WeChat Channels (微信视频号) : Short-video and live-shopping feed inside WeChat mixing friends' posts with recommendations.

Launched in January 2020, WeChat Channels is Tencent's short-video and livestreaming service embedded in WeChat, not a standalone app.

Creators run their own video account, go live and sell with tap-to-buy product cards paid through WeChat Pay — all without leaving WeChat.

Brands in China use Channels for live selling since buyers already live in WeChat. Overseas users need a WeChat account, and much of the feed is in Chinese.

Can I sell products through WeChat Channels?

Correct. WeChat Channels supports e-commerce through linked mini-programs and WeChat Stores. Creators can tag products in videos, and viewers purchase without leaving WeChat. This creates a seamless shopping experience that is unique to China's WeChat ecosystem.

Can I access Channels outside China?

That's right. WeChat Channels is available globally as part of the WeChat app. No additional setup is needed. However, content is predominantly Chinese and tailored to a Chinese audience. The feature works the same way for international WeChat users.

What are WeChat Channels?

WeChat Channels is a short-video feature embedded within WeChat. It leverages WeChat's social graph for viral distribution - friends' liked videos appear in your feed. It is Tencent's answer to Douyin, integrating tightly with WeChat's ecosystem of mini-programs and stores.