Top Tips for Effective Xiao Hong Shu Marketing in 2025

Xiao Hong Shu, a rapidly growing social platform, is a game-changer in 2025 marketing. Curious about how to maximize your brand’s presence? This article shares the top strategies to succeed.

Key Takeaways

  • The rise of Xiao Hong Shu in 2025 is driven by an influx of users from TikTok’s ban in the U.S., leading to global expansions and in-app adaptations for a wider audience.

  • Successful community engagement is key on Xiao Hong Shu, particularly among young female users, emphasizing emotional connections, user-generated content, and the role of influencers in driving consumer behavior.

  • Effective marketing strategies on Xiao Hong Shu involve leveraging user-generated content, continuous measurement of engagement metrics, and employing tailored influencer campaigns to enhance brand visibility and increase user retention.

Rise of Xiao Hong Shu in 2025

The substantial increase in Xiao Hong Shu’s users this year can be largely attributed to the ban of TikTok in the US, which prompted a significant migration of users to this platform. This influx has notably expanded Xiao Hong Shu’s user base, including a significant number of non-Western users, propelling the platform to achieve top rankings shortly after the TikTok ban.

Xiao Hong Shu has introduced in-app translations and launched a global e-commerce pilot program to enhance its appeal in key markets like the U.S. and Hong Kong, making it more accessible and user-friendly for a global audience.

Due to the influx of U.S. users, Xiao Hong Shu is adjusting its content review processes to maintain quality and engagement. The platform’s strategies have adapted to engage a growing international audience, particularly those transitioning from TikTok. This adaptation has enabled Xiao Hong Shu to maintain its relevance and appeal in a competitive market, demonstrating its resilience and innovative approach in the face of dynamic changes.

Understanding Xiao Hong Shu's Community Engagement

A diverse group of people engaging with each other on the Xiao Hong Shu platform.

Community engagement on Xiao Hong Shu is key to creating a vibrant and interactive user base. The platform focuses on engaging the young female demographic, often referred to as Generation Z. Visual storytelling, with captivating images and videos, significantly enhances user engagement.

Users typically share content related to their favorite music, fashion looks, cooking recipes, home decor ideas, travel tips, and pets. This variety of content not only fosters engagement but also creates a sense of community among other users. Xiao Hong Shu group chats facilitate direct and personalized interaction with users, which enhances loyalty and fosters a deeper connection between users and the platform.

The platform’s algorithm continually updates to suit user interests, providing a dynamic and tailored experience that keeps users returning. This evolution ensures Xiao Hong Shu remains relevant and engaging in a fast-paced digital world.

Enhancing User Stickiness on Xiao Hong Shu

User stickiness, or retention, is a critical factor for Xiao Hong Shu’s success. Community engagement, emotional contagion, and positive user experiences are essential for keeping users glued to the app. Emotional contagion, where positive emotions spread among users, fosters attachment and enhances engagement on the platform.

Hosting expert sessions and creating a flow experience enhances immersion and enjoyment in user interactions, making users more likely to stay engaged. Associating new notes with group chats can boost the relevance and connection between shared content and community discussions, significantly increasing user retention. This advice can further improve the overall experience.

Despite the surge in users, retention remains a challenge for Xiao Hong Shu, with daily active users in the U.S. dropping from 1.3 million in January to 800,000 in March 2025 at this age.

Role of Influencers in Xiao Hong Shu

Influencers on Xiao Hong Shu play a significant role in driving product discovery and influencing consumer behavior. Their ability to create relatable and authentic content helps brands connect with their audience on a deeper level. User-Generated Content (UGC) volume, which indicates customer engagement and loyalty, is a testament to the impact influencers have on the platform.

The volume of UGC related to a brand showcases customer loyalty and satisfaction, reflecting higher brand advocacy. Influencers amplify brand messages and foster a sense of community through shared experiences and recommendations.

