If you’re running a Singapore brand and want to use Xiaohongshu Ads to reach Chinese tourists or young Chinese consumers, the truth is simple: the ads only work when they amplify authentic creator content. Singapore brands grow fastest on Xiaohongshu when ads boost reviews, itineraries, and real experiences—not polished brand videos.
This guide breaks down exactly what works, why it works, and how Singapore brands actually win using Xiaohongshu advertising.
Singapore brands succeed with Xiaohongshu ads when they:
Promote creator posts, not brand posts
Use Discovery Ads + Search Ads together
Target travel-intent users planning to visit Singapore
Build trust with KOC seeding first
Retarget users with high-intent content
Best-performing ad content types:
Food/cafe reviews
Singapore itineraries
Skincare routine videos
Shopping recommendations
Honest experience sharing
Fastest ROI:
Amplify top creator posts for 7–14 days → boost saves → trigger organic search → scale with ads.
Why Xiaohongshu Ads Work So Well for Singapore Brands
Singapore is already one of the most searched cities on Xiaohongshu.

Chinese tourists and expats use RED to research:
Best cafes & restaurants
Hidden experiences
Hotels & attractions
Skincare and beauty boutiques
Wellness & spa services
And unlike TikTok or Instagram, Xiaohongshu ads appear alongside trusted reviews—not random entertainment content.
This makes Xiaohongshu ads extremely effective for experience-based and high-trust categories.
How Xiaohongshu Ads Actually Work (Singapore Context)
Xiaohongshu’s ad algorithm prioritizes:
✔ Save Rate
The most important metric. A high save rate = higher distribution.
✔ Comment Depth
Long, authentic discussions signal “real value.”
✔ Search Interactions
More users searching your brand name = stronger relevance score.
✔ Image Quality + Storytelling
Real photos outperform studio visuals by 60–80% based on platform insights.
✔ Fit with Community Culture
Transparency > Promotion
Experience > Aesthetics
Narrative > Branding
If your brand follows these principles, your ads will perform.
Best Performing Xiaohongshu Ad Types for Singapore Brands
1. Discovery Ads (Top Performer for SG Brands)
These ads appear in the feed and are excellent for:
Cafes
Fashion boutiques
Hotels
Attractions
Skincare shops
Spas
Why it works:
Discovery Ads feel native to the platform, blending in with UGC.
Pro Tip: Promote a creator’s top organic post instead of making a new ad.
2. Search Ads (High Purchase Intent)
When Singapore brands rank in relevant searches like:
“Singapore itinerary”
“Singapore cafe”
“SG skincare”
…conversion rates are significantly higher.
Search ads work best when:
Your organic posts have good save rates
You have KOC posts already ranking
3. Creator Post Amplification (The Secret Weapon)
Singapore brands see the highest ROI when they boost creator posts.
This method has been proven in multiple case studies.

Why it works:
Trust is already established
Looks native, not like an ad
Higher click-through and save rate
Less resistance from users
Complete Xiaohongshu Ads Strategy for Singapore Brands (Step-by-Step)
This is the same blueprint used by agencies running RED campaigns for Singapore F&B, travel, and beauty brands.
STEP 1: Seed KOCs (10–30 creators)
Before running ads, push 10–30 micro creators to publish honest reviews or experiences.
Why this step matters:
Xiaohongshu’s ad algorithm performs much better when your brand already has organic traction.
STEP 2: Identify the 2–3 Best Performing Posts
Look for posts with:
High save rate
Strong comments
High dwell time
Keywords used in titles
These become your “Ad Assets.”
STEP 3: Amplify With Discovery Ads
Run 7–14 day campaigns promoting only creator posts.
Target audience for Singapore brands:
China-based users planning travel
Chinese users living in SG
Users interested in lifestyle, beauty, food
STEP 4: Add Search Ads for High-Intent Keywords
Target searches relating to:
Singapore travel
Singapore itinerary
SG cafes
SG skincare
SG shopping
This captures users who are planning, researching, or booking.
