility in Rednote’s algorithm, and grants access to creator tools like live streaming and monetization features. Skipping this step often results in limited exposure—or worse, account restrictions.

You can verify your identity in under five minutes via Profile > Settings > Account & Security > Identity Verification. Once that’s done, you’re officially in the game.

The Heart of Content Creation on Rednote

Content that performs well on Xiaohongshu shares one thing in common: it feels personal and purposeful.

Instead of chasing perfection, focus on authenticity. Show your real life, speak in your voice, and share what you genuinely care about. Audiences are drawn to honesty—they want to see who you are behind the camera, not just polished visuals.

Great content also provides something useful. A product review that’s honest, a skincare routine that solves a real problem, or a meal prep idea that’s easy to follow—these small touches build real value for your viewers.

And timing matters. Rednote’s algorithm rewards consistency. Aiming for at least one thoughtful post per week is a great start to signal activity and keep your audience engaged.

Shooting and Editing: How to Make It Look Effortless

Many beginners think they need expensive equipment. Truth is, your smartphone is more than enough. What matters most is how you use it.

Let’s break it down:

• Keep it stable: Use a tripod or steady your phone on a surface.
• Use natural light: Film near a window during the day for the best lighting.
• Shoot vertically: Rednote’s audience prefers full-screen vertical videos.
• Frame with intention: A clean background and good composition go a long way.

When it comes to editing, simplicity wins. Cut out pauses, keep clips tight, and always add subtitles—many users watch with sound off. Free tools like CapCut (Jianying) or Rednote’s built-in editor are easy to learn and highly effective.

Your thumbnail and title deserve extra attention. Use keywords in the title naturally to help your post surface in search, and create thumbnails that are visually consistent with your page. Avoid dramatic clickbait—it might attract short-term views but harms your reputation long-term.

Growth on Rednote Isn’t Random—It’s Strategy

Gaining followers on Xiaohongshu doesn’t happen overnight. But with a bit of intention, you can steadily grow an engaged audience.

Start by talking directly to your viewers. End each video with a gentle call to action—ask a question, invite a comment, or encourage a follow. People are far more likely to interact when prompted clearly and naturally.

Equally important is your consistency in engagement. Reply to comments. Save and acknowledge feedback. The algorithm notices these micro-interactions and rewards them with more exposure.

Another underrated growth lever? Participate in Rednote’s hashtag challenges. Trending tags like #OutfitOfTheDay or #MiniVlog help you ride existing waves of attention. These challenges often bring new eyes to your content—even if you’re just starting out.

And if you’re unsure what trend to join? RednoteGo shares weekly insight reports on what’s hot on Xiaohongshu. It’s like having an insider guide to the algorithm.

Stay Aligned: What Not to Do on Rednote

It’s tempting to take shortcuts when trying to grow fast—but certain tactics will do more harm than good.

Here are a few things to absolutely avoid:

• Copy-pasting content from other platforms. Even slight edits don’t make it original.
• Clickbait headlines that mislead viewers. Rednote flags these and may limit your reach.
• Inappropriate content, including violence, adult material, or political commentary.
• External promotion to sites like WeChat or Taobao without using Rednote’s tools.

Instead, lean into originality. Use Rednote’s native affiliate features when linking to products, and be transparent when a post is sponsored.

If you’re unsure whether a post crosses the line, RednoteGo offers compliance reviews and publishing tips to help you stay safe.

Ready to Post? Try This First Challenge 🎯

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Here’s a simple challenge to kick off your creator journey:

1. Complete your verification if you haven’t already.
2. Film a 1-minute vertical video—maybe a morning routine, a product you love, or a quick recipe.
3. Post it with the tag #RednoteCreatorAcademy and mention @Rednote Creator Academy.

You might even get featured on the platform’s discovery page!

Passion Meets Possibility: Start Monetizing

Rednote isn’t just a creative space—it’s a business opportunity. Many creators begin by sharing everyday moments and gradually build a niche that attracts collaborations and income.

The key is to stay consistent and provide value. If you love skincare, review what works for your skin type. If you enjoy travel, showcase local gems. If you’re a student, share study tips that helped you succeed.

Once your content finds its voice, monetization becomes a natural next step. You can earn through official e-commerce links, digital services, or brand campaigns.

And you’re not alone. RednoteGo provides tools, tutorials, and brand briefs to help creators like you connect with advertisers and turn your passion into sustainable profit.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a creator on Xiaohongshu isn’t about going viral—it’s about building something meaningful, one post at a time. With the right mindset, a bit of strategy, and a lot of heart, your content can inspire, connect, and grow into something bigger than you imagined.

🌟 Want to take it further? Visit RednoteGo for creator resources, trend reports, and collaboration opportunities designed to help you thrive on Rednote.