A free messaging app with social media and mobile payment features, launched in 2011 by Tencent, allowing users to send text, voice, photo, and video messages.
WeChat (known as Weixin in China) is a highly popular Chinese multi-purpose app for messaging, social networking and digital payments developed by Tencent. First launched in 2011, WeChat has become one of the world's largest standalone mobile apps with over 1 billion monthly active users.
As a messaging app, WeChat allows users to connect with friends and family through text, voice, photo and video messaging completely free of charge. Group chats of up to 500 people are supported. Features popular with younger users include customized stickers and micro-apps that integrate with the platform.
The social networking aspect of WeChat revolves around its Moments feature, similar to Facebook's Timeline. Users can broadcast status updates, upload photos and interact with friends and followers. Official accounts from brands, celebrities and public figures bring in further content.
WeChat's payment infrastructure rivals services like Apple Pay and PayPal. It allows consumers to complete peer-to-peer transfers and pay for goods and services both online and offline. Additional services like wealth management, eCommerce integrations and hailing cabs bolster the functionality even more.
Supported across iOS, Android, Windows Phone and other platforms, WeChat offers one of the most comprehensive communication ecosystems available worldwide. However due to its Chinese origins, WeChat faces censorship and surveillance regulations from the government that limits its growth.
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