Category: Inside WeChat

WeChat Empowers Users in Ebola Fight

The Ebola virus is a worldwide health concern – one WeChat and our users feel strongly about. That’s why WeChat is taking an active part in supporting the fight against the disease by offering the latest news and information to our community while also supporting major global aid organizations.

 

Our Africa team saw an opportunity for WeChat, the fastest growing social communications platform, to be a central point of information with the Ebola24 Official Account (OA). The account is currently available in English and French. It serves as a repository of information and support for not only the inhabitants of affected areas, but also for anyone wanting to know more about the crisis. Endorsed by the United Nations Foundation (UNF) and with content from Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF), it covers topics like treatment, concerns, news, symptoms, prevention and success stories. With immediate access to doctors and ability to find the nearest clinic through the OA, Ebola24 is fighting Ebola both on- and offline.

 

“In the midst of the worst Ebola outbreak the world has ever seen, information is one of the most powerful tools we have to fight the spread of this devastating disease,” said Kate Dodson, vice president for global health strategy at the UNF, on collaborating with WeChat on Ebola24. “WeChat’s Ebola24 OA makes essential information easily accessible to the people who need it most.”

 

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Indonesia Streetwear Tour Amps Up WeChat’s Street Cred

With all the parties and festivities scheduled in December, we’re always looking for new gift ideas and outfits to celebrate the holiday season.

 

For those WeChatters getting in early on their holiday shopping, the Streetwear Tour in Indonesia was the perfect spot for uncovering unique gifts for loved ones or for the cheeky shopper in each of us, perhaps a self-picked present to spoil ourselves.

 

Over 200K people flocked to the event where WeChat made sure there was something for everyone. In support of the growing local street-wear and urban-wear industry, fashion lovers were able to find pieces from local retailers showcasing their latest styles. Music lovers enjoyed star performances from local artists with guest appearances including the likes of Bottlesmoker and Superman is Dead.

Indonesia Streetwear

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Do Good on WeChat this #MobileMonday

Mobile Monday WeChat The Nature Conservancy

From strengthening relationships to improving communication, the possibilities with mobile technology are endless.

 

And now, on Monday, December 15, 2014, we’re partnering up with The Nature Conservancy to honor #MobileMonday and help save Earth’s precious animals and environments. For every new follower The Nature Conservancy receives on WeChat until December 31, 2014, we will donate $5 to help support their noble cause up to $1M.

 

To get started, simply download WeChat and add The Nature Conservancy’s official account (WeChat ID: Nature_Org). Your follow will bring us one step closer to helping save endangered animals like the sea turtles and Yunnan golden monkeys.

 

You can also join the #MobileMonday conversation on Twitter to learn more about how technology can power social change. The live Twitter conversation will begin on Monday, December 15 at 1:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.

 

Join us as we do good for our planet in the spirit of Mobile Monday!

WeChat Thailand’s Sweet Melody of Life  

Melody of Life Thailand Pic 1

WeChatters in Thailand were in for a treat, as the Melody of Life Music Festival in October brought together the best in arts, fashion, movies and music over two fun-filled days. Festival goers flocked to catch a glimpse of their favorite local artists with appearances from Lipta, Blackhead, Mild, and Squeeze Animal sending crowds into a fanatic frenzy.

 

When they weren’t listening to the sweet melodies of Thailand’s hippest singers, WeChatters had no shortage of entertainment with highlights including the popular Activity Booth, Cheeze Car Boot Salem and an exclusive WeChat VIP Rest Area.

 

The WeChat Activity Booth was the go-to place for those eyeing off to win cool WeChat gifts, including bags, umbrellas, pillows, cups and inflatable bats. To claim victory, contestants raced it out to see who could be the first to download and install WeChat, who had the most friends or the most official accounts.

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WeChat Italian Vertical Tour: A Throwback Summer of Fun Under the Sun

The weather is cooling down, the leaves are changing color, and it’s time for everyone to put away their bikinis and board shorts. We’re as sad as you are that summer is over, but to cheer you up, here’s a look back at summer 2014 in Italy.

 

Every summer in sun kissed Italy is pretty fantastic. But WeChat made this last summer even better as we hit the road with WeChat‘s Italian Vertical Tour, making the season truly sizzle for all our amazing Italian WeChatters.

