Exploring the Vibrant Social Media Landscape of Cambodia in 2023

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country with a population of over 16 million people. The country has seen rapid growth in internet and social media usage in recent years. In 2023, there are an estimated 10.95 million social media users in Cambodia, equating to 65.0 percent of the total population.

In 2023, Cambodia’s social media scene has continued to evolve, witnessing a surge in internet users and mobile penetration. With a young and tech-savvy population, the Kingdom has embraced social media platforms as a means of communication, entertainment, and business. In this blog post, we will explore the popular social media platforms in Cambodia, providing the latest information on their user base, features, and impact on the country’s digital landscape.

The most popular social media platform in Cambodia is Facebook, with over 11 million users. Other popular platforms include Instagram, YouTube, and Messenger.

Social media is used for a variety of purposes in Cambodia, including:

• Communication: Social media is a popular way for people to stay in touch with friends and family, both locally and internationally.
• Business: Social media is increasingly being used by businesses to connect with customers and promote their products and services.
• Entertainment: Social media is a great source of entertainment, with people using it to watch videos, listen to music, and play games.
• Education: Social media is also being used for educational purposes, with people using it to learn new things and connect with other learners.
• Instant News Updates: Social media platforms provide real-time updates on news, events, enabling users to stay informed about the latest developments, trends, and news as they happen.

The growth of social media in Cambodia has had a number of positive impacts on the country. For example, social media has helped to improve communication and connectivity, and it has also provided new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. However, there are also some challenges associated with social media use in Cambodia, such as the spread of misinformation and the potential for cyberbullying.

• Demographics: The majority of social media users in Cambodia are young adults, with 60% being between the ages of 18 and 34. Women make up a slight majority of social media users in Cambodia, at 52%.
• Age group: Social media usage in Cambodia is highest among young adults. 75% of people aged 18-24 use social media, compared to 55% of people aged 25-34 and 35% of people aged 35-44.
• Education: Social media usage is also higher among people with higher levels of education. 80% of people with a university degree use social media, compared to 60% of people with a high school diploma and 40% of people with no formal education.

Here are some specific behaviors and trends that are common among social media users in Cambodia:

• Using social media to stay connected with friends and family: Social media is a popular way for people in Cambodia to stay connected with their friends and family. They use it to share photos and videos, send messages, and plan events.
• Using social media for entertainment: People in Cambodia also use social media for entertainment. They watch videos, listen to music, and play games on social media platforms.
• Using social media for shopping: Social media is becoming increasingly popular for shopping in Cambodia. People use it to research products, compare prices, and make purchases.
• Using social media for news and information: Social media is also a popular source of news and information in Cambodia. People use it to stay up-to-date on current events, learn about new products and services, and find out about local businesses.

Overall, social media is a powerful tool that has the potential to be used for good or bad. It is important for people to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of social media use, and to use it responsibly.

Here is a more detailed look at the most popular social media platforms in Cambodia:

1. Facebook: The Reigning Giant

Facebook remains the undisputed king of social media in Cambodia, boasting a massive user base. As of 2023, approximately 85% of internet users in the country are active on Facebook. Cambodians utilize the platform for various purposes, including staying connected with friends and family, following news, and engaging with businesses and brands.

Due to its popularity, Facebook is an essential tool for businesses to reach their target audience through advertisements and organic content. The platform’s influence on public opinion and its role in shaping online conversations cannot be understated.

Facebook is the most popular social media platform in Cambodia, with over 11 million users. Facebook is used for a variety of purposes, including communication, business, entertainment, and education.

2. Telegram – Being a Secure and Privacy-focused Messaging App

According to the World Population Review, as of early 2023, Telegram had more than 10 million active users in Cambodia. Worldwide, the app has about 700 million users.

Telegram is a popular messaging app that is known for its privacy features and its ability to send large files. It is also popular among businesses and government agencies in Cambodia.

There are a few reasons why Telegram is so popular in Cambodia. First, the app is very secure. All messages are encrypted, and there is no way for third parties to read them. This makes Telegram a popular choice for people who are concerned about their privacy.

Second, Telegram is very versatile. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including private messaging, group chats, file sharing, and even video calling. This makes it a convenient app for people who need to communicate with others in a variety of ways.

Finally, Telegram is very easy to use. The app has a simple interface that is easy to navigate. This makes it a popular choice for people who are not familiar with other messaging apps.

It is likely that the number of Telegram users in Cambodia will continue to grow in the future. The app is a popular choice for people who are looking for a secure and versatile messaging app.

