TikTok has experienced remarkable growth in Cambodia, becoming a dominant force in the nation’s social media landscape. As of January 2025, Cambodia had approximately 12.8 million Messenger users, accounting for 71.5% of its population. While specific data on TikTok users in Cambodia is limited, the platform’s global expansion suggests a significant user base in the country.
Globally, TikTok’s user base has been on an upward trajectory. In 2024, the platform surpassed 2 billion users worldwide, with projections indicating a 4.2% growth in 2025. This surge reflects TikTok’s widespread appeal and its ability to resonate with diverse audiences across various regions.
In Cambodia, TikTok has not only provided entertainment but also influenced cultural trends and social interactions. Users across the country have embraced the platform to showcase their creativity, share traditional dances, music, and daily life snippets, thereby fostering a unique digital community. This digital engagement has bridged generational gaps, with both younger and older Cambodians participating in content creation and consumption.
The platform’s influence extends beyond individual users. Businesses and influencers in Cambodia have leveraged TikTok to reach wider audiences, promote products, and engage with consumers in innovative ways. This shift underscores the platform’s role in modern marketing strategies within the Cambodian market.
With Khmer New Year fast approaching, TikTok becomes the ultimate destination for fun, discovery, and engagement. Data from a local company, March 2025 highlights TikTok’s growing role in shaping holiday celebrations, shopping trends, and brand interactions in Cambodia.
Tis the Season on TikTok to Be Joyful
As we step into the most wonderful time of the year in Cambodia, TikTok emerges as the ultimate platform for celebration and business success. The platform’s vibrant and engaging community thrives during Chol Chnam Thmey, making it the perfect opportunity for brands to connect, inspire, and drive sales.
- 73% of users search TikTok for fun, inspiring, and joyful activities.
- 54% of users are likely to engage with brands on TikTok.
For businesses, this means a golden opportunity to remain top of mind and get discovered in a season of joy and shopping.
Why Chol Chnam Thmey & Summer Are Crucial for Brands on TikTok?
Chol Chnam Thmey is Cambodia’s biggest celebration, and TikTok users engage in key holiday activities:
- Shopping
- Feasting
- Gathering
- Traveling
TikTok is a main source of cultural exploration during this festive period, with 68% of users maintaining or increasing their activity on the platform.
Trending Hashtags to Tap Into:
- #KhmerFood – 84M
- #instocknow – 14M
- #bodylotion – 56M
- #KhmerNewYearSong – 115K
- #Hairstyle – 327M
- #ម្ហូបខ្មែរ – 52M
- #OOTD (Outfit of the Day) – 252M
TikTok Sparks Discovery & Purchase
Users turn their TikTok experiences into real-world actions:
- 73% of TikTok users take action after watching ads during Chol Chnam Thmey.
- 57% make a purchase after discovering a product on TikTok.
What Users Look for:
- New Product Launches (1.9x increase in searches)
- Higher Spending on Shopping (1.5x increase in purchases)
- Seasonal Product Offerings (1.4x demand growth)
Key Product Categories & Impressions
- Body Creams & Lotions – 47M
- Mobile & Accessories – 40M
- Perfume – 17M
Purchases Driven by TikTok Content
The biggest categories benefiting from TikTok-driven sales include:
- Food & Beverage (F&B)
- Fashion
- Beauty & Cosmetics
- Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
- Restaurants & Travel Services
- Automotive & Finance
Turning Entertainment into Action
The type of content that drives engagement and conversions:
- Music & Entertainment Content – 70%
- Educational Value Content – 46%
- Trending Soundtracks (Global & Local) – 43%
- Relatable Content – 39%
- High-Quality Product Showcases – 37%
- Emotional Storytelling – 30%
Top 4 Most-Watched Content Categories:
- F&B (56%)
- CPG (57%)
- Fashion (57%)
- Travel (40%)
Food & Beverage: Holiday Feasting & Shopping
Chol Chnam Thmey is all about food, and TikTok is a key driver of inspiration:
- 85% Cook for family and friends
- 84% Dine out
- 83% Order delivery/takeout
- 82% Give food items as gifts
- 75% Bake for family and friends
Inspirational Content:
- 52% of users plan and look for brands/products for their food.
- 71% are inspired to try new brands/products after seeing them on TikTok.
