Are messaging and payment services the future of social media platform? I think so. But could facebook find a proper way to catch this trend? After viewing the article that Shan Li wrote, I think it is a long way for Facebook to go.

How does WeChat work?

Different from the social media platforms in the U.S., WeChat is an app for friends to chat online, while Facebook is a public place that even strangers could find each other. As time goes by, WeChat developed several different functions such as payment services, small apps attached in WeChat and WeChat stories. In a ward, WeChat is like an app that gathers all advantages of other social media. For the friend circle, users could share pictures or no more than 10 seconds of video. Additionally, users can choose the group of people who can see that piece of friend circle. Another wise function is small app inside the WeChat. Once the users open the app, they could find the app in a particular place in WeChat. That is simpler than download an app on the mobile phone, especially when you want to play small games. What’s more, the payment services in the WeChat makes WeChat payment one of the most used payment methods of the two in China; the other is Alipay.

What is Facebook facing?

Maybe what WeChat did in China does not work out on Facebook. Just as what Shan Li wrote in the article, the Chinese government protects the development of WeChat. Facebook and Instagram could not be used in China because of Chinese policy. However, Facebook is in a more complex market. Youtube, Instagram, and Twitter have different and distinctive functions from others. What’s more, nowadays 98% of Facebook revenue is gained from advertising, and it wants to find some other ways to make money.

What are some questions that Facebook has to consider?

Now, the millennial generation will occupy society. But what social media millennial likes most? I think it is Instagram. Not Facebook. Youths do not want to use the same social media as their parents do. No matter what service Facebook wants to add in its app, how to appeal to younger users is the first question that Zuckerberg needs to think.

To make more revenues, Facebook has several choices such as payment services and e-commerce, and they are good choices. However, users in America are used to use a credit card or visa card to pay in stores. Most of Apple users also use Apple Pay. Mobile pay has a long way to go in the U.S. to let users accept it. Facebook could be the first one to try this function. But there is a high risk. Zuckerberg should think twice about this option.

My suggestion is that Facebook could introduce some little changes into it. Step by step, big changes could be taken into account.

Overall, Zuckerberg needs to think over before the final decision. What new functions do you expect from Facebook? Share your opinions with me!