STEP 5: Retarget People Who Viewed Your Creator Posts
Xiaohongshu's retargeting lets you re-engage users with:
Promo offers
Deeper storytelling
High-trust posts
STEP 6: Drive Offline and Online Conversions
Singapore brands use Xiaohongshu ads to:
Push bookings
Drive boutique walk-ins
Move skincare products
Increase restaurant reservations
Ads + organic creator content = the perfect loop.
Xiaohongshu Marketing & Advertising Services (Singapore + Global)
If your brand is trying to grow in China or Southeast Asia, Xiaohongshu marketing is now one of the most effective ways to reach young, high-spending consumers. Xiaohongshu (RED) influences how users research brands, check credibility, and make purchase decisions. That’s why companies across Singapore and APAC are increasing their investment in Xiaohongshu advertising and performance-driven Xiaohongshu ads.
Real Case Studies: Xiaohongshu Ads That Worked (Verified)
Case Study 1: Singapore Tourism Board (STB) – Travel Intent Strategy
STB used creator content amplified through ads to inspire travel demand in mainland China.
Source:
Campaign Asia – https://www.campaignasia.com/article/singapore-tourism-board-china-recovery-campaign/
Results:
Huge spike in interest for Singapore travel
Strong engagement on RED itineraries
Influenced tourist decision-making
What Singapore brands can learn:
Promote experience-driven content, not promotional ads.
Case Study 2: Lululemon & Global Fashion Brands in Singapore
Fashion brands amplified KOC-led try-on videos, leading to higher store visits and brand searches.
Source:
SCMP – https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3219080/how-chinas-xiaohongshu-young-women-use-app-shape-consumption-trends
What Singapore brands learn:
Discovery Ads + “first impression” posts = huge conversion lift.
Case Study 3: Skincare Brands Using RED Ads to Build Trust
Brands like SkinCeuticals used RED creator content + paid amplification to educate users.
Source:
Jing Daily – https://jingdaily.com/skinceuticals-china-social-commerce/
Lessons for SG skincare brands:
Long-form review-style content beats polished ad creatives.
🇸🇬 What Types of Singapore Brands Should Use Xiaohongshu Ads?
Best suited for:
Cafes & restaurants
Hotels and attractions
Spas and aesthetic clinics
Fashion boutiques
Skincare and beauty brands
Lifestyle and wellness brands
Singapore product brands
Experience-based services
If your product/service benefits from trust and reviews, Xiaohongshu ads will outperform other platforms.
Creative Ad Angles That Work Best for Singapore Brands
Use these content angles to improve performance:
1. “Is this worth visiting?” review
Perfect for cafes, restaurants, attractions.
2. “I tried this Singapore brand…”
Great for fashion and skincare.
3. “What to do in Singapore for 1 day”
Tourism-focused brands gain massive traction here.
4. “This place surprised me”
Strong click-through & save rates.
5. “Singapore haul / SG finds”
Retail brands can leverage this trend.
Key Metrics to Track for Xiaohongshu Ads
Xiaohongshu ads do not run like Facebook or TikTok ads.
These are the only metrics that matter:
Primary Metrics
Save Rate (most important)
Comment depth
Search impressions
CTR on creator posts
Secondary Metrics
Dwell time
Follower growth
Repost count
These directly influence distribution and cost efficiency.
FAQ: Xiaohongshu Ads for Singapore Brands
1. Do Xiaohongshu Ads work for Singapore businesses?
Yes — especially for F&B, travel, wellness, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands targeting Chinese consumers.
2. What’s the best ad type for Singapore brands?
Discovery Ads + Search Ads, boosted through creator posts.
3. What budget should I start with?
Most Singapore brands start with SGD $1,500–$5,000 monthly.
4. How fast can I see results?
Ads: immediate traffic
Organic uplift: 1–2 weeks
Brand credibility: 30–60 days
5. Does Xiaohongshu work if my brand isn't China-focused?
Yes — many local users on RED are Singapore-based Chinese expats or frequent travelers.
Final Takeaway: Xiaohongshu Ads Only Work When They Feel Native
Singapore brands grow on Xiaohongshu when their ads look like stories, reviews, or experiences—not ads.
If you promote authentic creator content, use Search + Discovery ads, and target users with travel or lifestyle intent, your Singapore business can scale visibility faster than on any other platform.
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