A Beginner’s Guide On How To Use RedNote

Learn how to set up and navigate RedNote, the social media platform that’s climbed to the top of Apple’s US App Store. It’s been a big hit in the Chinese market, but now it’s making its mark beyond the Chinese-speaking world.

RedNote recently snagged the #2 spot among trending apps on the US App Store following the announcement of the TikTok ban in the United States. With TikTok’s future still up in the air, RedNote has become a go-to platform for TikTok creators and users looking for an alternative.

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What is RedNote?

Launched in 2013, “Little Red Book,” now known as “RedNote,” is one of China’s top social media platforms, boasting around 300 million users with a majority of them being Mandarin and Cantonese users. Often described as a blend of TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest all rolled into one, the app has gained popularity for user-generated content, allowing users to share personal stories and tips on travel and lifestyle, beauty hacks, fashion, and more.

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Navigating RedNote

To kick things off, it’s super exciting that the app is finally available in English! Plus, the app’s interface is really user-friendly and straightforward. Let’s dive into the app and explore its features, starting with the “Home” page.

Top row navigation

• Follow: View notes (the term RedNote uses for general posts) of the accounts you follow.
• Explore: Discover new trends and broaden your horizons!
• Nearby: Find notes, creators, and topic recommendations from local communities around your area.

Top left menu toggle

• Find Friends: Link up with others who have similar interests or mutual connections.
• Drafts: Save your in-progress posts and come back to them when you’re ready.
• My Comments: View your interactions across the platform.
• History: Check your recent activity, including notes you’ve viewed or accounts you’ve viewed.
• Shopping Tools: Access features like orders, carts, and wallet management for in-app shopping.

Bottom row navigation (from left to right icon)

• Home: Your feed showcasing content from creators you follow, along with posts tailored to your interests.
• Trending: Similar to TikTok’s ‘For You Page,’ this section lets you discover popular and viral content across different categories. It’s the go-to place to see what’s hot.
• Post on RedNote: Create and share your own posts. You can upload photos, videos, or text, edit and enhance them using filters and effects, and also include captions and hashtags.
• Messages: This is your notification hub. Chat privately with friends, followers, and creators.
• Me: This is your profile. Manage and view your posts, followers, and personal settings.

Start Scrolling On RedNote

To help you navigate RedNote, imagine the interface as resembling Pinterest’s. When you open the app, you’ll first see the “Home” page. Like Pinterest, it features a scrollable collage format for previewing posts. Just click on any post that piques your interest to see more! To return to the “Home” page, click the top left arrow or swipe left.

Build your Home Page

Once you’re comfortable, it’s time to dive into RedNote and shape your algorithm! When you click on a post or video, it will displays a heart (Like), a star (Collect), and a speech bubble (Comment). Utilise these features to help RedNote better understand your preferences!

Embrace the culture

RedNote blends Chinese and Western cultural influences, and to be frank, most posts, captions, and other content will initially be in Mandarin and Cantonese. However, the visuals of most of the posts say a lot and are quite compelling on their own. Approach this with an open mind, curiosity and respect!

Make use of the “Nearby” feature

You’d be surprised at all the Hong Kong-based content featured on RedNote! So, try to utilise the “Nearby” feature to discover local events, businesses, and creators.

Using the app as a creator

If you’re a content creator hoping to build a following on RedNote, post regularly and produce seasonal and trend-focused content. Also, try making use of these trending RedNote buzzwords:

• hhhhh/xswl: LOL
• 表情包: Meme
• 我趣我去: “I’m interested, I’ll go!”
• 呜呜呜: Cry emoji*
• 哇: Expression of being surprised or wowed
• U1S1: An abbreviation for “Here’s my opinion.”
• 笑不活了: Die from laughing
• uu们: Addressing friends
• TH: To joke around
• i人: An introvert
• e人: An extrovert

Whether you’re sharing your own stories or discovering new trends, there’s always something exciting waiting for you in this app. So, grab your phone, and dive into the world of RedNote! Happy scrolling!

Head here to download on iOS and Android

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