Internet Users and Social Media in Cambodia in 2024: A Digital Revolution!
Cambodia has experienced a digital transformation in recent years, and 2024 marks a significant leap in internet usage in the Kingdom. With a population of approximately 17 million, the number of internet users has surged to 20 million, showcasing the rapid digital adoption and the increasing importance of the online world in the everyday lives of Cambodians.
According to the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia, this represents a substantial growth compared to 2020, when there were only 16.6 million registered internet users. As of June 2024, mobile phone subscribers in Cambodia reached nearly 22 million, further highlighting the country’s widespread use of mobile technology.
Cambodia’s Digital Landscape in 2024
Cambodia has shown a strong embrace of digital technology, especially in areas such as mobile internet usage and digital payments. The increasing number of internet users indicates a growing awareness and enthusiasm for using digital platforms and services. This rapid digital adoption is powered by improved infrastructure, with Cambodia now boasting two submarine fiber optic cables. These cables not only connect Cambodia to Thailand and Malaysia but also link the country to 18 other nations across Asia, Africa, and Europe, enhancing the Kingdom’s global connectivity.
Mobile Phone and Internet Subscribers:
- Mobile phone subscribers in Cambodia reached nearly 22 million as of June 2024.
- Internet users (both mobile and fixed) rose to 20 million, up from 16.6 million in 2020 during the pandemic.
Growth in Mobile Internet Usage:
- Mobile internet users increased by 5.2% to 21.9 million, compared to 20.8 million in 2020.
Service Providers:
- Cambodia has four mobile internet service providers and 39 internet service providers.
Submarine Fibre Optic Cables:
- Two submarine fibre optic cables connect Cambodia to Thailand, Malaysia, and 18 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Technology Adoption:
- Increasing internet subscriptions reflect growing awareness and adoption of digital technology in Cambodia.
- People find mobile internet surfing easy, especially for working on smartphones.
Mobile Payments:
- Mobile payment services have grown significantly, contributing to financial inclusion and innovation.
- Mobile payments increased to $492 billion in 2023, an 80% rise from $272.8 billion in 2022.
Government Strategy:
- Cambodia’s government has implemented the ‘Digital Economy and Social Policy Framework 2021-2035’ to enhance mobile infrastructure.
- There are plans to expand 4G and 5G services and improve undersea fibre-optic and high-speed internet infrastructure nationwide.
The Cambodian government has actively pursued policies aimed at strengthening the digital economy, promoting innovation, and expanding mobile infrastructure. As part of the ‘Digital Economy and Social Policy Framework of Cambodia 2021-2035,’ Cambodia is striving to expand its 4G services while laying the groundwork for the implementation of 5G. The government’s commitment to building high-speed internet infrastructure across the country is expected to further fuel the growth of internet users and digital services in the coming years.
In this blog post, we will dive into the most popular social media platforms used in Cambodia in 2024, providing a detailed summary of each platform’s popularity, user demographics, and the type of content that dominates the scene. We will also examine the rise of mobile payments and the role of social media in Cambodia’s digital economy.
1. Facebook Users in Cambodia (2024)
Total Facebook Users in Cambodia: 13 million+
Demographic: Ages 18-34 dominate; fairly even gender distribution
Content Type: Entertainment, news, e-commerce, lifestyle, social issues
Facebook remains the most popular social media platform in Cambodia, with over 13 million active users in 2024. Facebook’s success in Cambodia is largely due to its accessibility, mobile-friendly interface, and broad range of features. Cambodians use the platform for everything from connecting with friends and family to conducting business and keeping up with local and international news.
A significant portion of Facebook users in Cambodia are young, with the majority falling in the 18-34 age bracket. This demographic tends to engage heavily with entertainment content, local events, and social issues. Facebook has also become a powerful e-commerce tool, as businesses of all sizes use Facebook Pages and Facebook Shops to reach their target audience. The platform’s dominance is further strengthened by its advertising capabilities, which allow businesses to target specific segments of the population.
Facebook’s influence extends beyond social interaction. It is a hub for news consumption, with many users relying on Facebook to stay updated on current events. Political discourse, local news, and social justice movements are frequently discussed, making the platform a critical space for public conversation.
Why Facebook is Popular:
- Mobile-friendly and accessible
- Multi-functional (socializing, news, entertainment, e-commerce)
- Strong advertising tools for businesses
2. TikTok Users in Cambodia (2024)
Total TikTok Users in Cambodia: 9 million+
Demographic: Predominantly younger users (ages 13-24)
Content Type: Short-form videos, trends, challenges, music, comedy
TikTok has rapidly grown in popularity in Cambodia, especially among younger audiences. With more than 9 million users in 2024, the platform has captivated the nation with its entertaining and highly engaging short-form videos. TikTok’s unique algorithm, which suggests content based on users’ preferences, keeps users engaged for hours.
