What is QQ and how to get started

Tencent QQ, also known as QQ, is one of the earliest instant messenger apps developed by the tech giant Tencent.

About QQ

Tencent QQ, also known as QQ, QQ China, is one of the earliest instant messenger apps developed by the tech giant Tencent.

First releasing QQ China in 1999 under the name OICQ (“Open ICQ”), Tencent later changed the product’s name to QQ due to a threat of a trademark infringement lawsuit by AOL’s ICQ. QQ was the most popular social media platform in the 2000s, before WeChat’s launch.

After WeChat’s launch and becoming more mainstream in China, QQ is not so much mentioned. But it is still the second-largest social media platform in China, with over 940 million registered users and 700 million monthly active users, of which nearly 70% are Gen Zs. Thus, QQ is now considered the most important social media channel to reach Gen Z users in China.

Gen Zs like QQ because it provides a private social space where they won’t be “stalked” by their parents and teachers, who now mainly use WeChat. QQ also offers social networking features very attractive to Gen Zers, such as QQ-Zone, QQ’s blog that allows users to write blogs, post pictures, interact and send virtual gifts to each other.

QQ Zone is very popular among Gen Zs in China

How To Get Started On QQ

QQ paid ads

QQ provides many different advertisement formats, including splash ads, display ads, feed ads, pre-roll ads., etc. You can sign up on Tencent’s ad platform Tencent Ads, which is also used by other products by Tencent, such as WeChat, Tencent video, and Tencent news.

QQ ads can also be linked to your brand’s e-commerce landing page via JD.com — Tencent’s strategic e-commerce partner, directly providing in-app purchases.

Organic growth

Businesses and brands can also gain organic growth by creating their brand page on QQ Tribe, QQ’s interest-based online community where users can share opinions on different topics and interact with each other. Many famous brands such as Lamer have successfully launched campaigns on QQ to attract the attention of Gen Z consumers in China.

Do not have a Chinese entity, Chinese phone number or Chinese ID? We can help!

If you do not have a Chinese entity, Chinese ID, or Chinese phone number, which is essential to get started on QQ, 21YunBox is here to help.

We can provide the necessary supporting documents to use QQ and walk you through the process. Meanwhile, we will also bring your company, product, and service into full compliance with Chinese law.