Sounds quite convenient, no? But it means you are never leaving the app, period. It’s a whole operating system within an app. In 2017, WeChat even launched in-app “mini programs,” which basically allow you to access non-Tencent services-like Airbnb, Weibo, and office tools-without ever leaving the platform. While it started out dominating one-on-one messaging and group chats, over time WeChat incorporated all the services you would want from the internet: digital payment, shopping, streaming, networking, ride-hailing … you name it, it’s probably there. No matter whether you are talking to a family member, a schoolmate, or a colleague, WeChat is the only way to go. And email is basically nonexistent among the general population. iMessages reach a small crowd, because only about 20% of smartphones in China are iPhones (compared with over 50% in the US). SMS messages are inundated with spam and service notifications. Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are all blocked.
One reason is that there simply aren’t many alternatives.
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