WeChat tests DeepSeek-R1 model integration for enhanced AI search

Shenzhen-based tech giant Tencent confirmed today that WeChat, China's leading social media platform, is conducting small-scale tests to integrate the DeepSeek-R1 large model, joining other Chinese tech giants in adopting DeepSeek for enhanced AI capabilities.

This move is part of the company's ongoing efforts to improve the AI capabilities of its popular messaging platform, which has over 1 billion active users worldwide. Integration of the DeepSeek-R1 model is expected to provide users with a more intuitive and efficient search experience.

Some users have seen the text "AI Search" in the search entry at the top of the chat box. Upon clicking on it, they can freely use the DeepSeek-R1 full version model to experience a more diverse search experience. It is unclear when the integration will be fully completed and made available to all WeChat users.

The functionality description page of WeChat has added a phrase stating, "This service includes the provision and utilization of the DeepSeek open-source large model."

Chinese media outlets that have directly used the service explained that the AI search results include recommended posts from official WeChat accounts and citation information from web pages, with an additional question function provided at the bottom of the page.

Experts expect that DeepSeek's natural language processing capabilities will improve the accuracy of WeChat's search. Analysts suggest that AI could provide more personalized answers by combining users' chat history with information from official accounts. Furthermore, experts believe that combining DeepSeek's open-source characteristics with WeChat's vast ecosystem is likely to expand into various areas, including smart customer service.

Regarding these changes, Chinese netizens expressed their expectations, stating that the "combination of national-level AI and a popular application is a 'game-changer.'"

Multiple Tencent products, including Tencent Cloud's AI code assistant, are exploring integration with DeepSeek to offer users a richer experience and enhanced services, the company added.