Tencent’s Weixin, one of the Chinese mainland’s most popular messaging and social media apps, has begun beta testing a groundbreaking integration with DeepSeek-R1, an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) model.
Selected users of Weixin’s search function now have access to an “AI Search” feature, offering free use of the full-strength DeepSeek-R1 model. This AI tool, known for handling complex queries with ease, has become a global sensation since its debut on January 20.
The integration aims to enhance Weixin’s search capabilities while alleviating the strain on DeepSeek’s servers, which have been overwhelmed by surging demand. Users had reported delays and outages on DeepSeek’s official platform due to its rapid rise in popularity.
Major cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Alibaba have also been eager to integrate the R1 model, offering limited free access to attract developers. However, Tencent’s decision to embed DeepSeek-R1 directly into Weixin—a super-app with nearly 1.4 billion monthly users—could give it a significant advantage.
This move not only strengthens Weixin’s position in the competitive messaging app market but also showcases Tencent’s commitment to incorporating cutting-edge AI technology to benefit its vast user base.
