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If you’re in North America, Europe, or Australia, then it’s likely that you are familiar with the most popular social media apps, like Twitter (X), Facebook, Youtube, and TikTok. But were you aware of the number 1 app in the People’s Republic of China, WeChat?
WeChat is extremely popular in the region, almost going beyond a simple social media app and covering just about everything one can do with a smartphone, from connecting with others to paying for goods.
What is WeChat?
WeChat is a social media app created by Chinese company Tencent Holdings. While it is considered a social media app, it has grown since its inception in 2011 to include instant messaging, payment options, video and news services, gaming, and much more. It’s widely considered in the region to be the everything app.
WeChat is the number one app in China, with over 1 billion monthly active users. The service is used not only by the residents of China, but by travelers and diaspora communities all over the world. Chinese travelers in other countries often use the app to keep in touch with friends and relatives back home.
In addition to the mainland app, users outside of China still have access to WeChat and are able to use the service's features to fully access the community.
What can you do with Wechat?
WeChat’s primary use is as an instant messaging service, though the app's payment features have become a staple of the platform. Much of China’s commerce is now done virtually through apps like WeChat and AliPay.
WeChat’s other features include:
- Voice and video calls
- Walkie talkie like chatting
- File sharing
- Stickers and emoji
- Moments (similar to an Instagram story)
- Location sharing
- Video content
- Gaming
- Gift exchange
And more!
WeChat and QR codes
QR codes are used quite extensively on WeChat. Most often, they are used as an easy way to add new friends or contacts to your list or to join groups. QR codes make this process much easier as users don’t have to type in or remember a username. Other social media services, like Snapchat and TikTok do the same thing.
WeChat also uses QR codes as part of their payment system. By scanning a QR code on another device, users can exchange currency for various goods and services. This type of payment has become one of the most popular methods in the region and is partially responsible for the widespread use of QR codes in the country.
Benefits of using WeChat outside of China
The main benefit of using WeChat outside of China is in the access to the Chinese market and audience. With a population of over 1.4 billion (as of June 2025), the market is huge! Not only the number of people around the world with Chinese heritage is in the tens of millions.
China is also often the central point of global trade, with much of manufacturing being done through the region. I think we all have seen made in China printed on various goods all over the world. Since WeChat is the most popular social media platform in the region, it is one of the best ways to communicate with this audience or any potential trade and business partners.Conclusion
WeChat is an extremely versatile and robust application, with many different services provided and lots of ways for users to connect with each other. By utilizing the service, you can open up yourself or your brand to an even wider audience and open your eyes to a whole new world.
WeChat QR codes are most commonly created within the app itself, but if you want to make your own codes for whatever other reason, then you can do so for free with QR Code Developer. Get started today and see just how easy it is!