WeChat and WhatsApp are two of the most widely used instant messaging apps globally, with over one billion users each. Both apps have similar basic features such as messaging, voice and video calls, and group chats. However, there are several functional differences between WeChat and WhatsApp that are worth noting, especially in terms of usability, security, and ability to archive.

Usability

One of the significant differences between WeChat and WhatsApp is their usability. WeChat is a multi-functional app that offers a wide range of services, including messaging, social networking, mobile payments, and e-commerce. It is often described as a “super-app” due to the number of features it has. On the other hand, WhatsApp is primarily a messaging app that focuses on communication between individuals or groups. While both apps have similar messaging features, the user experience differs.

WeChat offers a more comprehensive user experience by providing a range of additional services that can be accessed directly within the app. For example, users can make payments to other WeChat users or pay for products and services through the app’s “Wallet” feature. This feature is particularly popular in China, where mobile payments have become widespread, and people use WeChat to make purchases both online and offline. Additionally, WeChat’s “Moments” feature is a social networking tool that allows users to share photos, videos, and text with their contacts. This feature is similar to Facebook’s timeline and is popular among Chinese users.

WhatsApp, on the other hand, is a more straightforward app that focuses on messaging. It has fewer features than WeChat but is easy to use and has a simple interface. The app has a clean, minimalist design, making it accessible to users of all ages. WhatsApp’s focus on messaging makes it ideal for users who want to communicate with others without any distractions.

Security

Security is a critical concern for users of instant messaging apps, and both WeChat and WhatsApp take security seriously. However, the level of security provided by the two apps differs.

WeChat is developed by Tencent, a Chinese tech company, and is subject to Chinese regulations. The Chinese government has strict control over the internet and online content, and this has led to concerns about WeChat’s security. There have been reports of WeChat messages being censored or monitored by the Chinese government. However, Tencent has stated that it has implemented end-to-end encryption for messaging, which means that messages can only be read by the sender and recipient. Additionally, WeChat has a “trusted friends” feature, which allows users to confirm the identity of their contacts before adding them to their list of friends.

WhatsApp, on the other hand, is known for its strong security features. The app uses end-to-end encryption for messaging, which ensures that only the sender and recipient can read messages. WhatsApp has also implemented two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to the app. This feature requires users to enter a six-digit code when setting up their account, which makes it more challenging for someone to access their account without permission.

Ability to Archive

Both WeChat and WhatsApp allow users to archive their chats, but the way they do it differs. Archiving chats is useful for users who want to keep their chat history but don’t want to see the chats in their chat list.

WeChat allows users to archive chats by swiping left on a chat and selecting “Archive.” Archived chats can be accessed by tapping on the “Me” tab and selecting “Archived Chats.” However, archived chats will be un-archived if a new message is received in the chat.

WhatsApp’s archiving feature works slightly differently. Users can archive chats by swiping left on a chat and selecting “Archive.” Archived chats can be accessed by scrolling to the bottom of the chat list and selecting “Archived

Business Versions Archiving

WeChat allows businesses to archive their chat messages by using the app’s “Enterprise WeChat” feature. Enterprise WeChat is a version of the app designed for businesses and organizations that need to communicate with employees and customers. It offers several features that are not available in the regular version of WeChat, including the ability to archive chat messages.

To archive a chat in Enterprise WeChat, users can swipe left on a chat and select “Archive.” Archived chats can be accessed by tapping on the “Me” tab and selecting “Archived Chats.” However, like the regular version of WeChat, archived chats will be un-archived if a new message is received in the chat.

WhatsApp also offers a way for businesses to archive their chat messages. The app’s Business API allows businesses to integrate WhatsApp into their existing customer service platforms, such as Zendesk or Salesforce. The Business API also includes the ability to archive chat messages.

To archive a chat in the WhatsApp Business API, businesses can use the “Export Chat” feature. This feature allows businesses to download a copy of the chat messages, including text, images, and videos. The downloaded chat can be stored locally or in the cloud, and businesses can access it at any time. Additionally, businesses can use third-party tools to automate the process of exporting and archiving their chat messages.

Overall, both WeChat and WhatsApp offer ways for businesses to archive their chat messages. However, the process differs between the two apps. WeChat’s Enterprise WeChat feature allows businesses to archive chats within the app, while WhatsApp’s Business API allows businesses to download and store chat messages externally. The ability to archive chat messages is an essential feature for businesses that need to keep track of their communication with customers and clients.

Personal Chat Archiving for Business

Unfortunately, while it is fairly easy to use archiving feature for personal use, and the business variants allow companies to archive professional chats, many conversations happen on personal chats that are business related.

More and more those chats have to be archived by the business for compliance purposes. At present, it is very clumsy to archive professional chats from personal applications in corporate systems. That’s specifically the opportunity that Membit provides organizations to stay compliant with regulations.