Starting as a simple messaging platform, WeChat has rapidly evolved into a comprehensive solution for both consumers and businesses. This super app integrates a multitude of mini-programs, eliminating the need for multiple mobile app development by offering diverse services such as gaming, booking services, payments, and streaming all in one place.
WeChat’s convenience and ease of use have made it a staple on 1.34 billion smartphones, primarily in China. Globally, WeChat has set a precedent for a connected app ecosystem, inspiring tech visionaries like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Given the current trajectory, it is only a matter of time before this application model sparks a revolution in the US as well.
Before we delve into what it takes to build an app like WeChat, let’s examine the crucial element for any aspiring entrepreneur; the mobile app development cost.
Starting as a simple messaging platform, WeChat has rapidly evolved into a comprehensive solution for both consumers and businesses. This super app integrates a multitude of mini-programs, eliminating the need for multiple mobile applications by offering diverse services such as gaming, booking services, payments, and streaming all in one place.
App Development Cost for WeChat
Developing an app similar to WeChat, with features such as messaging, social media integrations, mobile payments, and other services, includes additional app development cost factors across design, development, and maintenance. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the expected cost.
1. Design Cost
Designing a visually appealing and user-friendly interface typically costs between $7,000- $17,000. This includes creating wireframes, user flow diagrams, and final design prototypes.
2. Development Cost
The actual coding and setup of the app, covering both frontend and backend (which are the user interfaces), generally cost between $20,000 and $150,000. This range depends on the complexity of the features and the geographical location of the development team. Implementing features like in-app payments, chat functionalities, and social media feeds increases the complexity and, consequently, the cost. For a feature-rich app like WeChat, you might expect to spend on the higher end of this range.
3. Quality Assurance
Ensuring the app works flawlessly across multiple devices and operating systems can cost between $10,000 and $25,000. This app development cost includes both manual and automated testing to catch and fix bugs before launch.
4. Maintenance and Updates
Apps like WeChat require continuous updates and improvements, especially to stay current with new mobile OS updates and security patches. Expect to spend around $1,000 to $5,000 per month on maintenance, depending on the frequency and extent of updates.
5. Additional Cost
Using cloud services or managing your own services can cost anywhere from $500 – $2,000 a month initially, increasing as your user base grows. Compliance with regulations, especially for payment processing, can add to the initial setup and ongoing operational costs.
| Cost Type | Estimated cost to build a mobile app like WeChat |
| Design Costs | $7,000 – $17,000 |
| Development Costs | $23,000 – $170,000 |
| Quality Assurance | $13,000 – $27,000 |
| Maintenance and Updates | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Additional Costs | $7,000 – $4,000 |
Thus, the total estimated cost for developing and launching an app with WeChat’s complexity and functionality ranges from $40,000 to $2000,000.
This estimate includes several interlinked elements: features, design system, technologies, and the development team’s location. These factors collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of the mobile app development cost required to create a messaging app like WeChat.
Must-Have Features of an App Like WeChat
The fact that WeChat popularised the concept of the super app makes it clear that such apps are built to be expansive. The range of features WeChat offers is constantly growing, which directly influences the app development cost.
Here’s a brief overview of functionalities to consider when building an app like WeChat. The final feature list will depend on the elements you prioritize during the MVP phase, impacting the overall app development cost.
Extensive features to develop an App like WeChat include:
1. Messaging and Calls
The most prominent aspect of WeChat app development is its foundation as a messaging and call platform. It continues to excel in this area with features like end-to-end encrypted text messaging, voice and video calls, and group calls. Additional features can include media and document uploads, AR filters for calls, timed chats, and NSFW integrations to ensure user safety.
2. In-App Payments
WeChat includes a digital wallet, WeChat Pay, allowing users to store money and conduct transactions both within and outside the app. This mobile app development feature eliminates the need to repeatedly enter financial information, track expenses across multiple sources, and worry about security.
3. In-App Stores
WeChat hosts multiple stores within the app, enabling users to make purchases directly. These stores offer a range of products categorized by type and usage. Payment options include WeChat Pay, cards, and cash, with order management and tracking for a seamless eCommerce experience.
4. Mini-Programs
The unique selling point of WeChat and other super apps is the ‘mini programs’ feature. These are various unrelated applications operating under one platform, allowing users to book rides, order food, buy movie tickets, plan trips, and more without switching apps.
5. Channels
WeChat Channels allow users and businesses to broadcast short videos and conduct live streams for eCommerce sales without leaving the platform. Viewers can also give gifts during live streams, which can be redeemed for cash.
6. Moments
Similar to Facebook’s News Feed, Moments lets users view, like, and comment on their connections’ posts. When developing an app like WeChat, consider implementing a secure architecture based on the NSFW model with strong moderation and reporting features for a safe social media experience.
7. In-App Games
WeChat includes simple, engaging in-app gams, encouraging users to spend more time in the app. These mobile app development features can also generate additional revenue by taking a portion of the money users spend on in-game purchases.
8. WeChat for Companies
WeChat’s focus on businesses sets it apart in the super app space. A feature similar to the ‘WeChat Official Account’ allows companies to connect with customers, promote their brands, create mini-programs, work on an in-app CRM, and use WeChat Work—a messaging platform for tracking working hours, managing emails, and sending announcements.
These elements provide a comprehensive overview of what it takes to build an app like WeChat.
