Have you ever wondered why your Xiaohongshu account and posts aren’t getting the traffic they should, even though you haven’t received any violation notices? You might have even contacted customer support, only to be told that everything looks fine with your account. So what’s really going on?

This situation could be due to "hidden traffic restrictions." But what does this mean? Essentially, even though you haven’t violated any rules or used sensitive keywords, your posts are still not getting the visibility you expect. This is what’s known as a hidden restriction, where your content is capped at minimal visibility, often just a few hundred views.

Receiving an official violation notice is a serious issue, as it means you've clearly broken the community rules, which will severely affect your traffic. Think of it like a visible wound—once it's healed, it can leave a scar. On the other hand, hidden traffic restrictions are like an internal injury that you can’t see but can lead to significant consequences if left unaddressed.

1) Why Do Hidden Traffic Restrictions Happen?

Whether or not a post gains traffic largely depends on its quality. Xiaohongshu doesn’t randomly push low-quality content to users. There’s no hidden algorithm or secret method to gain traffic—if your post is engaging, users will interact with it, and the platform will reward you with visibility.

The traffic on your account is influenced by how well each post performs. Think of every post you publish as a test. If your posts frequently underperform, the platform loses trust in your content, making it hard for you to regain organic traffic. This could lead to hidden restrictions, even if you haven’t broken any rules or used sensitive terms.

2) How to Identify if You’re Under Hidden Traffic Restriction

1️⃣ Check Your Traffic Sources

In the Creator Center, you can view the traffic sources for each post, including homepage recommendations, search, the following page, and other sources like topics or traffic coupons.

Under normal circumstances, homepage recommendations should be the largest traffic source, followed by the following page if you have a solid follower base, and then search traffic.

If you notice a sudden drop in homepage traffic, or if it disappears altogether, it’s likely that your account has been restricted.

2️⃣ Check Your Post Visibility

Don’t rely on searching for your post titles or keywords to gauge visibility. Instead, search for your account name directly. If your account’s posts don’t show up on the main search page, it’s a strong sign that you’ve been restricted.

However, if some of your posts appear but are limited in number, the restriction might be due to a recent violation. If all of your posts are visible, your account status is healthy.

3) Common Reasons for Hidden Traffic Restrictions

If you’re experiencing hidden traffic restrictions, it could be for one of these reasons:

1. Posting QR codes or links to other platforms Including QR codes or external links may be seen as promotional content, leading to traffic restrictions.
2. Frequently deleting or hiding posts Constantly removing posts can signal low-quality content, which may result in reduced visibility.
3. Inactive for an extended period (more than a week) Long periods without posting can make your account appear inactive, causing traffic restrictions.
4. Private message spam (can lead to muting) Using private messages to direct traffic may be flagged as spam, leading to account restrictions or muting.
5. Lack of niche focus If your content is too scattered or lacks a clear direction, the platform may deem it low-value, limiting its visibility.
6. Posts receiving multiple reports If your posts have been reported multiple times, the account may enter a review phase, and traffic will be restricted until the issue is resolved.
7. Frequent changes to account details Regularly changing account details like username or profile picture may be flagged as suspicious behavior, causing restrictions.
8. Failure to screen for sensitive words Posts that include banned or sensitive keywords may trigger automatic restrictions on your account.
9. Reposting or copying content Posting duplicate or plagiarized content may lead to hidden restrictions due to copyright violations.
10. Multiple rule violations Repeated violations can severely limit traffic to your account, even after the issues have been corrected.

If you’ve encountered these issues, don’t panic! You can correct them and restore normal traffic to your account. Keep in mind that while fixing violations can recover traffic, the records of those violations will remain, and future breaches could result in harsher penalties.

4) How to Overcome Hidden Traffic Restrictions?

There are two main ways to break free from hidden restrictions:

1. Focus on Content Quality Make sure every post you publish is of the highest quality. Even with limited traffic allocation, great content can help you regain traction and provide value to the platform.
2. Diversify Your Traffic Channels Consider expanding your content formats, such as live streaming or using paid traffic options to generate more engagement. Keep the data flowing by consistently providing value to the platform.

In short, don’t rush into creating an account. Instead, plan your content carefully, gather high-quality materials, and ensure you have enough to publish consistently before you begin. Treat every post like an opportunity to prove your value to the platform.

At OctoPlus Media, we offer a full range of digital marketing solutions, with a strong focus on Xiaohongshu. From setting up and verifying official accounts to managing accounts, running influencer campaigns, and executing paid advertising strategies, we provide everything you need to succeed on the platform. Our team of specialists will help you tap into Xiaohongshu’s unique ecosystem, enabling your brand to connect with your target audience and drive meaningful growth.

Looking to strengthen your brand’s presence on Xiaohongshu? Get in touch with us for more information—we’re ready to help your business thrive in the digital world!