The number of instant messaging apps accessible on Android is vast. Among the ones that receive the most downloads in Spain are WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal, but there are also other possibilities. WeChat, which has been gaining popularity among Android users for some time, is one of them.
The variety of instant messaging applications on Android is wide. WeChat, a Chinese messaging app, is one of them. Given the its popularity is growing and it's likely to be a big deal in the future, it's beneficial to understand what you have to offer.
The WeChat app has become one of the most popular social media apps in China. In fact, its use is so common that it is almost impossible to find a Chinese who does not have it. WeChat has become in recent years the main application of social media for chinese millennials for its unique features and functions.
It is not a simple messaging platform like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, it is much more than that. From keeping in touch with friends to ordering food, renting a car and even playing games, everything can be done through the WeChat app. There are many English-speaking expats living in China who also use WeChat on a daily basis to stay connected with their friends back home and the local people they meet here. If you want to know more about this intriguing app, this article will tell you everything you need to know about the Chinese social media app called WeChat.
WeChat: What is it
WeChat is a multi-purpose Chinese application that allows you to send text and voice messages to your friends, make audio and video calls, play games, watch videos, shop online and book a series of services, all from the application itself. There are many other social media apps on the Chinese market, such as Weibo and QQ, from WeChat's parent company, Tencent.
However, WeChat is much more than just a social media application as it also allows users to connect with businesses and make purchases or book services through the app. WeChat is one of the most popular social networking applications in China and Southeast Asia, with more than one billion users worldwide. It is also the most popular messaging app in China.
Why is WeChat so popular?
Like many other Chinese social media apps, WeChat is very popular among Chinese consumers because it is comfortable and easy to use. Many of WeChat's features are unique, and no other app offers the same experience. For example, the "Scan to Buy" feature allows users to purchase products directly through the app by scanning the product's QR code.
You can also rbook an appointment with the doctor or order food directly through the app. There are also built-in games and other features that keep WeChat users engaged and coming back for more. Furthermore, WeChat is part of the entire WeChat ecosystem, which includes WeChat Pay, WeChat Moments, and WeChat Mini Programs. This makes it easier to use the app in various situations, thereby attracting and retaining more users.
WeChat Features
As we have said before, it is not about an instant messaging app such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp or Telegram, but also integrates more services in it to make life more comfortable for Chinese citizens. However, many of these functions lack an application outside of China, so it is not the best alternative if you are looking for something more than a messaging app.
Messenger service
Chatting is the main activity on WeChat. It's just like sending a text message in other messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. You can send voice clips, stickers, gifs, and images during a chat. Stickers are a very popular feature on WeChat. They are similar to emojis, except they can be animated and play sounds too.
payment activities
If you have ever used WeChat Pay, then you are already familiar with one of the most popular features of WeChat. WeChat Pay allows you to make purchases both online and offline using your WeChat account. In fact, WeChat Pay is the most popular payment app in China. In 2018, it accounted for 80% of mobile payment transactions in the country. This is especially noteworthy given that China does not have a credit card culture like many Western countries.
Discover
The Discover tab allows you find new brands and products, as well as read articles and watch videos from different sources. You can also follow different topics. You can search for anything that interests you. Discover can be a good source of information and entertainment.
Other activities: Games, trips and food delivery
WeChat has a Games tab where you can play online games. You can also book a flight or hotel room through the Travel tab. There is a food delivery tab where you can order food. Food delivery is a very popular app feature in China. This is because many people work long hours and don't have time to go out and buy dinner. All they have to do is open the food delivery tab and order dinner at one of the many Chinese takeaway restaurants featured in the app.
Is it safe to use WeChat?
WeChat has a reputation for being secure, although many doubt this because it is Chinese, but it is important to take into account some things. First of all, it is essential that you set up your WeChat account well. This means selecting a strong password and setting up two-factor authentication.
As with any social media application or website, it is also important be careful what you share on WeChat. Being one of the most popular social media apps, it is common for people to browse each other's public accounts and look for information that can be used against them.
WeChat's privacy policy is available to read if you have any concerns about security and respect for your data. But I already tell you that collects information from its users and shares it. The privacy policy explains the types of information WeChat collects, what WeChat does with the information, and how users can control the collection and use of their information.
La Privacy Policy it also explains the user's rights in relation to the collection and use of their information. The privacy policy also explains how WeChat shares information with third parties and what third-party organizations do with shared information.