Marketing Strategies for Xiao Hong Shu

An engaging visual of marketing strategies being applied on the Xiao Hong Shu platform.

Marketing on Xiao Hong Shu features a high level of user-generated content, which enhances trust and fosters authenticity in interactions. Influencer marketing helps brands connect with new audiences and build credibility. Leveraging influencers allows brands to achieve multiple business objectives through strategic content tailored for Xiao Hong Shu.

XiaoHongShu management services offer customized campaigns, strategic content, and community engagement to boost brand visibility. Effective influencer marketing campaigns amplify a brand’s message, generate leads, and boost sales.

Monitoring engagement metrics is crucial for brands to assess how well their content resonates with consumers and to refine their strategies accordingly.

Content Creation Tips for Xiao Hong Shu

Xiao Hong Shu offers various content creation services, including video shooting, content management, and advertising. Posts should include creative copywriting in both Chinese and English alongside appropriate brand hashtags to reach a wider audience. Content creation typically starts at RM200, with brands usually creating around 6 branding posts per month.

Having Blue V verification provides access to advanced marketing tools and detailed analytics, which can significantly improve content strategies. Compelling content is essential for captivating the audience, especially in the fashion and lifestyle spaces.

Utilizing Xiao Hong Shu's Advertising Features

Xiao Hong Shu is enhancing its e-commerce capabilities by integrating social media with online shopping, setting itself apart from competitors. The platform allows brands to create shoppable posts, enabling users to make purchases directly from their feeds. Sentiment analysis of user comments and reviews provides valuable insights into public perception, helping brands refine their messaging strategies.

Using Xiao Hong Shu’s advertising features allows brands to effectively reach their target audience and drive sales through data-driven insights. These ads features are crucial for any company looking to make a significant impact on the platform.

Data Privacy and Consumer Rights on Xiao Hong Shu

A representation of data privacy concerns related to Xiao Hong Shu users.

Xiao Hong Shu is committed to managing, protecting, and process personal data responsibly. The platform collects various types of anonymous information, including log data, IP addresses, and general location information. User data may be shared with third-party partners for service provision, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Xiao Hong Shu employs security measures such as secured networks and limited access by authorized employees to protect customer information. Users can request data deletion on the platform, and unsubscribing from promotional emails takes only 3 business days.

These measures demonstrate the platforms’ commitment to user privacy and consumer rights.

How Xiao Hong Shu Handles Personal Data

Xiao Hong Shu collects personally identifiable information such as names, address, phone numbers, birth dates, email addresses, and account numbers. For registered users, the platform securely stores shipping addresses and billing information. Users should refer to the privacy policy to stay informed about the management of their personal information.

Security measures, such as encryption and secured networks, are in place to protect sensitive user data on the computer. Users can visit the details of managing their cookie settings through their browser, although disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

Log out from accounts after accessing them from public computers for enhanced security.

User Rights and Data Requests on Xiao Hong Shu

Users have the right to modify their personal data in accordance with submitting requests through the platform. Understanding consumer rights and data access is crucial for maintaining transparency and trust, as well as respect, between the platform and its users.

These capabilities ensure users can control their personal information and request changes or deletions as needed. Xiao Hong Shu’s commitment to user privacy and data security is evident in its robust privacy practices and user-friendly data request processes.

Effective Use of Xiao Hong Shu Group Chats

Group chats on Xiao Hong Shu are a fantastic method for maintaining user relationships and enhancing community engagement. Members share experiences, product reviews, and photos, fostering a sense of community and encouraging engagement and discussion.

These interactive conversations are pivotal for creating a lively and involved community that encourage the lives of its members through events and parties.

Attracting New Members to Group Chats

Offering exclusive group prices can increase participation in group chats. Promotions and exclusive content are effective strategies for attracting new members. Live streaming is another strategy the platform employs to engage users and improve retention.

An active and vibrant group chat enhances the overall user experience, promoting community loyalty and engagement that is supported by these methods, which are crucial for expanding the reach and impact of group chats.

