Listen to this articleWeChat is China’s most popular mobile messaging app, with over 1 billion monthly active users. It is an all-in-one platform that offers social messaging, commerce, gaming, payments, news and more. If you are planning to go to China, you must need to know how to use Wechat.
Here are some key features of WeChat:
Social messaging: WeChat’s core function is messaging friends and contacts. You can send text messages, voice/video calls, photos, emojis, locations and files. Group chats and broadcast messages are also popular.
Moments: Similar to Facebook newsfeed. You can post updates, photos, links with friends. Friends can comment and like your posts. Moments are a key channel for sharing life events and gaining new followers.
Contacts: You can add friends in many ways – shaking your phone, QR code, phone number search, address book sync, etc. View friends’ updates, moments, profiles, etc. Manage different circles of friends and control privacy.
WeChat Pay: Integrated payment system that allows you to pay bills, transfer money, shop, invest, donate and more within WeChat. It has become a digital wallet for many Chinese consumers.
Mini Programs: Lightweight apps that live within WeChat. They provide services without needing to download separate apps. You can shop, play games, rent bikes, book hotels and more using mini programs. They are a huge ecosystem for brands and services to engage WeChat users.
Official Accounts: Public accounts provide news and social media services. Follow your favorite brands, media organizations, public figures, etc. They release articles, promotional info, engaging content and more. Users can comment, like and share official account posts.
WeChat is the dominant platform in China for socializing, sharing life events and accessing services. With its huge range of functions integrated into one app, WeChat has become essential to daily life in China. Although similar to WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, WeChat is more than just a messaging app – it is shaping digital lifestyles and innovation in China’s mobile internet space. Its popularity with nearly one seventh of the global population demonstrates WeChat’s incredibly advanced capabilities and influence.
Wechat is very popular among Chinese users, but also provides services for international users:
1. Download the WeChat app. WeChat apps are available on both iOS and Android. Look for the app called “Weixin” or “微信” – that is the Chinese name for WeChat. The interface will change to English when you register with an international phone number.
2. Register an account. You can register a WeChat account using your email address or mobile phone number. When using your phone number, include the country code. Your username will automatically default to your phone number or email.
3. Add friends. You can add friends in several ways: by shaking your phone, scanning a QR code, searching by username or phone number/email, or browsing contacts in your phone’s address book. To connect with Chinese friends, ask them for their QR code or WeChat ID.
4. Message friends. You can send text messages, as well as voice messages, images, videos, links and files. WeChat also offers group chat and broadcasts to multiple friends at once.
5. Share updates. Using the “Moments” feature, you can share status updates, photos, links, locations and more with friends. Your friends can like and comment on your updates. Moments are a key way to gain visibility among new WeChat connections.
6. Use additional services. WeChat integrates many useful services within the app, including WeChat Pay, public accounts or “mini programs”, gaming, travel services and more. These provide convenience as well as an avenue for brands to engage with you.
7. Respect Chinese laws and culture. WeChat is subject to Chinese internet regulations. Avoid politically sensitive or other illegal topics. Be respectful of Chinese cultural norms regarding privacy, relationships and business.
Here is an important notice: When you have a new Wechat account, please remember to chance the Wechat number which other can search and directly add you through. If not the Wechat number will be a useless code of “wxid_xxxxxx” which cannot be added directly by your friends or other people.
With some adaptation to the Chinese interface and environment, WeChat can be a useful communication tool for foreigners living, studying or doing business in China. However, be aware of regulatory issues and cultural differences to have the best experience using WeChat as an international user. With its many functions integrated into one platform, WeChat provides a window into the daily lives of ordinary Chinese that fosters cross-cultural understanding. If you are planning to come to China, you should defintely learn how to use Wechat.
