The biggest Chinese social media platform, WeChat, has finally reached 1 billion active monthly users. The boost in the numbers was due to the massive success of digital hongbaos (a red packet with money given as a gift during CNY). More than 688 million users sent and received these digital hongbaos.
The app has recorded a stunning 15.8% growth in users annually. Around 38 billion messages are exchanged every day on the platform.
The app has such a stronghold in China not just due to its messaging software, but also because it constantly introduces new features and functionalities that makes life simpler for its users. It recently launched a pilot study of bringing virtual identity cards in Guangdong. If this study proves to be successful, the app would become indispensable to the Government as well. The introduction of mini programs has also made WeChat more appealing to the users.
Since its introduction in 2011, WeChat has come a long way and continues to push its boundaries. This year, Tencent plans to venture into AR and that is definitely going to attract some more users to this platform. Wait and watch this space to know more!