A baby step towards interconnectivity and opening up of the Internet platforms has just happened. WeChat issued a statement that one-on-one messaging with external links is now open. This is only the first stage and more opening up is expected at a later time. This eases the process for users to communicate across different platforms, as Taobao and Douyin links can now be opened on Wechat (and QQ) without any hassle. In the past, all of the external links of WeChat, and all those that did not comply with WeChat's rules, were directly blocked. No longer will users be required to enter complicated passwords and cumbersome copying of links.
This was one of my bull thesis points for BABA (presentation HERE). I still think further collaboration is needed for BABA. I’m looking for something more material and game-changing– like a direct placement of the Taobao App on Wechat’s first-line entrance (along with JD and PDD).
With the new changes, when a user accesses an external site from Wechat, the user has to click a "Continue to Visit" button. The opening up of external links also creates security issues for Wechat, which is why they are including a message to inform users to enter at their own risk (as seen below). I used a crude translation tool for your reference below.
Furthermore, my understanding is that you can't forward links on Wechat Moments... at least, not yet. Wechat has a difficult decision to make there - they don't want the prized Wechat Moments to be flooded with ads, spam and marketing gimmicks. Douyin and Taobao also have to make adjustments on their end to facilitate this new communication process.
