China’s telecommunications market houses a variety of domestic messaging apps such as WeChat, QQ, and Momo that cater to its diverse population of smartphone users. As of May 2025, Tencent’s WeChat remained the most popular messaging app with over **** billion monthly active users in the country. How competitive is the app landscape in China? Instant messaging was the most popular app category in China with a massive user base. When it comes to app usage time, video apps have attracted more attention from Chinese mobile users than any other app category. Apart from the well-established video-sharing platforms such as Youku, Tencent Video, and iQIYI, various short video apps - especially Douyin and Kuaishou (Kwai) - have been gaining traction rapidly in the app market. At the same time, online payment apps like Alipay and e-commerce apps such as Taobao and Pinduoduo have trailed closely behind in terms of monthly active user numbers. App usage trends China has one of the most engaged app user markets in the world, this is reflected in the high app installations, daily usage numbers, and consumer spending. However, data privacy awareness has been growing among Chinese consumers. An annual online survey found that a significant amount of users doubted the data privacy and security policies of internet companies. Besides, checking app permissions and partial granting personal data access on smartphones have become more common. It is important for app developers and publishers to avoid undesirable user permissions in order to gain the initial trust of Chinese users.

This dataset contains the data collected in an online survey on the use of Chinese mobile messaging application WeChat by German-speaking expatriates in China. The survey was conducted in German and was online between November, 2018, and April, 2019. A total of 208 fully answered surveys were submitted through the online platform www.soscisurvey.de. The data collected was exported in the following available formats: Excel, GNU R, SPSS, SQL, and Stata. PDF screenshot desktop and mobile versions of the survey are included in the dataset.

The number of Tencent's WeChat active accounts has been increasing steadily. As at the end of June 2025, the Chinese multi-functional social media platform had over **** billion monthly active users. WeChat users First released in 2011, WeChat is a mobile messaging app developed by the Chinese company Tencent. In its home market of China, WeChat was marketed as Weixin and was rebranded as WeChat in 2012 for international audiences. In 2018, WeChat and Weixin surpassed *********** users, which was a significant increase from the previous year. Today, WeChat is one of the leading social networks worldwide, ranking ******in terms of active user numbers. It has users from different age groups. Special features on WeChat WeChat has lots of popular messaging app features, including Moments. Most WeChat users access WeChat Moments every time they open the app. The app also provides a broad range of services, such as financial management and mobile shopping. Short videos, online payment, and gaming were the most popular activities among WeChat users. A survey found that half of users spent *** to ** minutes per visit on the short video function, WeChat Channels.

The global super-app market is experiencing explosive growth, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, rising internet usage, and a preference for convenient, all-in-one platforms. The market's value in 2025 is estimated at $3 trillion, exhibiting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 25% from 2019 to 2033. Key drivers include the seamless integration of diverse services like social networking, payments, ride-hailing, food delivery, and e-government functions, catering to the evolving needs of digitally savvy consumers. The Android operating system currently dominates the super-app landscape, though iOS continues to hold a significant share. Regional variations are pronounced, with Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, exhibiting the highest adoption rates and market value due to a large, digitally engaged population and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. North America and Europe are also significant markets, albeit with a slightly slower growth trajectory compared to Asia-Pacific. Market segmentation by application reveals that social contact and payment functionalities are the most dominant features driving super-app usage, followed by ride-hailing and food delivery. The competitive landscape is fiercely contested, with prominent players like WeChat, Alipay, and Grab leading in specific regions, showcasing the potential for further consolidation and strategic partnerships. Regulatory challenges and data privacy concerns present potential restraints, necessitating a focus on responsible innovation and data security. Future growth will be propelled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), personalized user experiences, and the expansion of super-app functionalities into areas such as healthcare, education, and financial services. The increasing adoption of 5G technology will also pave the way for enhanced user experience and the integration of more data-intensive services. However, the market faces challenges, including maintaining security and user trust in the face of potential data breaches and competitive pressures from emerging players. Successful super-apps will need to consistently innovate, personalize their offerings, and prioritize user privacy and data security to maintain their competitive edge in this rapidly evolving market. Expansion into underserved markets, particularly in developing economies, represents a significant opportunity for growth, requiring adaptive strategies tailored to local needs and regulatory landscapes.

Key Mobile Payments StatisticsTop Mobile Payments AppsFinance App Market LandscapeMobile Payments Transaction VolumeMobile Payments UsersMobile Payments Adoption by CountryMobile Payments TPV in...

