Become Acquainted WeChat

Known as Weixin in China, WeChat was initially introduced by Tencent in 2011 as a messaging app. What started as a platform for text and voice messages soon transformed into an all-in-one super-app, encompassing a diverse range of functions within a single interface.

WeChat’s rapid rise of over 1.67 billion active global users, can be attributed to its seamless integration of social networking, e-commerce, payment systems, and more. X (formerly Twitter) has taken inspiration from WeChat’s success and incorporated similar features to enhance user experience and drive engagement, with a desire to become the Western version of the super-app.This highlights WeChat’s profound impact on the global tech landscape and its role as a trendsetter for other digital platforms.

Key Features

1. Messaging and Social Networking

At its core, WeChat remains a messaging app, enabling users to send text, voice, image and video messages. Everyday 68 million videos are uploaded, turning WeChat into the perfect platform for video sharing as well.

• Mini Programs:

WeChat’s Mini Programs are lightweight applications that operate within the app. They provide services ranging from shopping and gaming to utility apps, eliminating the need to download separate apps. Mini Programs have 614 million daily active users spending around 68.1 min on the Mini Programs.
This usage figure has grown year-on-year by 75 million users, which is an increase of 284% from 2017 to 2023.

• Mobile Payments

WeChat Pay, an integrated payment solution, has 1.13 billion users and facilitates cashless transactions, money transfers and even bill splitting. And all through WeChat. Capturing 84.3% of China’s mobile payment market share, it exceeds the number of Apple Pay users. We Chat Pay is recognised across 60 global markets and supports 17 currencies, with QR code-based payments becoming the norm.

• E-commerce:

WeChat users can shop for a wide variety of products and services within the app itself. Therefore, brands and businesses establish official accounts to showcase their offerings, creating a virtual mall experience.

• Official Accounts:


Celebrities, businesses, and organisations can create official accounts to interact with followers, share updates and offer services, which means that WeChat incorporates the functionality of a marketing and customer engagement tool, as well. As of 2023, 200 million businesses are actively engaging with their audiences through an Official Account on WeChat, through either Subscription or Services Accounts. You can check de differences here and choose the best one for you! 

• Voice and Video Calls:


WeChat offers high-quality voice and video calls, bridging geographical gaps between users.

All in One Convenience

WeChat’s diverse features consolidated into a single platform has made it an indispensable tool for users. Hence, from chatting with friends to paying utility bills, ordering food, arranging taxis and even accessing government services, WeChat offers unparalleled convenience, reducing the need for multiple apps, which explains why people in China spend over 30% of their time on the app.

WeChat Business

For a strong presence on the China market, a WeChat profile is not only recommended, but rather mandatory. Thus, companies in all industries, from fashion to educational, use WeChat as a way to communicate with China market.  With a vast plethora of features tailored specifically for businesses, such as WeChat Work, or WeChat Pay, the all-in-one Chinese social media app offers businesses in the West a direct channel for reaching and converting customers.

WeChat has evolved into a digital ecosystem that embodies the essence of modern connectivity and convenience. Its seamless integration of communication, social networking, e-commerce, and payment services has set a benchmark for super-apps around the globe. WeChat is a social environment itself, and in order for your business to navigate its intricacies with ease, you need trusted partners that are familiar with its particularities. From WeChat Official Account setup to content creation and digital marketing strategies, Charlesworth is your dedicated China digital marketing agency that drives your business growth and turns your audiences into paying customers. Get in touch with us now for a free consultation.