Isn’t QQ similar?
Re:WeeChat Version 4.0.0
by smackeyacky on Sunday June 25, 2023 @02:32AM
(#36465580)
Not quite as common or popular but similar.
Re:WeeChat Version 4.0.0
by TwoFerMaggie on Sunday June 25, 2023 @07:03AM
(#36466930)
QQ is made by the same company as WeChat. It was like the last gen IM, with a desktop focused application and an accompanying social media (QQ Space, so you know what the inspiration was). They are still used nowadays but in a much more niche.
I also think it's an understatement to call Weixin as ubiquitous as Google in China. There are alternatives to basically every Google service. In China, many times there is no alternative to Weixin. 支付宝 (Alipay) is sometimes a substitute, but in many cases only Weixin is supported. Want to order food at a chain restaurant? Want to buy tickets for a museum? Want to choose the song at a Karaoke bar? Need to fill out a customs exit form? Weixin is often the only option.