You may not have heard of WeChat, but the latest data indicates that it is the app with the highest number of monthly active users in China: currently, the app It has over a billion monthly active userswhich underlines the magnitude of this platform.
WeChat started its journey as a messaging app and since then has integrated a multitude of different functionsbecoming what we call great app. Although it still retains its messaging functions, WeChat now offers much more possibilities and is the most important application in China.
WeChat can be used to shop, send money and even file for divorce
The app hit the market in early 2011 and is owned by Tencent, the country’s tech giant. It was originally called Weixin
The possibilities of WeChat make it possible for us to use the application for almost everything. Whether we want to stay in touch with our friends, shop at the supermarket, send money to a family member, pay in stores, make doctor’s appointments, buy plane tickets or file for divorce: we can do it all from WeChat.
Behind the potential of WeChat are the so-called “mini-programs”, a type of application that the platform makes available to companies: Any company can create its own “mini-program” and start offering your services through the app.
The “mini programs” allowed WeChat users to spend the day in the app, which is particularly interesting for Tencent. In return, companies benefit from the app’s enormous popularity and users don’t have to use an app for everything: they just have to use WeChat.
In addition to messaging functions and “mini programs”, WeChat has social networking functions (WeChat Moments), a workplace version of the app (Enterprise WeChat) and the mobile payment and transfer service we mentioned earlier. WeChat Pay is one of the most popular payment platforms in the country and is accepted almost everywhere, for example to pay for a taxi, to buy groceries at the supermarket or even at the hospital.
Considering the possibilities that WeChat offers, The platform fits perfectly into the definition of great app: applications that give us access to a multitude of different services that are not linked to each other.
Logically, the great apps They are particularly interesting for businesses and interest in these types of applications is growing in the rest of the world. In fact, platforms like Snapchat, TikTok or WhatsApp They are starting to test different functions that have nothing to do with their initial destination: we have already mentioned the case of WhatsApp, which in India allows you to buy metro tickets and even make purchases.
Another example is the case of X (formerly Twitter). Elon Musk has repeatedly mentioned his interest in starting to offer more features in X with the aim of transforming the platform into a kind of great app. In fact, one of the features they are already working on could replace our bank.
Cover image | Adem AY (Unsplash)
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