 

Over 60,000 WeChat fans gathered across eight of the country’s most beautiful beaches, as each of these were turned into the ultimate party paradise. These summer havens were jam-packed with fun and entertainment, with highlights including DJs, the WeChat Wheel and WeChat Volleyball Championships.

Italy Vertical Summer WeChat

Fabulous prizes like WeChat t-shirts and bracelets were given out to beach-goers in Italy as they were tested on trivia questions from The WeChat Wheel. The Wheel landed on different categories such as history, sports, as well as WeChat history and features.

 

Read More WeChat Italian Vertical Tour: A Throwback Summer of Fun Under the Sun >>

WeChat Thailand Super Sizes Your Stickers

We all know WeChat stickers are more than stickers. Each character has a unique personality that comes to life through animation. But what would you do if your favorite sticker actually came to life, jumped out of your mobile screen and into the 3D world? Take a #selfie with it of course, right?

 

Well, maybe that’s not the first thing you would do. But it would be pretty close.

 

To bring the fun of WeChat’s animated stickers to the offline world, the WeChat Thailand team did just this. They turned four of the most popular Thai stickers into life-sized 3D models for people at Siam Square One mall to take pictures with and enjoy. The characters included: Yell-O, LamunLamai, Stir Monkey and Miss Mousie.

Thailand WeChat Sticker Statues

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120K WeChat Friends Donate to Support J&K Flood Relief Efforts

WeChatFriendsGiveBack - J&K Flood Victims

In September, the Jammu & Kashmir regions in India were hit by damaging floods caused by heavy rainfall. Several thousand villages were affected and a few hundred villages were submerged.

 

In light of the recent tragedy in Jammu & Kashmir, participants of WeChat India’s ‘Friends n Rewards’ campaign were given the option to donate Rs. 10 with all proceeds helping aid those impacted by this natural disaster.

 

Over 120K WeChat India users came together to raise a total of 12 lakhs ($34,000 USD) for the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to help render immediate relief to these families.

 

Read More 120K WeChat Friends Donate to Support J&K Flood Relief Efforts >>

WeChat Offers Sneak Peak at New Italian Film – #ScrivimiAncora

WeChat and M2 Pictures, an award-winning Italian movie producer and distributor, have partnered to promote #ScrivimiAncora, the long anticipated romantic comedy that will officially release in theatres throughout Europe October 30th.

To give WeChat Italy users a sneak peak, WeChat and M2 Pictures are giving away 170 free movie passes to the premier and previews through the film’s official WeChat account.

 

By searching “AlexeRosie” or scanning the QR code below to follow the #ScrivimiAncora official account, WeChatters in Italy can win tickets to the premier and previews of the film by sending words of love and personal messages dedicated to the movie before October 15th.

 

Read More WeChat Offers Sneak Peak at New Italian Film – #ScrivimiAncora >>

WeChat Free Video Calling – For Those Times You Need it the Most

We are excited to introduce our latest “WeChat in Your Life” video, WeShine – the second in our series that highlights how WeChatters around the world can use the app to enhance their everyday lives. Whether it be to communicate their next foodie adventure or to overcome stage fright, these videos tell a few of the great stories behind why we create the features we do.

“We Shine” highlights WeChat’s Video Call feature, which allows users to instantly connect with each other face to face for free. In this spot, a young violinist is getting ready to take the stage for an important audition. Extreme close-ups reveal her nervously looking at the other hopeful musicians until she steps out to have an impromptu rehearsal with her teacher via video chat. This connection – and those last few words of encouragement — via the app help her regain her confidence and seize her moment on the stage.

 

Read More WeChat Free Video Calling – For Those Times You Need it the Most >>

Send Stickers and Win a Movie Date Night

PH-Stickers-WeChat-Promo

With the temperature dropping, we are giving users an early “ber” month treat. From September 22 to October 6, 2014, the WeChat Philippines team will be giving away 1,500 SM Cinema e-coupon movie tickets worth P200 each in our new “Stick-It-To-Win-It PROMO!”

