Free social messaging app

QQ is a free messaging app with third-party integration. Chat with friends via text or video, translate foreign languages and add friends from other social media platforms.

Chat with the world

One of the most popular messaging apps in China with claims of a billion users, QQ is similar in terms to Kik and WhatsApp in terms of functionality. Contacts can be added directly via number, from Facebook friends or via the built-in social media if they have the app. Messages and video/audio clips can then be exchanged in a clear, text message based interface. One of the most unique features is the ‘tap to translate feature’. Users can click on text sent by others for an automatic translation, with support for over 50 translations. While this may be more useful in a country with a large language diversity like China, it can still be occasionally helpful. As QQ does much the same as similar popular Western apps, the major issue is with a small local user base. The app has fairly low recognition outside China, meaning finding friends who use it can be a challenge.

One to watch

QQ is a decent all round messaging app. The lack of English-speaking and Western users limits its current potential use, however.