DAUs of WeChat Mini Programs 2017-2021

Tencent's WeChat, an instant messaging app combined with various daily life services, has become increasingly important in China. WeChat Mini Programs, launched in 2017 as an ecosystem of cloud-based mini-applications built within the WeChat platform, achieved 450 million daily active users in 2021.

What is unique about WeChat Mini Programs?

WeChat Mini Programs provide advanced features, such as e-commerce, task management, coupons, and more, without WeChat users needing to leave the app. Such features are accessible everywhere, requiring no downloads nor additional phone memory. Small businesses are benefited as well, as it is relatively simple and cheap to develop a mini program. WeChat Mini Programs not only reduce technical resources and time needed for app development, but also supports extra digital functions, particularly favored by retailers and restaurants.

Which Mini Programs are most popular?

There are many ways to access these additional services, mostly via the drop-down menu on the WeChat homepage, Official Account menu, or links embedded in articles. The most popular types of WeChat Mini Programs belong to mobile shopping and daily services, both in terms of usage time share and monthly active userbase. When it comes to brands, Mini Programs set up by fast food chains like McDonald’s and KFC topped the chart with over 20 million monthly active users.