 

All Philippines users have to do is share their favorite stickers in a WeChat group chat by following these three simple steps:

  • Download the WeChat app for free at wechat.com
  • Send stickers to your friends and loved ones in any group chat with at least three friends during the promo period.
  • Winners will be notified immediately within WeChat with a SM Cinema e-coupon code. Redeem the promo code for movie tickets at any SM Cinema branch nationwide in the Phillippines.

To increase your chances of winning, send more stickers daily and like, share or tag the local WeChat Facebook page.

Keeping Up with Cricket on the Go!

For all you cricket lovers in India, South Africa, Australia, England and world over – keeping up to date with your favorite sport just got easier with WeChat.

 

With the launch of the gocricket official account, you can keep tabs on the latest cricket news, scores and rankings no matter where you are.

 

Gocricket provides access to real-time scorecards, game commentary and in-depth coverage and analysis from the wide world of cricket. You can even checkout match snapshots and share them with your fellow cricket lovers on WeChat.

GoCricket-OA

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WeChat India Offers Free Talk Time in New Friends n Rewards Campaign

We all love our friends and of course rewards. That’s why WeChat has combined the two for our latest Friends n Rewards campaign in India – Now back with a twist.

 

By simply making a video call, sending a voice message or sharing stickers, WeChat India users have an opportunity to earn up to Rs. 150 of free recharge. This is almost double the reward offered in the previous August promotion where users received Rs. 60 for sending stickers to friends.

Friends-N-Rewards-Campaign-WeChat-India

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WeChat and Vivienne Tam Announce Winner of International Supermodel Contest

WeChat-Taylor-Model-Winner

Meet Taylor McEnery, a 20-year-old aspiring model from Chicago, whose dream is about to become a reality.  She will be walking in renown fashion designer, Vivienne Tam’s show at New York Fashion Week tomorrow as the winner of our Next International Supermodel Contest. The world will see her strut her stuff on the catwalk wearing pieces from the designer’s new Spring 2015 line.

 

“It’s a mix of nerves and excitement but definitely more excitement as I am getting to realize a lifelong dream of walking the runway in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC!” said McEnery. “And to wear Vivienne Tam’s designs is icing on the cake!”

 

This February, WeChat and Vivienne Tam announced the fashion meets technology partnership to connect both designer and fans for an event as exclusive as New York Fashion Week. Fans could chat with Vivienne by following her on WeChat (VTamFashion) and receive an inside look at her design process. Not to mention, the audience of her Fall 2014 show used the app’s group chat feature to discuss the collection as it walked the runway.

 

For the Spring 2015 NYC show, WeChat and Vivienne Tam took the theme of connection to the next level with the Next International Supermodel Contest. Super girls from around the world were invited to download the app and submit their application. Vivienne then selected the top three finalists and opened it up for the community to vote.

 

Read More WeChat and Vivienne Tam Announce Winner of International Supermodel Contest >>

Fans Meet Italian Pop Star Alessandra Amoroso with WeChat

There are only six degrees of separation standing between you and your favourite singer, sports idol or actress. The hottest stars, Matthew McConaughey, Eva Longoria, Lionel Messi and many more are using WeChat to connect directly with their fans through the use of official accounts. By following them on WeChat, you can chat with them and get an inside look into their lives.

 

For the adoring fans of Italy’s hottest pop star, Alessandra Amoroso, this one degree of separation became a reality during her dell’Amore Puro Tour where the singer collaborated with WeChat to offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to step into her world.

Read More Fans Meet Italian Pop Star Alessandra Amoroso with WeChat >>

Savor Life’s Best Moments with WeChat

We are thrilled to release “WeChow” today, the first of two “WeChat in Your Life” videos that highlight how WeChatters around the world can use the app to enhance their everyday lives. Whether it be to communicate their next foodie adventure or to overcome stage fright, these videos tell a few of the great stories behind why we create the features we do.

“WeChow” specifically showcases WeChat’s Moments feature, which empowers users to start conversations around images and share them with their close network of friends. The video centers around one man’s quest for the best bowl of ramen by following a noodle-obsessed guy who spends several days sampling bowl after bowl. He uses WeChat to bring his friends along for the journey, taking selfies and writing his reviews. In the end, he finds more than just the perfect bowl of ramen…but also THE ONE girl to start his next adventure.

 

Read More Savor Life’s Best Moments with WeChat >>