As with much of our technological development these days, the Chinese market is one of the biggest to break into and often at the forefront of the latest software and hardware. App developers now have a new choice to add the android v.s. iOS battle: WeChat.

Although WeChat is a messaging app officially, rather than a social media app like Facebook or Twitter, it’s platform has grown and transformed into one of the most exciting places for new app developers to break into.

With nearly 400 million active users, Tencent’s flagship messaging app offers an exciting new avenue for developers taking aim at the Chinese market. Breaking into that ecosystem, however, might not be as simple as it first seems.

In the latest batch of nine startups that graduated from the country’s premier accelerator program, Chinaccelerator, two companies operate as service accounts inside WeChat: Chishen.ma and GiftPass. The former is a “story driven” restaurant recommendation app, and the latter allows users to gift vouchers within the chat app that can be exchanged for real life goods.

Because Tencent’s app remains primarily a messaging service, and because they have such a massive active audience, the company is very selective in choosing their partners and quick to cut partners if they feel that their users are being spammed or having their privacy invaded.

While we have yet to see the same sort of functionality from the app here in SA, we have seen some incredibly exciting new developments – heck even we are excited to be on WeChat – and that is saying something! Check us out below.

Download WeChat HERE and ‘add 2oceansvibe’ to subscribe
Or scan this QR code with WeChat

Check out more details about the apps rise as a platform with some serious clout at TechInAsia.