Here are a few use cases for this project:

1. eCommerce Authentication: This model could be used in eCommerce platforms for verifying QR codes related to payment options like WeChat Pay and Alipay. By identifying these logos, the system could confirm the authenticity of the payment method.

2. Social Media Analysis: Researchers studying the prevalence and usage of different social media platforms in various contexts would find this model useful. By recognizing QR codes specific to WeChat (WeApp) and Douyin (Chinese version of TikTok), this model can provide valuable data about their usage and trends.

3. QR Code Categorization: This model can be used in a system that requires sorting or categorizing different types of QR codes. It could be useful in digital marketing strategy analyses or market research where differentiating sources of the QR codes (WeApp, Douyin, WordPress, etc.) is essential.

4. Digital Billboard Analysis: The "Weapp Qrcode" can be adopted for evaluating the presence of various logos and QR codes on digital billboards and advertisements. This information could be beneficial to marketers or city planners.

5. Advanced QR Scanner: Software development companies can use this model to create a more advanced QR scanner app. With its ability to identify specific QR code classes, users can gain quick insights about the source or company behind the scanned QR code.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Mobile Messaging App market size was USD 105421.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.20% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 42168.48 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 31626.36 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 24246.88 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 5271.06 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 2108.42 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.9% from 2024 to 2031.
The cloud-based category is the fastest growing segment of the Mobile Messaging App industry

Market Dynamics of Mobile Messaging App Market

Key Drivers for Mobile Messaging App Market

Smartphone and Internet Growth: The increasing penetration of smartphones and the availability of affordable data services are propelling the adoption of mobile messaging applications. The ease of access to instant communication fosters extensive usage across personal, professional, and enterprise sectors worldwide.

Shift Toward Rich Communication: There is a growing demand among users for multimedia functionalities such as voice, video, stickers, and file sharing. Messaging applications that provide rich and interactive experiences are drawing larger audiences and enhancing engagement in comparison to traditional SMS.

Business and Enterprise Adoption: Businesses are utilizing messaging applications for customer engagement, support, and collaboration. Features such as chatbots, APIs, and integrated payment solutions render these platforms vital for digital business communication strategies.

Key Restraints for Mobile Messaging App Market

Data Privacy Concerns: Increasing security threats and data breaches are generating skepticism among users. A lack of trust in data management and insufficient encryption deter adoption, especially in areas with stringent data protection laws.

Monetization Difficulties: Numerous messaging applications face challenges in achieving effective monetization while still providing free access. An overreliance on advertisements or premium models may adversely affect user experience and impede long-term revenue sustainability.

Market Saturation: Intense competition among various applications offering similar functionalities presents challenges for differentiation. Smaller entities struggle to compete with dominant global platforms, limiting their growth and user acquisition.

Key Trends for Mobile Messaging App Market

Super App Evolution: Messaging applications are transforming into multifunctional platforms that incorporate payments, shopping, and services. This trend broadens their utility beyond mere communication, creating comprehensive ecosystems that retain users and enhance revenue prospects.

End-to-End Encryption Adoption: The increasing focus on security and privacy is propelling the widespread adoption of advanced encryption protocols, thereby bolstering user trust and ensuring compliance with global data protection standards.

Integration with Artificial Intelligence: Features powered by AI, such as chatbots, intelligent responses, and predictive recommendations, are improving user experiences. Messaging applications are progressively utilizing machine learning to tailor communication and automate customer interactions. Introduction of the Mobile Messaging App Market

Platforms that facilitate real-time text, audio, and multimedia communication across internet networks make up the mobile messaging app market. Users can record audio and video, send and receive messages and conversations, and share files using these apps, which include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, and Telegram, without having to pay for SMS or phone calls. Growing smartphone use, ubiquitous in...

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Mobile Messaging Service market size will be USD 102584.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.20% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 41033.68 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 30775.26 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 23594.37 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 5129.21 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 2051.68 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.9% from 2024 to 2031.
The software category is the fastest growing segment of the Mobile Messaging Service industry

Market Dynamics of Mobile Messaging Service Market

Key Drivers for Mobile Messaging Service Market

Increased adoption of smartphones and mobile internet drives the market growth 

As more people around the world gain access to affordable smartphones and mobile data, they increasingly turn to mobile messaging apps (like WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, or Signal) for daily communication. These apps often offer free, instant, and multimedia-rich messaging, which is especially appealing in regions where traditional SMS or calling may be expensive or unreliable. For instance, in India, the rapid rise in smartphone usage and low-cost internet provided by companies like Reliance Jio led to an explosion in WhatsApp users. By 2023, WhatsApp had over 500 million users in India alone, becoming the country’s primary communication platform for personal, business, and even government messaging services.

