What is WeChat and how to get started

WeChat, also known as Weixin or 微信, is China's most downloaded instant messaging, social networking, and mobile payment app developed by tech giant Tencent.

About WeChat

WeChat, also known as Weixin or 微信, is China’s most downloaded instant messaging, social networking, and mobile payment app developed by tech giant Tencent. WeChat has been described as China’s “Super app for everything” and “digital Swiss Army knife” because of its robust ecosystem and wide range of functions, such as WeChat Pay and WeChat Mini Programs.

There’s a simple comparison: an American user might have to use up to 20+ apps to satisfy their needs, but WeChat is all it needs for a Chinese user.

WeChat: Super app for everything (Image credit to China Channel)

WeChat was created by Tencent in 2010. As of 2022, WeChat has 1.2 billion active users. With its diverse user demographics and cross-regional popularity, WeChat is often the first touchpoint for most businesses that want to reach the Chinese market.

How To Get Started On WeChat

Individuals

WeChat supports Chinese and international phone numbers and verifies them with an SMS. Individual users can easily sign up with a mobile number.

WeChat can be downloaded at any app store, and it also has a web version for users to access WeChat more conveniently.

Businesses

Businesses can get many benefits by using WeChat to connect with Chinese users. There are so many features that companies can use for marketing and promotion, such as WeChat group, WeChat Work, etc.

Businesses can start by registering a WeChat official account to use additional brand-building and lead-generation features.

Official accounts support both Chinese and non-China registered businesses. For example, Nike China has an official account on WeChat to promote products, share brand updates, direct users to its online store and local branches, etc.

You can choose one or more of the 3 supported official account types:

Service Account. Allow companies to send up to 4 direct messages to their followers per month and use many other features using development tools.

Subscription Account. It can be registered by both businesses and individuals to post daily updates and manage content efficiently across a large following.

Mini Programs. Mini-applications built within the WeChat platform allow 3rd party companies to develop mobile-app-like Mini Programs for users that can run within the WeChat app. Learn more about Mini Programs here.

Do not have a Chinese entity, Chinese phone number or Chinese ID? We can help!

If you do not have a Chinese entity, Chinese ID, or Chinese phone number, which is essential to use WeChat Pay, 21YunBox is here to help.

We can provide the necessary supporting documents to use WeChat Pay and walk you through the process. Meanwhile, we will also bring your company, product, and service into full compliance with Chinese law.