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WeChat re-enables tipping on iOS after last year’s dispute with Apple

Move widely praised among WeChat’s huge content creator community

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China’s ubiquitous social network WeChat has over 1 billion monthly active users. (Picture: Shutterstock)
This article originally appeared on ABACUS

WeChat has over 10 million content creators on its platform -- and this week, many of them are rejoicing over the return of one app feature: Tipping.

Before we explain what that is, let’s back up a bit: How does publishing work on China’s biggest social network?

Just like Facebook, WeChat lets businesses, media outlets and others share content with users. Through WeChat’s Official Accounts Platform almost anyone can set up an account and publish their work.

But unlike Facebook’s news feed, which decides what content a user sees based on an algorithm, WeChat only displays accounts you’ve followed under the “Subscriptions” section. It also allows you to choose which accounts you want to see first.

China’s ubiquitous social network WeChat has over 1 billion monthly active users. (Picture: Shutterstock)
China’s ubiquitous social network WeChat has over 1 billion monthly active users. (Picture: Shutterstock)
The system has been a huge contributor to the boom of online content in China. Over 10 million accounts regularly publish on WeChat, ranging from established news organizations and industry blogs, to individuals who just want to share their thoughts with a wider audience.
Xinmei Shen joined the Post in 2017 and is a technology reporter. She covers content, entertainment, social media and internet culture. Previously, she was with the Post’s tech news site, Abacus. Before that, she was a reporting intern at The Information whilst studying at the University of Hong Kong.
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