3. TikTok: The Rise of Short-Form Entertainment

TikTok’s popularity has soared in Cambodia in recent years, especially among the youth. As of 2023, over 50% of internet users actively engage with the platform. TikTok’s emphasis on short-form videos, often infused with music, dance, and humor, has captivated Cambodian users, making it a go-to source of entertainment.

Local content creators have seized the opportunity to showcase their creativity and gain popularity through viral videos. Brands are also leveraging TikTok to reach a younger audience and create engaging marketing campaigns.

As of July 2023, there are an estimated 7.4 million TikTok users in Cambodia. This represents a significant increase from the 2022 figure of 6.5 million, and suggests that TikTok is becoming increasingly popular in the country. The majority of TikTok users in Cambodia are young adults, with 53.5% being female and 46.5% being male. The most popular genres of TikTok videos in Cambodia include dance, comedy, and music.

Here are some sources that I used to get this information:

• Digital 2023: Cambodia — DataReportal – Global Digital Insights: https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2023-cambodia
• TikTok’s New Rules Strengthen User Safety – Kiripost: https://kiripost.com/stories/cambodia-tiktoks-new-rules-strengthen-user-safety
• Social Media in Cambodia – 2023 Stats & Platform Trends – OOSGA: https://oosga.com/social-media/khm/

TikTok is a short-form video sharing platform that has become increasingly popular in Cambodia in recent years. TikTok is popular among young people for creating and sharing short videos.

4. Facebook Messenger – Instant Messaging

According to DataReportal, there were an estimated 7.20 million Messenger users in Cambodia in early 2023. This figure represents 42.7 percent of the total population of Cambodia. The majority of Messenger users in Cambodia are men, at 56.9 percent. People aged 25 to 34 are the largest user group, at 4.2 million users.

It is important to note that these figures are estimates, and the actual number of Messenger users in Cambodia may be higher or lower. The data is also based on people who have used Messenger in the past 30 days, so it does not include people who only use the app occasionally.

Despite the uncertainty around the exact number of Messenger users in Cambodia, it is clear that the app is popular in the country. Messenger is a convenient way to stay in touch with friends and family, and it is also a popular platform for businesses to connect with customers. As internet and smartphone penetration continue to grow in Cambodia, it is likely that the number of Messenger users in the country will continue to increase.

Messenger, developed by Facebook, offers instant messaging, voice and video calling, and a variety of features such as stickers, GIFs, and group chats. It became popular for its ease of use, cross-platform availability, and integration with Facebook’s social network.

In Cambodia, Messenger’s popularity has been significant, primarily due to the country’s high reliance on Facebook as a social media platform. Many users in Cambodia utilize Messenger as their primary means of communication with friends, family, and colleagues. The app’s simple interface and seamless integration with Facebook accounts have contributed to its widespread adoption.

5. Instagram: Visual Storytelling Takes Center Stage

Instagram has experienced substantial growth in Cambodia, especially among the younger demographic. As of 2023, around 40% of internet users are active on Instagram. This platform’s focus on visual content, such as photos and short videos, appeals to users’ desire for creativity and self-expression.

Influencer marketing has gained traction on Instagram, with local influencers collaborating with brands to promote products and services. Additionally, businesses have recognized the platform’s potential and have integrated it into their marketing strategies to enhance their online presence and engagement with customers.

Instagram is the second most popular social media platform in Cambodia, with over 1.7 million users. Instagram is a photo and video sharing platform that is popular among young people.

6. YouTube: The Video Content Hub

YouTube has emerged as a dominant platform for video content consumption in Cambodia, with an estimated 70% of internet users accessing the site. Its popularity can be attributed to the ease of accessing a vast array of content, from music videos and vlogs to educational tutorials and entertainment.

Local content creators have also thrived on YouTube, producing content in Khmer that resonates with the Cambodian audience. The platform has become an avenue for artists, comedians, and educators to showcase their talents and grow their online following.

YouTube is the third most popular social media platform in Cambodia, with over 1.5 million users. YouTube is a video sharing platform that is popular for watching music videos, trailers, and other videos.

As we delve into the world of social media in Cambodia in 2023, it’s evident that these platforms have become an integral part of the country’s digital landscape. Facebook maintains its reign as the most popular platform, while Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and TikTok are closely following, each catering to different aspects of users’ social and entertainment needs.

With the ongoing growth in internet usage and the rapid adoption of smartphones, Cambodia’s social media landscape is likely to keep evolving. Businesses, content creators, and marketers must keep abreast of these trends to make the most of the exciting opportunities presented by the ever-changing social media scene in the Kingdom of Cambodia.