How to get a QQ account in English

QQ, for those that don't know, is China's most popular IM software. Usage is so widespread that among the younger generation you're near as likely to get someone's QQ # as you are their mobile number.

For expats in China and wishing to make friends with local Chinese, having a QQ account is a must. Though Western-based IMs are also popular, with Windows Live Messenger quickly grabbing ground from Tencents QQ, using the Chinese-made product will win you lots of points with your new found friends.

Though Tencent has had an English version of the QQ software since 2005, until recently English-speaking QQ-wannabes had to bribe their Chinese friends to do the registration process for them, asking them to signup and get them a coveted QQ # that can be plugged into the software and connect you to the Chinese IM world.

No longer. Now us Anglophones can share in the QQ craze too.

To get started, simply download the English version of QQ (this is a PC version, but it appears a Mac version is in the works). To complete installation, you'll need a unique QQ account/number. This is obtained by signing up for a QQ account here.

H/T to Nicholas Stanosheck.