In the world of private domain traffic, Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) is one of the most effective platforms for conversions. For businesses and content creators, learning how to drive traffic on Xiaohongshu is crucial. If your posts are stuck with only 200 views, you’re not alone. To succeed, you need to understand Xiaohongshu’s algorithm and create content that stands out.

In this blog, we’ll explain how Xiaohongshu’s traffic system works, how it compares to TikTok, and how you can optimize your posts to boost engagement.

TikTok vs. Xiaohongshu: The Key Algorithm Differences

Before we dive into Xiaohongshu, let’s start with a common question: how does Xiaohongshu’s algorithm differ from TikTok’s?

• TikTok: TikTok’s algorithm revolves around “creator tags.” It prioritizes who you are and the type of content you regularly create. This system identifies your niche and shows your posts to users who have interacted with similar content.
• Xiaohongshu: Xiaohongshu’s algorithm, on the other hand, focuses on “content tags.” Instead of your identity, it cares more about what your content is about. The platform assigns tags to your post based on the title, cover, and even background music. It then distributes your content to users who are interested in these tags.

To succeed on Xiaohongshu, you need to optimize your content, not just your creator profile.

Xiaohongshu Traffic Algorithm: Understanding the 8-Level Traffic Pool System

Xiaohongshu’s algorithm distributes content through its famous 8-level traffic pool system. This system is key to understanding how posts gain visibility on the platform.

Traffic Pool Breakdown:

1. Level 1: Initial Exposure
   Every post enters the first level, where a small group of users sees it. The algorithm tracks how people react—do they like, comment, or click? If engagement is good, the post moves up.
2. Level 2: Increased Exposure
   If your content performs well in the first stage, it gets more visibility. In this level, your post typically receives 100–300 views.
3. Level 3: Building Popularity
   Successful posts can reach 1,000–10,000 views. The algorithm distributes the post more widely as engagement increases.
4. Levels 4–6: Gaining Momentum
   At these stages, posts can reach between 100,000 and 300,000 views. If your content makes it here, it often becomes trending.
5. Levels 7–8: Viral Exposure
   Only the top-performing posts reach these stages. Content at this level receives over 1 million views and becomes viral.

How the CES Algorithm Measures Your Post’s Success

Xiaohongshu uses the CES algorithm (Content Engagement Score) to measure how your post performs. The higher your CES score, the more likely the platform will promote your content to larger audiences. Here’s how it works:

The platform calculates your CES score by looking at the number of likes, saves, comments, shares, and follows. It then divides this by the number of views and multiplies the result by 1,000.

Each type of interaction has a different weight:

• Likes and saves are worth 1 point each.
• Comments and shares are worth 4 points each.
• Follows are the most valuable, with each follow counting for 8 points.

For example, if your post has:

• 1,000 views,
• 10 likes,
• 5 saves,
• 3 comments,
• 2 shares, and
• 1 follow,

Your CES score would be 45. The higher the CES score, the more likely your content will advance to the next traffic pool.

Xiaohongshu Algorithm: Why Your Content Stays at 200 Views

Many creators experience frustration when their posts stay stuck between 100 and 200 views. This often happens because the CES score isn’t high enough to push the content to the next level. To overcome this, you need to improve your engagement rates. Encourage more likes, comments, and shares to raise your CES score and increase your post’s visibility.

Best Strategies for Viral Content on Xiaohongshu

Now that you understand Xiaohongshu’s traffic system and CES scoring, here are 5 actionable tips to help your content perform better:

1. Craft Eye-Catching Titles and Covers

Your title and cover image are the first things users notice. To grab attention, make sure your title includes relevant keywords and your cover is visually appealing. These are essential to attracting clicks and driving initial engagement.

2. Focus on Valuable and Original Content

Xiaohongshu users love practical and useful content. Whether you’re sharing tips, tutorials, or personal experiences, make sure your content is original. Content that stands out and offers real value is more likely to succeed. Avoid reposting or copying from others.

3. Encourage Interaction

Engagement is key to moving through the traffic pools. Use questions or calls-to-action (CTAs) to encourage users to like, comment, and share your posts. The more people engage with your content, the higher the chance it will be promoted to a wider audience.

4. Stay Active on the Platform

Xiaohongshu values active accounts. Take time to engage with other creators by liking and commenting on their posts. Regular activity helps increase your visibility and keeps your account in good standing with the algorithm.

5. Be Consistent and Patient

Success on Xiaohongshu doesn’t happen overnight. Consistency is key. Even if your posts don’t perform well at first, keep refining your strategy and experimenting with new content formats. Over time, with consistent effort, you’ll see improvement.

Final Thoughts: Your Viral Post is Just Around the Corner

Now that you understand Xiaohongshu’s traffic algorithm and how to optimize your content, you’re ready to create posts that perform. Remember, success on Xiaohongshu takes time. It’s a process of creating quality content, improving engagement, and moving through the traffic pools.

If you’re discouraged by low views, don’t give up. Focus on delivering value through your content, and soon enough, your viral post could be just around the corner!

Key Takeaways:

• Xiaohongshu’s algorithm relies on content tags, so optimizing post details is essential.
• Climbing through the 8-level traffic pool system is crucial for gaining more exposure.
• Boost your CES score by encouraging likes, comments, shares, and follows.
• Stay active, be consistent, and be patient—success comes with time.

Ready to go viral? Start applying these tips today and watch your Xiaohongshu content take off! Check out our complete guide .