Wechat Release Notes

WeChat Moments Image Sharing in Comments

If you’ve been following our updates, you’ll know that we’ve image support is already enabled for comments in Channels and for quoted replies in chat conversations (refer to More Than Words, Express Your Channels Comments with Images and WeChat Enhanced Quoted Reply Functionality with Images and Videos).

Furthermore, you can include images when sending friend requests. So, how could we possibly leave out your daily dose of social sharing – WeChat Moments, from this visual upgrade?

To access this new functionality, simply update your WeChat app to version 8.0.61 or above. Once updated, when you comment on a Moment, you will spot a new image icon conveniently placed next to the emoji button. After adding an image, you can also include text in your comment.

Currently, each comment can include one image. To keep your Moments feed smooth and enjoyable, any images you add will be slightly compressed. You can also save these images if necessary.

Now, you are ready to say “a picture speaks a thousand words” with ease.

Want to express yourself with pictures in Moments comments? Here’s how:

• Go to 「Discover」 > 「Moments」.
• Find the post you want to comment on with an image. Tap 「…」 then 「Comment」.
• Tap the 「Image」
• Choose an image from your gallery.
• You can post just the image or add some text too. Tap 「Send」.
• Your comment will be posted!

Disclaimer

Images that violate our Community Guidelines are strictly prohibited. For more information, refer to WeChat Safety Center.

Your New Digital Name Card

In today’s work world, you’re probably adding a ton of important contacts on WeChat, especially if you’re constantly meeting loads of new clients or potential connections. So how do you politely make sure you stand out from the crowd? Or, even better, how do you make it much easier for them to remember you after a large social event?

WeChat 8.0.57 allows you to attach an image alongside your text when sending a friend request! Your new friend can even save this picture as a remark, so they won’t forget who you are if you change your WeChat ID or profile picture in the future. Why is this useful? People are more likely to remember images than text. This new feature acts as a useful visual cue, helping you both recall who the other person is and how you met.

This is particularly beneficial for those using WeChat for business purposes, as it can help you expand your customer network and efficiently save new contacts.

Boost Your Professional Credibility (or Just Have Fun!)

When you are adding a new work connection as a WeChat friend (e.g. a customer), you may want send an image such as your professional photograph to introduce yourself. This can provide the other party with more information about you and significantly increase your credibility. And for non–professional social connections? A fun selfie will do just the trick!

Clear and Convenient Recall

After the friend request is accepted, that image will appear right there in the chat record. Recipients can click on it to zoom in, as this feature supports considerably clear images. No more awkward “have we met before?” moments. Let this digital name card do the job!

To add an image to a friend request:

• Step 1: Find your friend after successfully searching for your friend, tap the “Add” button to initiate the request.
• Step 2: Tap “Add image” on the friend request.
• Step 3: Select the image you wish to send from your photo gallery, and then “Done”.
• Step 4: Once you confirm the correct image has uploaded, simply tap “Send.”

What your friends will receive?

Once your friend request is sent and accepted, the receiving user will immediately see your image within the chat window. They will also have the option to easily add your image to your contact card remarks by tapping “Add.” Once added, your picture will be automatically displayed on your contact card, and they can view it anytime when tap into it.

You’ll have the same experience if a new friend sends you a request with an image!

Disclaimer: Images that violate our community guidelines are strictly prohibited. For more information, refer here.

Version 8.0.61 Update

Remember that handy feature that converts incoming voice messages into text? It’s especially practical when you can’t listen to a message, or when you’re sharing things you don’t want everyone to overhear.

But what if your friends are the ones who can’t listen to voice messages, and you urgently need to send information? With the version 8.0.61 update, you can quickly convert your own voice to text and send it, without having to type it all out.

Plus, another crucial improvement is that voice-to-text conversions allow for editing before sending! This ensures the converted text accurately reflects what you want to say, which also corrects inaccuracies if the speech recognition isn’t perfect. Even when you’re in a hurry and can’t type a long message, this editing feature is also great for adjusting any accidental misstatements or grammatical errors you might make when speaking quickly.

Another circumstance is when a friend is excitedly sharing something fun, sending you a flurry of voice messages. As a slow typist, it might take you ages to draft a reply. Inadvertently, this makes your online interactions feel a bit cold or distant. Hence, this new feature not only speeds up your text communication by letting you avoid typing, but it also allows you to have some moment to think and edit before sending, which can often be more thoughtful than sending a direct voice message.

Whether you simply prefer text messages or your working environment is not conducive for voice messages, this feature will definitely make your conversations smoother and more convenient.

How to edit your voice-to-text messages:

• Open Any Chat.
• Tap the "Voice Message" icon, usually located at the bottom left of the chat interface.
• Tap "Hold to talk" and start talking. Do not release your finger, as doing so will send the voice message immediately.
• While still holding, swipe towards the "Convert to text" option.
• Once the green box appears, you can now edit the converted text. After making your desired changes, tap "Send".

Important Notice:

If you primarily use this feature for English language messages, ensure your app’s language setting is set to English. Find this under Me > Settings > General > Language > English.

