What is the WeChat mini program?
Source: digitalcrew.agency
WeChat mini-programs are tiny and lightweight apps that are built within the WeChat platform. These are like the ‘’app within an app’’ and are easily accessible. Users can directly install them inside the WeChat app without downloading multiple apps separately or leaving WeChat. They are quick to open, easy to use, and have very few storage requirements.
WeChat has become a mainstream messaging, social media, and e-commerce app in China. It is home to over 4.3 million mini-programs, with almost 95% of Chinese companies having their own e-commerce mini-programs inside the app. The development of mini-programs has completely changed the dynamics of social commerce, making it more efficient, fast, and digitized.
How are WeChat mini-programs different from native apps?
Source: appinchina
Mini programs are very light in size, often less than 10MB. These open and run instantly within the WeChat platform and do not require separate installation like regular apps. Moreover, native apps need separate development for iOS and Android platforms. But, by developing a single mini-program, users can eliminate all the hassle of maintenance and save time.
Plus, the billion-dollar user base and social media network of WeChat, combined with a high download speed of mini programs and relatively low development costs, give it a major edge over full-sized regular apps.
Features and capabilities of WeChat mini-programs
E-commerce features
WeChat offers a huge ecosystem for online shopping and selling. Brands can set up full stores with shopping carts by using pre-built templates and integrating JS SDK. Users can conveniently access any store within the app and shop confidently with the native payment system of the app called WeChat Pay. Moreover, they can share their findings and deals with others directly or through WeChat Moments. This promotes seamless product discovery and sharing among users.
Integration with WeChat services
As mini-programs are present inside the WeChat app, they integrate with WeChat services effortlessly. By integrating features like messaging, AI recommendations, and safe product payment, mini-programs offer a versatile social commerce platform for all user needs.
Live streaming capabilities
WeChat’s live streaming feature helps brands host live product demos or promotional events. This allows them to interact with WeChat users directly and explain their brand stories more effectively. Live hosting brings a massive viewership from the WeChat community for increased visibility and sales.
WeChat Pay
With the integration of WeChat Pay, all payments occur right inside the Mini-Program. Users can have smooth and hassle-free transactions for e-commerce purposes, in-app purchases, and reservation services. A reliable and secure payment system within the app promotes impulse purchases and higher conversions.
Sub-applications
Mini programs act like independent sub-applications within a main app. Users can access all the advanced features and functionalities of WeChat without having to install a plethora of applications. They can buy from different brands, have immersive experiences like virtual try-ons, and play engaging mini-games, all under the roof of one WeChat mini-program.
Localization strategies
Localization features on WeChat help mini-programs to show content and market services to specific audiences. Through location-specific promotions, language localization, and culturally appropriate content, foreign brands can connect with the large active user base of WeChat according to the Chinese regulatory requirements.
Successful case studies of WeChat mini programs in China
LOEWE’s Crafted World exhibition mini-program
Source: digitalcreative.cn
LOEWE brought its first-ever “Crafted World” exhibition to Shanghai in the spring of 2024 to showcase its 178-year history of Spanish craftsmanship. Visitors could explore Loewe’s story across six themed areas through cool displays like royal collections, Chinese-inspired jade pieces, and Studio Ghibli collabs.
Moreover, using the mini program, they could book tickets and interact with digital experiences. Visitors could also enjoy a fun mini-game and join the “pronounce Loewe” challenge that brand ambassador Yang Mi helped make viral. The mini program was full of interactive experiences and helped LOEWE connect with Chinese customers in a playful manner through WeChat.
Tiffany
Source: Kivisense
Tiffany’s has introduced 3D showcases and AR try-on features on WeChat MP and JD PDP pages. Using the three-dimensional displays, users can spin diamond rings 360° to see every sparkle or virtually “try on” necklaces and watches through mobile cameras.
The mini program was developed by Kivisense to help Tiffany showcase its exquisite jewelry pieces in an interactive way. The program flawlessly showcased jewelry items with minimal loading times and realistic models. It helped the younger shoppers feel confident clicking “add to cart” and boosted brand sales effectively.
Ulysses Nardin
Source: Kivisense
Ulysse Nardin, in collaboration with Kivisense, introduced a cutting-edge AR try-on experience for its classic timepieces. The luxury watch brand launched a collection of nine virtual “AR watch try-ons” through its official WeChat account in China.
Using the WeChat mini program of Ulysses Nardin, users could virtually wear and interact with the watches in real-time. They could explore the beauty and elegance of Ulysses Nardin’s luxury timepieces, especially the latest FREAK ONE model, up close. The brand also hosted a live broadcast using AR technology, making the experience more engaging and immersive.
Lululemon
Source: tmogroup.asia
Lululemon, a famous Canadian yoga sports brand, introduced a one-stop shop for yoga lovers by launching the “Lululemon Sweatlife” mini program on WeChat. By signing up for the mini program, users can take part in fun community activities like the “Summer Fun Challenge.” They can buy all kinds of sports equipment from a built-in mall inside the mini-program app.
With KOLs and influencers sharing workout tips and KOC outfit sharing, Lululemon’s mini program is all about promoting products through a community of shared experiences and exciting sports activities.
Benefits of WeChat Mini program development
Developing a WeChat mini program can help your brand target Chinese consumers more efficiently. To cater to a huge community, WeChat offers multiple channels that customers can use to discover and share mini-programs. The channels include search, QR codes, and account promotions, which improve discoverability and boost organic user acquisition.
Another advantage of WeChat Mini program development is the low cost and time to create one. Due to their simplicity and limited features compared to a full-scale regular app, mini-programs are easy to develop. Moreover, brands can customize their dashboards according to their business needs. These benefits make mini-programs a safe and efficient tool for e-commerce and marketing on WeChat.
How to create a mini program in WeChat?
Create a WeChat developer account
Create a WeChat developer account to get started. Go to the official registration page of WeChat and submit your company documentation, including your company license. After the submission of documents, you will need to wait for 1-3 days to get approval for your developer account.
Choose and download development tools
After getting approval, you will get access to the developer dashboard, where you can start building your mini-program. You will need to download developer tools from the official WeChat Developer’s website. The selection of tools will depend on your operating system platform.
Design and develop your mini-program
You can develop your own WeChat mini program using using WXML & WXSS, WeChat’s versions of HTML/CSS. But if you don’t have any great coding knowledge or skills, it is better to hire an expert development team like Kivisense. We can help you build a customized mini-program for your brand that will cover all your marketing and e-commerce needs effectively.
Submit and publish the mini-program
Once your mini program is ready to launch, submit it to the WeChat team for review and approval. If it doesn’t violate any laws and content restrictions in China, you can expect to get your approval within 3 days. After its final approval, hit publish, and your Mini Program will be live.
How to develop a WeChat mini program with Kivisense?
If you want to make a mark in the huge Chinese Market, having an official mini-program is inevitable for your brand. However, the development of a WeChat mini program requires a good knowledge of coding and expert programming skills.
If you lack those skills or don’t have time to do that, you can always hire a tech genius who can handle the mini-program development process for you. Kivisense is a leading developer in this regard. Our competent team of developers uses advanced technologies like AR, VR, and AI to create efficient marketing solutions for all types of e-commerce brands. Get in touch with us to clear all your queries.
