Here are some essential guidelines for international users to safely use Rednote and understand our cultural context better. I’ll try to explain these points in an easy way, but it might be a bit long. If you’re short on time, just read the bold text.
1. Political Discussion Guidelines
Keep political discussions respectful and balanced
Political discussions are common in China - we talk about politics from all countries, including our own. However, avoid aggressive statements like “Everything about Capitalism is Wrong!” or “Communism Will Destroy Human Souls!”.
We learn from young age that everything has two sides. There are upsides and downsides in both Capitalism and Socialism. The key is to view things dialectically and learn from both sides.
Remember: Rednote focuses on lifestyle content (Fashion, Arts, Travel, Food, Life Tips). Your political content might get removed simply because users find it off-topic, not necessarily due to censorship.
2. Strict Prohibited Content
The following topics are strictly forbidden:
- Drug-related content - Especially positive portrayals. Drug topics are ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN in China.
- Gambling promotion - While playing cards is fine, promoting gambling is against the law.
- Direct external links - To prevent spam and advertising.
- NSFW content - This is an all-ages platform.
3. LGBTQ+ Content Guidelines
LGBTQ+ discussion is allowed, but with important considerations
It’s okay to talk about LGBTQ+ topics on Rednote. However:
- Don’t suggest or encourage others to “be one”
- Be especially careful with content that might reach minors
- Let people discover their identity naturally
- Focus on respectful, factual discussion
4. Avoid Excessive Ideology
Don’t make everything about “-isms”
Chinese people value practical solutions over pure ideology. We’re wary of content that:
- Pushes specific ideologies aggressively
- Makes people feel guilty for not supporting certain “-isms”
- Loses touch with reality
- Creates unnecessary conflicts
5. Technical Tips
To avoid automatic restrictions:
- New international users might face temporary limits
- Wait some time before posting after registration
- Don’t post direct links
- Be aware that VPN usage might affect access
- The algorithm might flag foreign IPs as suspicious initially
Common Reasons for Content Removal
- Algorithm-based spam detection
- Community guidelines violations
- Content inappropriate for all ages
- Excessive self-promotion
- Off-topic content for the platform’s focus
Remember that moderation can be strict sometimes, but it’s meant to maintain a positive environment for everyone. When in doubt, observe how local users interact and follow their example.
The best approach is to focus on sharing positive experiences, respecting cultural differences, and contributing to the platform’s main topics: fashion, arts, travel, food, and lifestyle tips.