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Leveraging the TikTok Refugee Trend: How Content Creators Grow & Monetize

Written by Shoplazza Content Team | Jan 15, 2025 2:39:11 PM
As the TikTok ban approaches, a significant number of content creators and users, known as "TikTok refugees," are seeking new platforms to continue their online presence and engage with audiences. Xiaohongshu (many Tiktok refugees just called it Rednote) has emerged as a popular destination for these refugees, offering a unique opportunity for content creators to tap into a new and eager audience. This migration has not only brought a surge in Xiaohongshu's popularity but also presents a golden opportunity for content creators to grow their following and monetize their content in a new and vibrant market.
 
 
For content creators, especially those who have built a following on TikTok, Xiaohongshu offers a platform with a highly engaged user base and a strong focus on lifestyle and consumer decision-making. Unlike TikTok, which is primarily entertainment-focused, Xiaohongshu is known for its community-driven content and detailed product reviews. This makes it an ideal space for creators looking to build a more nuanced and interactive relationship with their audience.
 
In this guide, we will explore how content creators can leverage the current influx of TikTok refugees to grow their following on Xiaohongshu. We will cover the steps to set up a professional account, create high-quality content, and use the platform's tools to increase visibility and engagement. Additionally, we will discuss effective monetization strategies to help creators turn their content into revenue. Whether you are a seasoned TikTok creator looking for a new home or a content creator eager to expand your reach, Xiaohongshu offers a wealth of opportunities to connect with a new and diverse audience. Let's dive into how you can make the most of this platform and ride the wave of this new trend.
 

Setting Up Your Xiaohongshu Account

To capitalize on the influx of TikTok refugees and the growing interest in Xiaohongshu, it's crucial to start by setting up a professional account. This will give you access to advanced features and tools designed to help you grow your brand and connect with your audience more effectively.

Register an Account

  • Sign Up: Begin by visiting the Xiaohongshu website or downloading the app. Look for the option to register a professional account if you want to have more tags on your profile. This account type is tailored for brands and content creators, offering enhanced analytics, brand collaboration opportunities, and other features that can help you manage your presence more effectively.

  • Verification: Complete the verification process to confirm your identity and the legitimacy of your brand. This step is important as it builds trust with your audience and the platform itself.

Complete Your Profile

  • Profile Picture: Choose a personal and memorable profile picture that reflects your content and personality. Ensure the image is high quality and clear, with a simple and uncluttered background to make it easy to recognize. A smiling photo can make you appear more approachable and friendly. Don't be afraid to get creative, but also consider updating your profile picture regularly to stay current and reflect any changes in your style or focus.
  • Description: Write a concise and compelling description of your brand. Highlight what makes your content unique and why your audience should follow you. Include keywords related to your niche to improve your discoverability on the platform.
  • Links: While Xiaohongshu does not allow direct external website links on the profile, you can use the platform's features to drive traffic to your external sites. For example, you can:
    • Use Notes and Posts: Embed links within your notes and posts, guiding users to your external sites.
    • Leverage Comments: Use comments to share links, but be mindful of the platform's rules to avoid penalties.
    • Brand Collaboration: Partner with brands that have external links, and use Xiaohongshu's brand collaboration platform to promote your content.

Optimize Your Settings

  • Privacy Settings: Review and adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your content, interact with your posts, and view your profile information. This is especially important if you plan to share personal or sensitive content.
  • Notification Settings: Set up notifications to stay updated on interactions with your content, such as likes, comments, and shares. This will help you engage with your audience in real-time and build stronger relationships.

Familiarize Yourself with the Platform

  • Explore the Interface: Spend some time navigating through Xiaohongshu to understand its layout and features. Familiarize yourself with how to post content, interact with other users, and access your account settings.
  • Understand the Algorithm: Learn about Xiaohongshu's content recommendation algorithm. This will help you create content that is more likely to be seen by a larger audience. Generally, posts that receive high engagement (likes, comments, shares) in the first few hours after posting are more likely to be recommended to a wider audience.
  • Avoid Sensitive Topics:Avoid topics related to politics, religion, race, gender discrimination, violence, or pornography. These topics can lead to content being flagged or removed. Do not engage in or promote any form of harassment, including cyberbullying or personal attacks.
  • Limit on Unilateral Messages: As of January 7, 2025, Xiaohongshu has implemented new rules for private messaging. Professional accounts are restricted to sending only one message to a non-follower before receiving a reply, and they can only send messages to 20 unique non-followers per day.
 
