weChat

WeChat, also known as Weixin in Chinese, is a multi-purpose app developed by Tencent. Since its launch in 2011, it has evolved into a broad platform that combines messaging, social media, and payments. It is one of the world's most-used apps, with more than a billion monthly active users, concentrated in China but with a growing international user base.

Core features include instant messaging, voice and video calls, and group chats, along with Moments, a social feed for posting and viewing updates. The app also supports Official Accounts for brands and organizations, Mini Programs—lightweight apps that run inside WeChat without installation—and WeChat Pay for person-to-person, in-store, and online payments. Additional functions cover file transfers, location sharing, and a range of built-in services.

WeChat is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Its ecosystem supports business-to-consumer use through Official Accounts and Mini Programs, enabling customer engagement, marketing, and service delivery within the app. WeChat Pay is widely used for everyday transactions, both within China and in international contexts that support the service.

Privacy and security practices have been the subject of scrutiny. While communications are protected by encryption, most messages are not end-to-end encrypted by default, and data may be stored on Tencent servers in accordance with local laws. Privacy concerns and content censorship have been noted by researchers and regulators, reflecting compliance with applicable legal frameworks.

Regulation and global reach: WeChat operates under Chinese law and policy frameworks that influence data handling, content, and access. International use faces varying regulatory environments, shaping how the platform is adopted outside China. Overall, WeChat functions as a dominant communications and payments ecosystem in its region and beyond.