Tencent operates WeChat, the messaging and payments platform used by more than a billion people.
WeChat, known as Weixin in mainland China, was developed by Tencent and launched in 2011. It expanded from mobile messaging into voice and video calls, social feeds, digital payments, shopping, games, public services, and mini-programs. That breadth makes it a major example of a so-called super-app.
Tencent is one of China’s largest internet companies and has ranked among the world’s most valuable listed companies by market capitalization. Its businesses also include online games, music, video, cloud services, advertising, and investments in other technology companies.
WeChat is sometimes confused with QQ, another Tencent messaging service that launched earlier and became especially popular on personal computers. The company’s stock trades in Hong Kong, and its market value can move with changes in China’s technology regulations, gaming approvals, advertising demand, and investor expectations.