Utilizing China’s home-grown social media platforms is an excellent way to gain insight into the complex and always fascinating world of modern Chinese culture. This is particularly true if you find yourself traveling or living in China. What social media platforms are used in China? Nowadays, more and more aspects of daily life in China take place online. Whether you’re looking to chat with friends, watch videos, meet new people, transfer money, pay your bills, recharge your phone, or pretty much anything else, don’t worry. In China, there’s an app for that! WeChat | 微信 | Wēixìn Despite its name, which translates word-for-word to “micro message,” WeChat is the all-in-one holy grail of Chinese social media. If you’ve ever lived or traveled in China, you know just how ubiquitous and essential it is. Since its release in 2011 by Tencent (腾讯网, Téngxùnwǎng), WeChat now has over a billion active users per month, hailing both from within China and abroad. Not only can you use WeChat to send text messages and make phone calls like any other telecommunication app, but crucially it’s also used daily by countless netizens for the following functions: Transfer files, share and upload photos and videos, upload, share and view “stories”, share real-time location with friends, pay for goods, transfer money, recharge your phone’s data and voice plan, invest in financial instruments, identify charities and donate money, monitor your health, book plane and train tickets, buy movie tickets, book hotels, and more! On WeChat, you can also subscribe to “Public Accounts” or “公众号” of authors, podcasts, retail stores, and more to receive their latest publications, discounts, and any other information via push feeds. With WeChat’s “wallet” feature, you can pay for products in shops, restaurants, or online (and even pay utility bills and top-up mobile phones). You can transfer money to other users, order food, book a taxi, buy train and plane tickets, or even rent a public bike! As you can see, the list is quite extensive, and digital wallets and QR codes have paved the way for a digital payment revolution in China. In fact, sending virtual red envelopes during the Chinese New Year has largely replaced the tradition of giving real red envelopes as gifts. If any single app can be deemed essential for those who engage with China, it’s WeChat. |
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