Beauty & Fashion: The Ultimate Style Inspiration
TikTok users plan to spend more on:
- 61% Beauty & Skincare
- 66% Fashion & Accessories
A month before Chol Chnam Thmey, users actively search for:
- 49% Discover fashion trends.
- 45% Are inspired by TikTok beauty and fashion content.
- 50% Purchase fashion and beauty items based on TikTok content.
Popular Fashion Content Includes:
- “Get Ready With Me” videos
- Fashion & Makeup Tips
- Outfit Inspiration
- New-In Trends
Travel: Planning the Perfect Chol Chnam Trip
TikTok users are 1.6x more likely to plan Chol Chnam travel than non-users:
- 65% Plan domestic trips
- 90% Travel with family
- 65% Plan trips lasting 3-6 days
Reasons for Travel:
- 69% Family time
- 57% Have fun
- 52% Discover new places
- 49% Explore different regions
- 43% Experience local activities
Finance: TikTok as a Hub for Financial Decisions
During Chol Chnam Thmey, TikTok users look for financial guidance:
- 36% Seek information about financial products/services.
Financial Plans for the Season:
- 81% Plan to open a new bank/savings account.
- 55% Want to sign up for a new credit card.
- 54% Consider getting a personal or long-term loan.
Key Takeaways: Strategies for TikTok Success
1. Watch for Trends & Loved Content
Engage with trending hashtags, viral sounds, and seasonal content themes.
2. Be Resonant & Relevant
Create content that connects with the Chol Chnam Thmey spirit—family, shopping, feasting, and traveling.
3. Turn Entertainment into Action
Encourage viewers to interact, share, and make purchases through engaging and relatable storytelling.
How to Play the Season: A TikTok Strategy
To maximize reach and conversions, use TikTok’s full-funnel marketing approach:
Branding: Storytelling & Awareness
- Top Funnel: Build brand recognition through emotional storytelling and broad reach campaigns.
- Mid Funnel: Drive engagement and interactions.
- Bottom Funnel: Push for direct conversions and purchases.
Performance: Sales & Action
- Drive Sales Now: Focus on short-term, persuasive messaging.
- Long-Term Impact: Establish brand affinity through repeated exposure.
TikTok Ad Solutions for Chol Chnam Thmey
Upper Funnel – Awareness & Reach
- TopView
- In-Feed Ads (Reach & Frequency)
- Branded Effects
Mid Funnel – Consideration & Engagement
- Focused View Ads
Lower Funnel – Conversions & Sales
- Web Conversion Ads
- App Promotion Ads
- Messaging Ads
How Brands Can Win During Chol Chnam Thmey
- Discoveries to Action: Launch new products during the festive season.
- Intention-Led Action: Activate campaigns for seasonal promotions.
- Own the Moment: Celebrate Chol Chnam Thmey alongside your audience.
Launching a New Product?
- Pre-Launch: Generate awareness.
- Launch: Use high-impact placements.
- Post-Launch: Retarget audiences and extend reach.
Promoting a Limited-Time Product?
- Pre-Launch: Build anticipation.
- Launch: Maximize visibility with premium placements.
- Post-Launch: Leverage endorsements and user-generated content.
Running Seasonal Promotions?
- Pre-Season: Build hype.
- Seasonal Push: Target engaged shoppers.
- Promotions: Activate lead generation and exclusive deals.
TikTok is the ultimate one-stop holiday hub for brands this Chol Chnam Thmey. Use these insights and strategies to drive success and maximize your brand’s impact on the platform!
Conclusion
TikTok’s rapid rise in Cambodia reflects the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping culture, business, and social interactions. With millions of users actively engaging in content creation, TikTok has become more than just a source of entertainment—it is a space for creativity, marketing, and community building. From showcasing Cambodian traditions to helping businesses reach new audiences, the platform has opened up numerous opportunities.
However, with this rapid adoption comes the need for responsible usage. Incidents like the controversial “Temple Run” trend at Angkor Wat highlight the importance of balancing digital engagement with cultural preservation. As TikTok continues to evolve, it is crucial for users, businesses, and authorities to work together to ensure its benefits outweigh potential drawbacks.
Ultimately, TikTok is not just a trend in Cambodia—it is a digital revolution that is reshaping the way people connect, express themselves, and participate in the global digital economy.
