WeRead (微信读书) : Tencent's social reading app that pairs ebooks and audiobooks with friends' reading activity.

WeRead is Tencent's reading app, launched in 2015 by the WeChat team. A paid membership opens its library of licensed ebooks — think Kindle Unlimited with a social layer.

Users read ebooks and listen to audiobooks, highlight passages, write notes and follow friends' activity; reading time is ranked against your WeChat network, with discussion per title.

Content and interface are in Chinese and a WeChat account is needed to sign in, so overseas use suits readers comfortable with both.

How does WeRead compare to Kindle?

WeRead combines Kindle's e-book reading with Goodreads' social features. Unlike Kindle, it offers a subscription model (unlimited reading for about -3/month). It also has audiobooks and a free read-with-ads option. Kindle left China in 2023.

Does WeRead share my reading data?

WeRead is social by design - your friends see what you're reading, your highlights, and your reading time. This can be turned off in privacy settings. Tencent collects reading behavior data for recommendations.

Can I use WeRead outside China?

WeRead requires a WeChat account, which needs a Chinese phone number for full functionality. The app is Chinese-only. Overseas access works but the book catalog focuses on Chinese titles. Western bestsellers in translation are available.