China WeChat User Forecast and Market Size Analysis

WeChat is one of the most popular platforms in the world, especially in China. Unlike many messaging apps, WeChat offers a variety of features from e-commerce to access to integrated apps called mini-programs. That's why it is an important part of the daily lives of Chinese citizens.

WeChat was launched in 2011 by parent company Tencent. Its original name was Weixin, which literally means "micro-message" in Chinese. Because of its wide range of uses, the product is known in China as a universal application. Essentially, the application is a multi-purpose platform, often referred to as a communication software tool. However, it is a comprehensive program with a feature set that includes mobile payment and social media modules.

WeChat provides consumers with a three-pronged connected ecosystem:

WeChat, the messaging application;

WeChat Pay, a financial technology service;

WeChat Mini Programs.

As of March 2020, WeChat, the messaging service, has 1.2 billion monthly active users (MAUs).

In China, WeChat Pay touches almost every aspect of daily life. Internationally, the product has a presence in 60 markets and supports 17 currencies.

And its WeChat Mini Programs provide tools for individuals and businesses to connect with each other. They are applets that run on WeChat.

Chinese WeChat User Forecast

The number of WeChat users in 2017 was only 685.52 million. By 2018, the number of users reaches 783.3 million. WeChat user size grew 14.26% from 2017-2018.

In 2019, this number grows again to 856.83 million. The user base has grown by 24.98% in just one year. By 2020, the number of users reaches 904 million. And, in 2021, it grows again to 956.09 million, an increase of 5.76%.

WeChat is predicted to cross the 1 billion mark in 2023. Furthermore, by 2025, forecasts indicate that WeChat's user base will grow to 1.08 billion.

WeChat Market Size in China

The market size of China's WeChat marketing industry has been growing. In 2018, the market size of China's WeChat marketing industry was 134.33 billion yuan, an increase of 25.2% year-on-year, accounting for 30.7% of the Chinese Internet marketing industry.

WeChat marketing has good prospects for development. WeChat has a 97% market share in China's Internet market, with over 800 million users and a leading market share.

In 2023, WeChat's brand value reaches $50.2 billion. A year ago, the figure was US$62.3 billion.