WeChat Design System: Diving into the Uniqueness of the App
Designing apps like WeChat requires embracing the concept of “everythingness.” WeChat has developed an expansive media ecosystem touching all aspects of users’ daily lives. Despite this, the app has maintained a simple, unattractive design for decades. WeChat rarely changes its logo for holidays or sends admin notifications to users.
This understated design is intentional. Allen Xiaolong Zhang, WeChat’s founder, emphasized that WeChat’s design principle is to “get users out of the app as fast as possible.” Zhang believes that minimizing users’ time and effort within the app is key to sustaining long-term engagement. This low demand encourages users to return without feeling exhausted, which also has implications for the mobile app development cost, as it focuses on streamlined and efficient user experiences.
Another aspect of WeChat’s design is requiring users to type in the service they seek, instead of offering an easy-to-access list of “mini-programs.” While this approach works in the Chinese market, which prefers simplicity, it might be counterintuitive in the US market. This design choice also impacts the app development cost, as it requires different user interface considerations and functionality.
If you break down the various services of a full-fledged WeChat app and treat them as separate entities, you’ll find apps already ruling the US market—Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Amazon, Chime, etc. These apps have accustomed the US audience to a certain standard of intuitiveness and immersiveness. Therefore, if you plan to design a super app for the US market, the experience should align with these standards.
We have now examined two critical aspects that define the cost of building a mobile app like WeChat—feature list and design system. The third element impacting chat app development pricing is the location of the development company. A US-based agency charges $100-$120 per hour, while an India-based company charges $40-$80 per hour for similar quality and effort.
How to Build an App Like WeChat?
To build an app like WeChat, which integrates messaging, social media, and financial transactions, you need a comprehensive strategy and meticulous execution. Start by defining the scope and features, including instant messaging, voice and video calls, digital payments, and integrated mini-programs. Conduct thorough market research to understand your target audience and identify the unique solutions your app can provide.
During the design and development phase, prioritize user experience. Aim for an intuitive interface that efficiently manages multiple functionalities. Collaborating with a skilled development team is crucial, as they will use cutting-edge technologies for both front-end and back-end development. Additionally, ensure your app is scalable, secure, and performs well across all devices.
For more insights and expert advice on mobile app development, check out our blog. You will find detailed guides and best practices to help elevate your project from concept to market-ready product, including comprehensive information on mobile app development cost.
How Do Apps Like WeChat Make Money?
Apps like WeChat generate revenue through various strategies, capitalizing on a large user base by offering diverse features that boost engagement. Here are the monetization methods used by super apps like WeChat:
Multiple Monetization Strategies Used by Super Apps Like WeChat
1. Advertising
WeChat offers targeted advertising services, enabling businesses to reach millions of users based on their demographics and interests.
2. In–App Purchases
The app facilitates various transactions within its ecosystem, from games where users can buy virtual goods to mini-programs selling actual products.
3. WeChat Pay
This payment service allows users to perform mobile transactions seamlessly. WeChat earns revenue by charging a transaction fee on each payment made.
4. Subscription Services
Premium features, such as sticker packs or enhanced account functions, can be accessed through subscription plans.
5. Mini-Programs
By hosting third-party services within the app, WeChat takes a cut of the revenue generated from these mini-programs.
Having covered the technical and monetary aspects of developing an app like WeChat, let’s address a common concern: the low success rate of super apps in the US market and how to counter it to ensure your app’s success.
Discussing the Low Success Rate of WeChat-like Apps in the US Market and How to Break the Fate
Super apps like WeChat have thrived in various parts of the world, especially in Asia, but have struggled to achieve similar success in the USA due to several factors:
1. Market Structure and Competition:
The U.S. digital market is highly segmented, with specialized apps dominating different sectors (e.g., Amazon for shopping, Uber for transportation, and WhatsApp for messaging). New super apps face significant challenges competing with established leaders in each category.
2. Regulatory Environment
The U.S. has stringent regulations concerning data privacy and antitrust laws. Super apps, which consolidate vast amounts of personal data, might face tougher scrutiny and regulatory challenges in the U.S. compared to countries with different data governance standards.3
3. Cultural Preferences
U.S. consumers prefer using different apps for different services due to concerns about privacy and data security. They also value customization and control over their services, which can be more restrictive in a super-app environment.
4. User Behavior and Expectations
U.S. users are accustomed to apps that perform singular functions exceptionally well, aligning with the market structure of having separate leaders in each app category.
5. Late Entry
Super apps are relatively late entrants to the U.S. market, where users already have established preferences and loyalties to existing apps. Changing these habits is challenging without a significant value proposition.
6. Technical and Integration Challenges
Integrating multiple services into one seamless experience is technically challenging. In the U.S., where each service category has a well-established leader, integration can be complex due to different standards, technologies, and user expectations.
To overcome these challenges and create a messaging app like WeChat that succeeds in the U.S., two strategies are essential:
1. Partnerships with Trusted Companies
Collaborate with companies that have established trust with their audience, ensuring transparency and reliability throughout the app development cost process.
2. Gradual Feature Scaling
Introduce features slowly instead of deploying a functionalities-rich application all at once.
At DesignersX, we have partnered with companies in eCommerce and Fintech for their super app development projects targeting the U.S. audience. Our approach focuses on building and deploying bundled services first and expanding features based on user acceptance. Additionally, we are implementing a reward system to provide users with tangible benefits for their time spent in the app.
We believe this strategy will give users the time and incentive to embrace this revolutionary business model.
Need help with your super app vision? Contact us – a trusted social media app development company that turns innovative ideas into viral products.
