Tencent makes a move to turn WeChat’s short-video function Channels into a money pot through ads and e-commerce tool

  • The Shenzhen-based company has launched a new e-commerce tool to create online stores on Channels
  • Tencent is speeding up efforts to make money from Channels after reporting almost no revenue growth in the first quarter of 2022

Tencent is speeding up efforts to monetise Channels. Photo: AFP

Tencent Holdings is stepping up efforts to earn money from WeChat’s fast-growing video function, which is challenging popular short video platforms such as ByteDance’s Douyin and Kuaishou Technology, as the Chinese internet giant seeks new ways to expand sales and profits.

On Thursday, the Shenzhen-based company launched a new e-commerce tool to create online stores on Channels – the short video and live-streaming service within multipurpose app WeChat- which streamlines the process for merchants to list products, sell and receive payments.

Print option is available for subscribers only.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Copyright © 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.