A WeChat employee has stepped forward to address the ongoing discussion about the utility of WeChat’s “private post” feature for Moments (朋友圈). Contrary to some views labeling it as “chicken rib” – a term implying something is of little value but a pity to discard – internal data suggests the feature is well-received by users.
Addressing the “Chicken Rib” Label
During a recent appearance on the WeChat Pai video channel, a WeChat employee known as “Ke Cun Xiao Jiang” (客村小蒋) explained the rationale behind the private posting option. He clarified that the “private post” functionality is essentially identical to the existing “only I can see” option.
“A lot of my friends, when posting Moments, have many concerns: at the moment of posting, they think, is this suitable to post? Should I reconsider?” the employee shared, highlighting the common hesitation users face before sharing content publicly.
He revealed that there had been considerable discussion, even debate, among WeChat’s internal product team regarding the feature’s prominence. The central question was whether it deserved a main entry point akin to regular posting.
Focus on User Comfort and Self-Expression
Ultimately, the team concluded that the goal should be to alleviate user burden at the moment of posting, enabling them to genuinely record what they wish to document. “Even if it’s just for self-recording, it’s equally important as expressing yourself to friends on Moments,” the employee stated. This consensus led to the decision to integrate both options under the same main entry point.
The employee emphasized that the feature allows users to post without the immediate pressure of social judgment. Whether the content is intended for a personal archive or for sharing with friends, the act of recording and expressing oneself is considered equally valuable within the WeChat ecosystem.
Data Shows Strong User Acceptance
The most compelling evidence supporting the feature’s value comes from user data. The employee revealed that “from the data feedback, everyone actually very much accepts, and even welcomes, the appearance of this feature.” This indicates that a significant portion of the user base finds the private posting option beneficial, likely due to the increased freedom and reduced social pressure it offers.
The “private post” feature allows users to share moments, thoughts, or updates without broadcasting them to their entire network. This caters to a need for more nuanced self-expression, where users can choose to share content with a specific audience or keep it solely for their personal records. This flexibility is a key aspect of social media platforms aiming to provide diverse communication tools.
The discussion around the feature underscores WeChat’s ongoing efforts to refine its user experience and cater to evolving social media habits. By providing options that balance public sharing with private reflection, WeChat aims to maintain its position as a comprehensive communication platform that respects user privacy and individual expression.
The clarification from the WeChat employee provides valuable insight into the product development process and the company’s user-centric approach. The positive reception, backed by data, suggests that features offering greater control and privacy are increasingly important to social media users.
