Who Created WeChat — Tencent’s Story for US Students in China
Quick Friendly Backstory: who created WeChat and why you should care If you moved to China for school, work, or a long adventure, you already know WeChat isn’t just a chat app — it’s how China runs parts of daily life. So who created WeChat? Short answer: Tencent, the Shenzhen-founded tech giant. Long answer: Tencent (founded 1998 in Shenzhen) launched QQ in 1999 and then released WeChat in 2011. The app evolved fast: by 2013 it added payments and then stitched multiple services into one place — messaging, payments, mini-programs, ride-hailing, and more. That combo made it a lifeline for locals and expats alike. ...