The platform is particularly popular with users aged 13-24, and it has become the go-to space for viral trends, music, dance challenges, and comedic content. Many Cambodian creators have gained large followings by creating relatable or humorous videos, often drawing on cultural references and everyday life in Cambodia.
TikTok has also opened doors for businesses, with many brands leveraging influencer marketing to reach younger audiences. Fashion brands, restaurants, and entertainment companies often collaborate with TikTok influencers to promote products and services in a way that feels organic and engaging to users.
Why TikTok is Popular:
- Highly engaging short-form video content
- Relatable and viral trends
- Strong presence of local creators and influencers
- Excellent platform for brands to reach younger audiences
3. Telegram Users in Cambodia (2024)
Total Telegram Users in Cambodia: 5.5 million+
Demographic: Ages 18-45, tech-savvy individuals, business professionals
Content Type: Private messaging, group chats, news updates, file sharing
Telegram has gained a significant user base in Cambodia, with over 5.5 million users in 2024. The platform is known for its strong encryption, making it popular among users who prioritize privacy and security. Telegram has become a favored communication tool for professionals and tech-savvy individuals who use the platform for both personal and business purposes.
Telegram’s group chat and channel features have also become popular in Cambodia for sharing news updates, particularly for those looking to avoid the more public nature of Facebook or Twitter. Many businesses and organizations use Telegram to disseminate information directly to their followers or customers. Additionally, Telegram’s file-sharing capabilities make it a practical tool for work-related communication and media distribution.
Why Telegram is Popular:
- Privacy-focused with strong encryption
- Useful for both personal and professional communication
- Group chats and channels offer a space for news and information sharing
- Practical for file sharing and business communication
4. YouTube Users in Cambodia (2024)
Total YouTube Users in Cambodia: 10 million+
Demographic: Ages 15-40, widespread appeal across demographics
Content Type: Music, educational content, entertainment, vlogs, news
YouTube remains a cornerstone of online content consumption in Cambodia, with over 10 million users actively using the platform in 2024. As the primary video-sharing platform, YouTube attracts a wide variety of users seeking entertainment, education, and information. The platform’s long-form video content complements the short-form videos popular on TikTok, offering a more in-depth viewing experience.
Popular types of content include music videos, educational content (such as language learning and tutorials), entertainment (comedy, drama, gaming), and vlogs. Cambodian musicians, vloggers, and content creators have found success on YouTube by catering to local tastes and preferences. Music, in particular, remains one of the most-watched types of content, with popular Cambodian artists racking up millions of views on their music videos.
YouTube also serves as a significant platform for news outlets, with many Cambodians consuming news updates and documentaries through the platform. The platform’s monetization opportunities allow content creators to earn income through ad revenue, incentivizing more Cambodians to join the YouTube creator ecosystem.
Why YouTube is Popular:
- Broad variety of content (entertainment, education, news)
- Accessible to all age groups
- Long-form video content for deeper engagement
- Monetization opportunities for content creators
5. Instagram Users in Cambodia (2024)
Total Instagram Users in Cambodia: 3.8 million+
Demographic: Primarily younger users (ages 18-30)
Content Type: Lifestyle, fashion, travel, food, photography
Instagram continues to thrive in Cambodia, especially among younger audiences and urban users who are drawn to the platform’s visual appeal. In 2024, Instagram boasts over 3.8 million active users in the Kingdom. The platform is particularly popular among users who enjoy sharing photos and videos of their lifestyles, with content focusing on fashion, food, travel, and fitness.
Instagram’s emphasis on visual storytelling makes it an ideal platform for brands and influencers, especially in sectors like fashion, travel, and beauty. Many Cambodian influencers have built substantial followings by sharing aesthetically pleasing photos and videos that highlight local culture, trends, and experiences.
Instagram’s Stories feature, which allows users to post short-lived photos and videos, has become a primary way for users to engage with the platform. Additionally, Instagram Reels, the platform’s short-form video feature, competes directly with TikTok, attracting users who enjoy creating and consuming bite-sized video content.
Why Instagram is Popular:
- Visual platform ideal for lifestyle and fashion content
- Popular among younger, trend-focused users
- Strong presence of influencers and brands
- Features like Stories and Reels offer varied content formats
6. Twitter Users in Cambodia (2024)
Total Twitter Users in Cambodia: 1.1 million+
Demographic: Politically engaged individuals, journalists, urban professionals
Content Type: News, politics, social issues, real-time updates
Although Twitter has a smaller user base compared to other platforms, with around 1.1 million users in Cambodia in 2024, it plays a vital role in the country’s online landscape. Twitter is primarily used by politically engaged individuals, journalists, and urban professionals who value the platform’s ability to share real-time updates and engage in public discourse.
Twitter’s appeal lies in its immediacy and brevity, making it an effective tool for discussing current events, political issues, and social movements. Cambodian users often turn to Twitter for news updates and to follow prominent figures in media, politics, and entertainment. The platform’s use of hashtags allows for the amplification