The Global Proliferation of Smartphone Usage to Boost Market Growth

The market for mobile messaging services is expanding due in large part to the increase in smartphone adoption. Mobile messaging services are becoming more widely available to more people as cell phones are cheaper and easier to obtain, especially in developing nations. The increasing number of users on messaging apps like WeChat, Telegram, and WhatsApp is a result of their widespread acceptance, which raises user engagement. Additionally, smartphones have improved features like voice, video, and multimedia messaging, which boost communication in general. Furthermore, messaging apps are made more user-friendly and effective by the advancement of sophisticated smartphone technology like fast internet and potent CPUs. As a result, the market for mobile messaging is growing as a direct result of rising smartphone usage worldwide.

Growing Need for Instant Communication to Drive Market Growth

The mobile messaging service market is growing due in large part to consumer demand for instant communication. A growing number of people and businesses are turning to messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram because they need rapid, effective, and real-time communication solutions in today's hectic world. Instantaneous phone or video calls, message exchanges, and material sharing are all made possible by these technologies, which improve communication efficiency and speed. Instant messaging is being used more and more by organizations as a flexible means of communication since it offers an efficient avenue for teamwork, marketing, and customer service. More market expansion for mobile messaging services is being driven by consumers' desire for instant communication and the ease of being able to access them on their phones.

Restraint Factor for the Mobile Messaging Service Market

Data Privacy and Security Concerns Will Limit Market Growth

The market for mobile messaging services is being held back by serious worries about security and privacy. Users are becoming more and more concerned about data breaches, unlawful access, and the exploitation of their data as messaging platforms handle sensitive personal and corporate ...

Mobile penetration in Malaysia stood at 144.4% at the end of 2013, and mobile services generated $7.6bn in service revenue during the year, while fixed services, including pay-TV, brought in $3.8bn. Malaysia’s High Speed Broadband network launched commercially in just 18 months in 2010, and passed 1.49m premises by the end of 2013. After 103 exchanges were upgraded to next-generation network platforms during the first phase of HSBB, HSBB2 will increase that total to 400 over the three years starting in 2014, benefiting 4.8m premises in all. Having come to terms with the prevailing consumer preference for OTT communication apps, Malaysian operators are adapting their strategies to better monetize traffic generated from OTT usage. One operator offers unlimited use of WhatsApp, WeChat and Web browsing over Opera as add-ons, while Malaysia’ leading MVNO launched its own OTT app, which grants users free on-net calls and discounted off-net and international calls. By acquiring a 57% stake in Packet One (owned by Green Packet), Telekom Malaysia received not only 500,000-plus subscribers but also a network of 2,000 sites that provide high-speed broadband in areas to complement TM’s current fixed-line network. This will enable TM to offer its subscribers quad-play options and capitalize on the rise of mobile data. Read More

Facebook, the world’s most popular social network, has billions of monthly active users globally of which less than three million are in China. The reason why Facebook reaches only around four percent of the Chinese population is because it is blocked in mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) along with many other foreign social media giants like YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

Why is Facebook banned in China?  

The Chinese government has been blocking access to Facebook since July 2009, when a series of anti-government riots appeared in the Xinjiang province. The activists reportedly used Facebook as their main communications channel. Chinese authorities have no control over foreign social networks and see them as a threat to social and political stability, hence a long list of foreign internet sites, Facebook among them, are no longer easily accessible in China. Some people, however, access blocked websites by connecting to a virtual private network (VPN).

What is the future of Facebook in China?  

Facebook’s most recent attempt to make a comeback in July 2018 was immediately prevented by the Chinese authorities. It is unlikely that China will allow it for as long as Facebook refuses to store its data servers within the country’s borders. Besides, keeping foreign social media banned is economically beneficial for such Chinese social networks as WeChat, Sina Weibo and Youku Tudou. WeChat, the most popular Chinese social media platform and messaging app, seems to successfully fill the “Facebook void” for at least a billion monthly active users.