By setting up a professional account and optimizing your profile, you lay a solid foundation for growing your following and establishing a strong brand presence on Xiaohongshu. With your account ready, you can now focus on creating and sharing content that resonates with your target audience, which we will cover in the next section.
 

Growing Your Following

With the influx of "TikTok refugees" to Xiaohongshu, there's a unique opportunity to grow your following by tapping into the curiosity and enthusiasm of the Chinese audience. Here’s how you can leverage this trend to quickly increase your fan base:

Create Authentic and Engaging Content

  • Introduce Yourself: Start by sharing a heartfelt introduction. Be genuine and let your personality shine through. A simple video where you introduce yourself, your background, and your interests can go a long way. For example, sharing a video where you sing a song, speak a few words of Chinese, or showcase a talent can instantly attract attention and likes.
  • Humor and Personality: Use humor to connect with your audience. Funny videos or posts that show your quirky side can be very appealing. The Chinese audience appreciates humor and authenticity, so don’t be afraid to be yourself.
  • Visual Appeal: Post high-quality, visually appealing photos and videos. Beautiful landscapes, interesting street scenes, or creative food shots can capture the imagination of your audience. Ensure your visuals are well-lit and well-composed to make a strong impact.
  • Talent Shows: If you have a special talent, such as playing an instrument, dancing, or painting, showcase it! Talent performances are highly valued and can quickly gain you a following.

Engage with Your Audience

  • Interactive Posts: Create posts that encourage interaction. Ask questions, run polls, or start a discussion. For example, you could ask your followers what they think about a particular topic or how they celebrate certain holidays.
  • Live Streams: Host live streams where you can interact with your audience in real-time. During these streams, you can answer questions, play games, or even teach a mini-lesson on a topic of interest. Live streams are a great way to build a community and foster a sense of belonging among your followers.
  • Respond to Comments: Make an effort to respond to comments on your posts. This shows that you value your audience and are willing to engage with them. Responding to comments can also lead to more interactions and a stronger connection with your followers.
 

Utilize Platform Features

  • Hashtags: Use relevant and trending hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts. Research popular hashtags in your niche and include them in your posts to reach a wider audience.
  • Collaborations: Collaborate with other content creators, especially those who are also part of the TikTok refugee community. Joint posts or live streams can help you reach new audiences and grow your following.
  • Promotions: Take advantage of Xiaohongshu’s promotional tools, such as the Juguang Advertising Platform, to boost your content. Targeted ads can help you reach specific demographics and interests, increasing your chances of gaining new followers.

Monetization Opportunities and Strategies

For TikTok refugees on Xiaohongshu, it will be perfect if you can have fun while exploring monetization opportunities. One of the opportunities is to collaborate with Chinese brands looking to expand internationally.
  • Leverage Your International Perspective: As a TikTok refugee, you bring a unique understanding of international markets. Chinese brands looking to expand abroad can benefit from your insights and audience. You can help these brands introduce their products to your international followers, increasing their exposure and potential customer base. This is particularly valuable for Chinese brands that are not yet well-known internationally.
  • Create Authentic Content: Share your personal experiences with Chinese products, focusing on how they can enhance the lives of your international audience. For example, you could create a series of posts or live streams showcasing Chinese beauty products, traditional snacks, or innovative tech gadgets. This content can help build a bridge between Chinese brands and international consumers.
  • Multi-Platform Promotion: Use Xiaohongshu as a base to create content, but also distribute this content across multiple platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. This multi-platform approach can help your client to reach a wider audience and maximize the impact of your content.
 

Utilize Xiaohongshu’s Official Cooperation Platform

  • Join the Pugongying Platform: Xiaohongshu’s Pugongying platform is an official channel for content creators to collaborate with brands. To join, you need to have at least 1000 followers and complete professional account certification. Once approved, you can set your quotation to be visible to brand partners.
  • Apply for Cooperation: You can also actively apply for cooperation opportunities through the platform’s cooperation recruitment section, where brands post their needs and you can apply to participate.
 

Conclusion

By leveraging these monetization strategies, you can effectively turn your growing following on Xiaohongshu into a sustainable income stream. Remember, the key to success is creating valuable and engaging content that resonates with your audience, building trust, and using the platform’s tools to maximize your reach and revenue. Have fun and enjoy the journey!