Straight Talk: Yes, You Can Make Money on Rednote—If You Know the System
If you’re a US-based tech founder, AI entrepreneur, indie developer, or a TikTok power user wondering, “Can you make money on Rednote (Xiaohongshu)?”—the answer is yes, but the path is different from what you know.
As someone who runs a grassroots Rednote KOC (Key Opinion Consumer) agency and operates as an AI creator on the platform, I’ve seen first-hand how startups, AI tools, and even new games break into China by leveraging “素人种草” (grassroots seeding) and understanding how Xiaohongshu’s rules really work.
What is Rednote (Xiaohongshu), and How Is It Different from TikTok?
Rednote, or Xiaohongshu, is China’s most influential lifestyle and shopping community, blending the best of Instagram, TikTok, and Amazon. But for Americans and especially TikTokers, the difference is in the details.
Rednote Values Trust Over Virality
On TikTok, you chase viral trends and algorithm spikes. On Rednote, it’s about building trust, sharing real experiences, and sparking honest conversations. Even creators with a few thousand followers can drive product trends and sales—this is known as “KOC” or “nano-influencer” marketing.
Community-Driven Commerce
Rednote’s users don’t just watch content—they buy based on detailed, personal recommendations. Product reviews, unboxings, and day-in-the-life posts are far more valuable here than pure entertainment.
The Basics of Making Money on Rednote: How Monetization Really Works
Brand Collaborations: Why Brands Love Rednote
Chinese and international brands come to Rednote to reach young, trend-sensitive consumers. They’re not just looking for celebrities but for authentic creators who can “seed” their products organically.
How Do You Get Brand Deals?
Through Agency Outreach: Many brands work with agencies (like ours) to identify the right creators for grassroots seeding campaigns.
Via Rednote’s Official Platforms:
The Pugongying Platform (蒲公英平台) is Xiaohongshu’s official brand-collaboration marketplace. Here, brands post campaign opportunities, and eligible creators can apply directly. Approval is based on content quality, engagement, and relevance—not just follower count.Existing Relationships: Brands often reach out directly to creators whose content matches their product niche.
Monetization Without a Huge Following
Unlike TikTok, you don’t need millions of followers. In fact, Rednote’s algorithm often boosts micro- and nano-influencers if their content is trustworthy and detailed. Ordinary users—sharing honest product experiences—can land paid gigs and free products.
Official Monetization Channels and Rules: What Every US Creator Should Know
The Pugongying Platform (蒲公英平台)
Pugongying is Xiaohongshu’s official influencer marketing hub.
How it works:
Eligibility: Typically, you need at least 5,000 followers and a certain level of content consistency.
Verification: Your identity and content must comply with Xiaohongshu’s guidelines.
Transparency: All paid collaborations via Pugongying must use the #广告 (ad) tag.
This platform ensures brand safety, timely payment, and legal compliance for both sides.
E-commerce Integration and Storefronts
Creators can apply to open Xiaohongshu stores and tag products in their posts. The application requires identity verification and, for foreign companies, sometimes a Chinese business license or local partner. Rednote also supports affiliate marketing—allowing you to earn a percentage on sales generated through your content.
Community Moderation and Content Rules
Rednote is strict about authenticity.
All sponsored content must be tagged.
False claims, misleading info, or aggressive hard-sell tactics are penalized.
Content that sparks real discussion (comments, saves, shares) gets algorithmic boosts.
Paid Knowledge and Consulting
Creators can monetize through paid Q&A, consulting, or launching mini-courses inside the app. The key is specialization—if you have unique knowledge in AI, app development, or global tech, there’s a hungry audience.
My Experience: Helping AI Startups and Indie Developers Unlock Rednote
As a Rednote AI blogger and co-founder of a grassroots marketing agency, I’ve personally seen how even new-to-China startups can gain traction. Our strategy?
Identify the right “KOC” creators for your niche.
Localize your story and visuals for Chinese Gen Z.
Use official channels (like Pugongying) to ensure transparency and trust.
Provide honest, hands-on product demos and feedback.
For example, we’ve partnered with leading Chinese AI brands and helped global startups run their first Rednote campaigns. The secret is not in chasing huge follower counts, but in building credibility and sparking word-of-mouth.
Why Grassroots Seeding (素人种草) Works
Chinese consumers are skeptical of big-budget influencer hype. They trust real users with relatable stories. This is why “seeding” (getting lots of ordinary creators to share your product) is so powerful—and why our agency focuses on this approach for global tech, AI, and indie game clients.
Common Monetization Paths on Rednote: What’s Possible for You?
Sponsored Posts and Product Seeding
Most US startups and indie developers start with product gifting or paid posts through micro-influencers. The goal is to generate credible, grassroots buzz—what Chinese marketing calls “种草” (“planting the seed”).
Affiliate Programs and Product Links
If you have a digital product, app, or SaaS tool, you can work with creators to embed trackable links. Xiaohongshu’s affiliate system lets both parties earn from actual sales—not just exposure.
Opening a Brand Store
For brands ready to invest, opening a Xiaohongshu store allows for direct sales and deeper analytics. This requires more setup (including legal and logistics support), but it’s the next level for serious players.
Paid Knowledge and Expert Content
Rednote’s users are curious and open to new ideas. If you’re an expert in AI, coding, or US-to-China market entry, you can offer consulting, paid content, or even host Q&A sessions.
Platform Rules and Best Practices: What to Avoid
Tagging and Transparency
Always use #广告 (“ad”) for sponsored posts.
Don’t fake reviews or mass-post generic content—Rednote has advanced moderation and can ban accounts for inauthentic behavior.
Language and Localization
Even if you’re based in the US, localizing your content (Chinese captions, cultural references, holiday themes) will boost your reach.
Bilingual content (English + Chinese) performs best with internationally-minded users.
Community Interaction
Engage with comments, reply to questions, and participate in platform trends.
Rednote values creators who build real communities, not just post-and-run.
Key Differences: Monetizing on Rednote vs. TikTok
Trust Over Trends
Where TikTok rewards creativity and viral moments, Rednote rewards depth, trust, and consistent value. Building a loyal following—even a small one—can be more lucrative than chasing viral fame.
Official Support for Monetization
Rednote offers more structured brand-partnership tools (like Pugongying), clear rules, and more direct routes to income for creators willing to follow the platform’s standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Rednote only for Chinese creators?
No. While most users are Chinese, international creators—especially those who localize—are increasingly welcomed, and brands love fresh perspectives.
How many followers do I need to make money?
Some brand deals on Pugongying require 5,000+ followers, but even smaller creators can get free products, affiliate commissions, or consulting opportunities.
Can I use English on Rednote?
Yes, but bilingual posts perform better. Many successful foreign creators use both languages to maximize reach.
What’s the fastest way for a US startup to get traction?
Work with local agencies (like ours), use the official Pugongying platform, and focus on grassroots seeding with real users—not just paid ads.
What are the risks?
Content that ignores Rednote’s authenticity standards or tries to “hack” the algorithm will be penalized. Respect platform rules, and always be transparent.
Monetization on Rednote Is Real—If You Embrace Its Rules
For American founders, indie developers, and TikTok natives, Rednote (Xiaohongshu) is a real and growing opportunity. But the winning formula is different: trust, transparency, and grassroots influence matter more than follower counts or viral tricks.
As an agency with hands-on Rednote success in AI and gaming, we help global startups unlock China’s market through genuine grassroots seeding and official platform tools.
Ready to make your product shine on Rednote?
Reach out for a free consultation, and let’s design your first grassroots campaign for the Chinese market.
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