WeChat

WeChat is the main messaging app in mainland China, but describing it as a messenger understates it: payments, mini-programs, official accounts, transport, utilities and much of daily commerce all run inside the same app.

Mini-programs are the significant piece for businesses — full applications that run within WeChat without installation, which is how many Chinese companies deliver ordering, membership and service rather than through a separate app.

Official Accounts publish long-form content and are a primary channel for Chinese-language brand publishing, though registration requires a domestic business entity and verification.