TikTok Refugee Guide
Your comprehensive survival guide for exploring Chinese social media
This guide is built on the principles of peace, creativity, and cultural exchange. We believe in:
- 🕊️ Fostering peaceful and friendly interactions across cultures
- ✨ Celebrating creativity and authentic self-expression
- 🌟 Sharing the beauty of everyday life and positive energy
- 🤝 Supporting each other in our creative journeys
👋 Welcome TikTok Refugees
As a TikTok refugee seeking a new home in Chinese social media, you're not alone. Thousands of content creators like you are making this transition, and we're here to help you succeed. The TikTok refugee community is growing stronger every day, with creators supporting each other and sharing their experiences.
Being a TikTok refugee doesn't mean starting from scratch. Your creativity, skills, and unique perspective are valuable assets that can help you thrive in your new social media home. Many TikTok refugees have already built successful followings by adapting their content style and embracing Chinese social media culture.
This guide is created by TikTok refugees, for TikTok refugees. We understand the challenges you're facing because we've been through them ourselves. Whether you're a lifestyle vlogger, food creator, travel enthusiast, or any other type of content creator, this guide will help you navigate your new journey.
🗣️ Language on Rednote
Good news! Most Rednote users have some understanding of English, though proficiency levels vary. You can:
- Write posts in English - many Chinese users enjoy practicing English through interactions
- Use both English and Chinese - this is actually the most popular approach among international creators
- Start with English and gradually incorporate Chinese as you learn
- Use translation tools for complex conversations
💡 Pro Tip: Using both languages in your posts not only helps you reach a wider audience but also shows respect for the platform's primary language while making your content accessible to international followers.
🐱 The Famous "Cat Tax" Meme
Here's a fun internet joke you'll encounter: Chinese users playfully "demand" new users to pay a "cat tax" (猫税) by sharing cat photos. It's basically the Chinese social media version of "pet tax" - you know, that unwritten rule where if you mention your pet, you must share a photo! 😄
Don't have a cat? No worries! You can:
- • Share your friend's cat (with permission, of course!)
- • Post cute cat memes you found
- • Share your other pets (dog tax, bird tax... all accepted!)
- • Just enjoy other people's cat photos and react with lots of "awsl"
💡 Fun Fact: This "cat tax" tradition started as a playful meme and became a fun way for the community to welcome newcomers. It's like a friendly initiation ritual, but with cute cats! 🐱
🎭 Cultural Tips
Do's ✅
- Share your daily life
- Post food and travel content
- Use cute stickers and emojis
- Interact with comments
- Show interest in Chinese culture
Don'ts ❌
- Discuss politics
- Post controversial content
- Ignore comments
- Use offensive language
- Spam or advertise
💡 Popular Content Ideas
Food Adventures
Share your experiences with Chinese food or cooking attempts
Culture Shock
Fun stories about cultural differences and misunderstandings
Language Journey
Document your Chinese learning progress
Your Country
Share interesting facts about your home country
Daily Life
Simple moments from your everyday routine
Creative Content
Art, music, or any creative projects
Your First Post Template
Essential Chinese Phrases
🎭 Popular Rednote Emojis
Rednote has its unique emoji culture. Understanding these emojis will help you better connect with Chinese users and express yourself in a more native way!
Positive Reactions
ke
Short for "可以" (good/nice). Used to show approval or praise.
awsl
Means "ah, I'm dying!" Used when something is super cute or amazing.
mark
Used to bookmark useful content, similar to "saving this for later".
you
Means "have/got it". Often used to show agreement or possession.
Playful Expressions
Kneeling
Used to express extreme admiration or being impressed.
Touched
Used when feeling moved or emotionally touched.
Peeking
Used to express curiosity or playful interest.
Pleading
Used to make cute requests or show admiration.
Content Reactions
Get it
Used when learning something new or having an "aha" moment.
Details please
Asking for more information or product links.
Favorite
Used to mark exceptional content or strong agreement.
Thank you
Expressing gratitude for sharing useful information.
Community Interactions
Same here
Used to show empathy or shared experiences.
Support
Showing support or encouragement.
Link
Asking for or sharing related content links.
Following
Indicating that you're following the creator.
Pro Tip: These emojis are commonly used in comments and direct messages. Using them appropriately will make your interactions feel more natural and help you better integrate into the Rednote community.
🔥 Chinese Internet Slang
Just like meme culture in the West, Chinese social media has its own unique internet slang. Understanding these will help you connect with Chinese users and make your content more relatable!
Pro Tip for TikTok Refugees
Using these internet slangs naturally in your posts can help you quickly connect with Chinese users. But remember, like memes, internet slang evolves quickly. Pay attention to how others use them in context!
🤝 TikTok Refugee Community
The TikTok refugee community on Redbook is vibrant and supportive. Here's how you can connect with fellow TikTok refugees:
Finding Your People
- Use the #tiktokrefugee hashtag
- Join TikTok refugee group chats
- Follow other TikTok refugees
- Share your transition story
- Participate in TikTok refugee challenges
Community Support
- Help other TikTok refugees
- Share tips and experiences
- Collaborate with fellow creators
- Create content together
- Build lasting friendships
Success Stories
Many TikTok refugees have found success on Redbook. Some have even surpassed their previous TikTok following! The key is to stay authentic while adapting to the new platform's culture.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I access Rednote App without VPN in China?
Rednote App requires Chinese phone verification when accessed from within China. It's best to set up your account while outside China.
Should I write posts in English or Chinese?
Both! Using both languages helps you reach a wider audience and shows effort to connect with Chinese users.
What content is not allowed?
Avoid political topics, adult content, spam, and anything that could be considered offensive or controversial.
How do I gain followers?
Post regularly, interact with others' content, use relevant hashtags, and most importantly - be authentic!
Pro Tips for TikTok Refugees
- 💡 Chinese users love seeing foreigners try to speak Chinese
- 😊 Use emojis generously - they're very popular in China
- 🌟 Don't worry about politics - just share your daily life
- 💬 Interact with comments - Chinese users are very engaging
- 📱 Use translation apps like Google Translate or DeepL for help
- 🎨 Visual content often works better than text-heavy posts
- 🌱 Many TikTok refugees find success by starting with simple, relatable content
- 🎯 Focus on building a loyal following rather than viral content initially
- 🤝 Connect with other TikTok refugees for support and collaboration
- 📈 Track your growth and adjust your strategy based on engagement
TikTok Refugee Success Path
Remember that every TikTok refugee's journey is unique. What works for one creator might not work for another. The key is to experiment, learn from your experiences, and stay consistent with your content creation.