Russia’s New Messaging App MAX Wants to Be Its Own WeChat

VK’s new platform is testing media channels with big-name publishers and creators—before going fully public.

MAX, the ambitious new messaging app from Russian tech giant VK, has entered its soft launch phase—with a twist. Instead of starting with basic chat, the platform is kicking things off by testing media channels, positioning itself as more than just another messenger.

Among the first to join: major national outlets like RBC, Kommersant, and Sports.ru, alongside high-profile creators such as designer Artemy Lebedev and writer Sergey Minaev. In total, over 50 publishers and influencers have already signed on. For now, the publishing tools are only available to a select group of early users, giving the platform time to fine-tune its interface before a broader rollout planned for the fall—when anyone will be able to launch a channel.

VK is framing MAX as a super app—Russia’s answer to WeChat. Beyond messaging, the app promises to integrate financial, governmental, and commercial services into a single ecosystem. According to developers, the goal is to let users handle their everyday needs in one place—from chatting to paying bills.

“This is not just a chat app. We’re building an infrastructure layer for daily life,” the team emphasizes.

Early adopters will get access to the new platform in the coming months, and VK expects a full-scale launch by the end of the year. The company also hints at unique monetization and analytics tools for creators, though the specifics remain under wraps.

If all goes according to plan, MAX won’t just be another messenger—it could be the digital control panel for modern life in Russia.