Managing Group Chat Interactions

Effectively managing group chat interactions requires strategic planning and active engagement. Encouraging supportive community behavior fosters a positive and inclusive environment. Regularly posting engaging content, encouraging sharing, responding promptly, and hosting live streams and Q&A sessions ensures active participation in group chats.

Using group polls can engage members and collect their opinions on various topics, making them feel valued and heard. These strategies help maintain vibrant and interactive group chat environments, essential for strong community engagement on Xiao Hong Shu.

Measuring Success on Xiao Hong Shu

Measuring success on Xiao Hong Shu is crucial for understanding the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and user engagement. Key metrics such as engagement rates, conversion rates, and user feedback provide insights into user interactions and campaign performance. These metrics help brands measure how well their content resonates with the audience.

Continuous improvement of marketing strategies based on data analysis leads to better user engagement and higher conversion rates. Regularly assessing these metrics helps brands refine their strategies and ensure they meet their objectives on the platform.

Key Metrics for Xiao Hong Shu Success

The engagement rate reflects the level of interactions relative to views, helping brands gauge content effectiveness and understand the differences in audience engagement. Conversion rate measures the percentage of users taking desired actions after viewing content, indicating the effectiveness of promotional strategies. Tracking follower growth provides insights into a brand’s increasing influence and user attraction.

These key metrics are essential for evaluating the success of marketing efforts on Xiao Hong Shu. Understanding these metrics allows brands to make informed decisions to enhance their presence and effectiveness on the platform.

Analyzing Data for Continuous Improvement

Brands should adjust their content strategies based on engagement metrics to enhance interaction and relevance. The Share of Voice (SOV) metric helps brands understand their presence compared to competitors, influencing strategies for greater visibility.

Continuous analysis of engagement metrics and SOV enables brands to enhance their overall performance. Regularly analyzing data helps brands identify areas for improvement and refine their marketing strategies for better results.

How Malaysian SMEs Can Tap into Xiao Hong Shu to Attract a New Generation of Consumers

Xiao Hong Shu (RED or 小红书) has evolved beyond a beauty review app into a powerful lifestyle and discovery platform. With a growing user base in Malaysia, particularly among Gen Z and millennials in urban centres, the platform offers a unique window for SMEs to build trust, brand affinity, and organic visibility — especially in Chinese-speaking and trend-conscious circles.

Here’s how five SME groups in Malaysia can make the most of Xiao Hong Shu:

Beauty & Skincare Brands

Beauty is where Xiao Hong Shu shines brightest. Malaysian SMEs in skincare, cosmetics, or wellness beauty products can leverage the platform’s review-first culture to build credibility. Whether you’re offering halal-certified serums, botanical-infused cleansers, or handmade lip tints, Xiao Hong Shu provides the perfect space to demonstrate product benefits with authentic visual storytelling.

To stand out, focus on before-and-after results, skincare routines, ingredient highlights, and customer testimonials. Collaborating with bilingual micro-influencers who can create honest reviews in both Chinese and English can significantly boost traction. Don’t forget to encourage UGC — organic tags and customer shout-outs are highly trusted on the platform.

Health & Wellness Products

From TCM supplements to modern wellness drinks, health-related content is on the rise in RED’s ecosystem. If your SME offers anything related to immune health, gut health, collagen boosters, or herbal remedies, this is your time to shine. Malaysian brands rooted in traditional herbal knowledge or emerging functional foods can find a niche audience that values holistic health and preventive care.

Your content strategy should revolve around educational posts (e.g. “How to incorporate this into your morning routine”), ingredient spotlights, and comparison visuals. Xiao Hong Shu audiences appreciate clarity and authenticity — so showing your sourcing process, certifications, and personal usage stories can foster meaningful engagement.