Quoted replies with visuals in WeChat 8.0.60

Ever found yourself in a bustling group chat, trying to respond to a specific message, but all your reply options were… just text? Perhaps you wanted to drop an image but couldn’t directly link it to the original message. In today’s visually-driven world, where graphic and animated content plays a pivotal role in conveying sentiment and context, textual replies often felt a bit limiting for conveying our thoughts and feelings.

WeChat’s latest 8.0.60 update includes an enhancement to its quoted reply feature, which now fundamentally changes how you can express yourself and interact within your chats by permitting you to quote a message and respond with images and videos.

Imagine you’re in a high-volume group chat or even a busy one-on-one conversation, it can often lead to confusion when trying to figure out exactly which message is being replied to. Hence, this feature becomes an absolute lifesaver by allowing visual quoted replies that bring instant clarity to your conversation threads, ensuring better connection and comprehension.

Beyond clarity, this update, which allows the incorporation of preferred images and videos into quoted replies, moves beyond simple text and unlocks a whole new level of expressive possibilities. Ready to start quoting with visuals? Follow these simple steps:

• Launch the WeChat application and navigate to the desired chat. Long-press the specific message to bring up the options menu.
• Select the "Quote" option. Tap the "+" icon located to the right of the input area.
• Choose "Album" from the available options.
• Browse and select the desired image or video from your device’s gallery, then tap "Send."
• The selected media will be sent as a quoted reply to the message.

The latest iOS 8.0.55 version now features an accelerated voice playback speed function. It saves a lot of time for those who prefer using voice messages in daily communication. Therefore, when receiving longer voice messages, users can simply enable this feature, which will automatically double the speed, greatly improving efficiency. However, this is only applicable for voice messages over 5 seconds. If you can’t hear clearly after speeding up, you can always revert to normal speed.

How to Use Accelerated Voice Playback

• Launch the application.
• Enter to the desired chatroom.
• Select a voice message longer than 5 seconds.
• Start playing the voice message.
• The "Playback Speed" option will appear next to the message. Tap it to accelerate the playback.
• You can even speed up your own recorded voice messages.

If you prefer to revert to normal speed, tap the "Playback Speed" option again. Then, select "Resume Normal Speed".

Image comments in Channels

As you browse videos within Channels, you may notice a newly added image icon on the right side of the comment section. This new feature, introduced in iOS 8.0.55, provides you with an additional option to send images directly when you prefer not to express yourself with plain words. It also allows users to enrich their commentary by combining images with text comments, or to use animated GIFs up to 5 seconds long. Meanwhile, it is imperative that all submitted content adhere to the community guidelines.

To send an image comment: Open the App > Go to "Discover" > Select "Channels" > Tap on a video’s comment section > Tap the "Image" icon > Select an image from your gallery. Do not use any images that are offensive or violate our Community Guidelines.

After selecting, tap "Next" > then type text comments if desired. Otherwise, tap "Send" to post the comment.

If you want to send a GIF, just tap the "smiley face" icon > then the "love" icon > pick one to send.

Automatic translation in WeChat

Have you ever felt awkward chatting with a friend who speaks a different language, especially when they send a long message that leaves you confused? WeChat version 8.0.56 (or above) now has a feature that automatically translates incoming messages, allowing you to instantly understand them and respond seamlessly. Try this simple, practical trick today to overcome language barriers, making communication truly limitless.

Go to WeChat Settings, find the General option, then Translation. You'll see a new feature toggle, swipe it to turn on and set the language to your desired language. Once activated, WeChat will automatically translate any foreign language messages, but messages won't be translated if your chosen language is the same as the received message.

For those who prefer manual translation, first open the chat window, then long-press the message in the foreign language. When further options appear, select Translate.

This feature essentially helps you communicate with others even when you receive messages in a foreign language. Simply long-press the translated message, tap Change Language, and select another language. Now you can easily connect with friends worldwide.

Tired of relying solely on text and static images to express yourself? WeChat 8.0.34 allows you to create personalized, dynamic stickers using your own videos. It’s easy! Simply adjust the video size and ratio, add text, and edit clips to generate a custom sticker with WeChat’s built-in tools—all within seconds. Whether by creating a funny meme or adding more personal touch, these stickers bring a new level of fun and connection to your chats.

Create Your Own Custom Stickers

• Open WeChat and navigate to the sticker interface. Click the「+」icon.

• Select the video you want to use from your gallery.

• Shorten the video to a maximum of 5 seconds for optimal results.

• Three simple tools are available for quick editing, including adjusting size, adding text, and adjusting the length of the video. For more advanced editing, you can edit the video using reliable third-party video editing software before sharing it on WeChat.

• Once you’re done editing, click the 「✓」 button. Your video will then appear in your sticker collection.

How to Delete an Existing Sticker

• Navigate to the sticker interface，tap the 「+」
• Select the sticker you want to delete.
• Tap 「Delete」.

Create personalized stickers to spice up your chats. Share your creativity with friends now!