Posted on 24/10/24 05:23 am
WeChat, developed by Chinese tech giant Tencent, is a social networking platform that emerged from the company’s earlier messaging service, QQ, which dominated the domestic market in 2011. Upon its launch, WeChat quickly attracted QQ's user base. As major competitors like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram faced bans in China, WeChat became immensely popular.
WeChat stands out due to its wide array of practical features, particularly its payment system based on QR codes. This system has integrated into nearly every aspect of daily life in China, from purchasing clothing to renting real estate. The app has become an essential tool for communication and transactions, akin to having a SIM card or a house key.
While platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp measure growth through active user counts, WeChat focuses on how frequently users engage with the app for various needs. WeChat aims to encompass all areas of life, offering millions of mini-applications within the platform, functioning similarly to a web browser. These applications are referred to as "official accounts," with over 10 million existing accounts for brands, celebrities, banks, and startups.
Here are some of the coolest features of WeChat:
Moreover, users remain logged into all applications, eliminating the need for additional installations. For developers, this means there’s no need to create separate applications for different operating systems; sometimes, a simple website suffices.
If you're interested in creating a WeChat account but don’t have access to a Chinese phone number, purchasing a SIM card might not be an option. However, you can still register for WeChat by obtaining a virtual number through SMS-MAN. Here's how:
Visit SMS-MAN: Go to the SMS-MAN website and register for an account.
Recharge Your Balance: Add funds to your account—typically, this can be done for as little as $1 or $5, depending on your needs.
Select China: Choose China to receive SMS online from the country.
Choose WeChat: In the services tab, find WeChat and click the “Buy” button.
Get Your Virtual Number: The virtual number you purchased will be displayed at the top of the main page.
Register on WeChat: Enter the virtual phone number in the WeChat registration form. Then, click “Get SMS” to receive your verification code.
Receive Verification Code: In the “SMS” column, you will see the verification code sent to your virtual number.
By following these steps, you'll successfully receive the WeChat verification code and create your account without a phone number.