Fashion & Lifestyle Brands

Fashion SMEs — especially those offering modest wear, artisanal fashion, or minimalist collections — can build strong brand identity on Xiao Hong Shu. Users often scroll the app for OOTD ideas, seasonal lookbooks, or unique finds they won’t see on fast fashion sites. If your brand combines storytelling with a distinctive aesthetic, the platform is an ideal match.

Create content that highlights how your items fit into everyday life: “A week’s worth of looks,” “How to style neutral tones,” or “Workwear essentials for urban women.” Incorporating lifestyle elements (like workspace vignettes, morning rituals, or travel packing tips) allows your fashion pieces to feel relatable, not just transactional.

Cafés, Bakeries & Boutique F&B

If your café or food business has a unique vibe, creative menu, or stunning presentation — congratulations, you’re tailor-made for Xiao Hong Shu. Users love discovering new hangout spots, brunch places, and desserts worth queueing for, especially when they look good on camera. The key here is visual storytelling paired with subtle emotional appeal.

Highlight your business through menu aesthetics, behind-the-scenes baking, or customer experience posts. Position your location as more than a place to eat — make it a lifestyle choice: “Where I journal on Sundays”, “A coffee date spot with calming interiors”, etc. Encourage user reviews and share snippets of authentic moments. It’s not just about food, it’s about ambience, emotion, and aesthetic rituals.

Travel, Glamping & Boutique Stays

Malaysia’s boutique hospitality scene — from glamping retreats to private island escapes — is gaining visibility on Xiao Hong Shu. Urban dwellers, especially young professionals, browse the app for quick getaways, wellness retreats, or off-the-grid adventures. If your travel brand can offer unique stays with Instagram-worthy views, this platform can drive direct interest and bookings.

Content types that perform well include itinerary highlights, aesthetic room tours, nature-focused experiences, and “what I packed” carousels. Use geo-tags and visually cohesive themes to help users imagine the experience. Share customer videos, story-style highlights, and create “hidden gem” positioning to build desirability and exclusivity.

Summary

In conclusion, Xiao Hong Shu has emerged as a formidable platform in 2025, offering unique opportunities for brands to connect with a diverse and engaged audience. From understanding community engagement and enhancing user stickiness to leveraging influencers and effective marketing strategies, Xiao Hong Shu provides a comprehensive ecosystem for marketers.

By prioritizing data privacy, respecting consumer rights, and utilizing group chats effectively, brands can foster a loyal and interactive community. Measuring success through key metrics and continuously refining strategies based on data analysis will ensure sustained growth and impact on Xiao Hong Shu. Embrace these insights and strategies to unlock the full potential of Xiao Hong Shu in your marketing endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How has the TikTok ban in the US affected Xiao Hong Shu's user base?

The TikTok ban in the US has led to a notable increase in Xiao Hong Shu’s user base, as many users migrated to the platform, contributing to its rapid growth and top rankings.

What content themes are popular on Xiao Hong Shu for community engagement?

Content themes that resonate well for community engagement on Xiao Hong Shu include music, fashion, cooking recipes, home decor, travel tips, and pet-related topics. These themes encourage interaction and connection among users.

How can brands use influencers on Xiao Hong Shu effectively?

Brands can effectively use influencers on Xiao Hong Shu by leveraging their user-generated content to enhance product discovery and influence consumer behavior, thereby fostering customer engagement and loyalty. This approach not only amplifies brand advocacy but also creates a stronger connection with the target audience.

What are the key metrics for measuring success on Xiao Hong Shu?

The key metrics for measuring success on Xiao Hong Shu are engagement rates, conversion rates, and follower growth rates. These metrics provide crucial insights into user interactions and the overall effectiveness of campaigns.

How does Xiao Hong Shu handle personal data and user privacy?

Xiao Hong Shu prioritizes user privacy by securely collecting and storing personally identifiable information, utilizing encryption for data protection, and providing users with options to manage their privacy settings. Additionally, users can request data deletion and opt out of promotional emails.