WeChatWeixin

WeChat, known as Weixin in Chinese, is an all-in-one social messaging platform developed by Tencent. It was launched in 2011 for iOS and Android and has grown into one of the world’s largest standalone messaging apps. The service combines instant messaging with voice and video calls, alongside a range of social and commerce features.

Core features include text and voice messaging, group chats, and video calls; a social feed called Moments that allows users to share images and updates; WeChat Pay for person-to-person and merchant payments within the app; Official Accounts for businesses, media, and organizations; and Mini Programs, lightweight apps that run inside WeChat without a separate download.

WeChat operates across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, and also offers a desktop client. The platform hosts a broad ecosystem of third-party services, including payments, ride sharing, and e-commerce through Mini Programs and Official Accounts. WeCom (WeChat Work) provides enterprise communications and tools for organizations.

As of the mid-2020s, WeChat has over a billion monthly active users, with the vast majority in China and growing international usage. The app is widely used for personal communication, social interaction, and commercial activities, and is a central platform for digital payments in China.

Privacy and regulatory issues have been noted by researchers and policymakers, as WeChat operates under Chinese law with government access considerations and ongoing debates about data privacy and censorship.