WeChat's Mini Program saw accelerated use in pandemic

Mini Program, an integrated service platform inside the WeChat instant-messaging app operated by Chinese internet giant Tencent Holdings Ltd, helped business operators reduce costs and increase revenues amid the novel coronavirus pandemic in 2021.

The platform served 450 million users on a daily basis last year, with the number of active programs increasing year-on-year by 41 percent, according to Zeng Ming, a manager in charge of WeChat's open platform business.

"Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mini Program has accelerated integration into various fields — from catering, tourism, retailing and nucleic acid testing to vaccine appointment," Zeng said.

Zeng was speaking during WeChat's annual open conference, which was held on Thursday in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province.

According to Zeng, programs related to nucleic acid testing and vaccine appointments served more than 700 million users nationwide over the past two years.

Moreover, turnover from programs related to retail, tourism and catering in 2021 was double that of 2020.

"The commercial ecology of Mini Program has become more abundant, helping business operators expand their business and service," Zeng said.

WeChat Pay, a mobile wallet, has helped generate 520 billion yuan ($81.55 billion) in domestic consumption since it was launched in August 2013, according to Zhang Ying, vice-president of Tencent.

"We will continue to support small and micro businesses in digital upgrading by allowing subsidies worth more than 10 billion yuan in the years ahead," she said.

Contact the writer at qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn