Key Digital Marketing Trends in Cambodia for 2025

The digital revolution has been rapidly transforming the Cambodian business landscape as more people engage online, with one of the most noticeable shifts being the explosive growth of social media users on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram. This surge in digital adoption is reshaping how businesses connect with their audiences and measure success. Below, I will highlight some of the key digital marketing trends in Cambodia that are shaping strategies and driving growth in 2025.

1. Mobile-First & Social Commerce Boom

According to key data, more than half of the total population in Cambodia are being online with their mobile phones through accessible and affordable mobile networks provided by Telecom companies like Smart, Metfone, and Cellcard. The mobile users have been surging significantly in recent years as those users are engaging in activities such as shopping, reading, and communicating through smartphones.

Another major trend here is the rise of social commerce in which Cambodians are using social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Telegram to engage in buying and selling the products and services. Most online sellers use Facebook and TikTok to advertise their products and do business transactions through chat. As estimated, Cambodia’s e-commerce market is projected to hit $1.78 billion in 2025, demonstrating huge growth opportunities.

2. Social Media Advertising Rapid Growth

The most dramatic growth we have seen is on social media advertising. Unlike before, Cambodians now are knowledgeable in how to set up advertisement on social media. They know how to spend their money on Internet through credit card and online wallet apps, allowing them to spend their money on ads. Most business entrepreneurs use Facebook to set up their advertising and now people are starting to use Google ads, TikTok ads and others too. In 2025 it is projected that Cambodia’s social media advertising market will reach US$39.6 million in 2025 with a projected CAGR of 10.7% toward 2029. TikTok’s reach has grown by 41% between 2023 and 2024, highlighting the importance of short-form videos.

3. Influencer & Micro-Influencer Marketing Gains Ground

Another significant trend in Cambodia’s digital marketing landscape is the marked rise of influencers and micro-influencer marketing on the two social media: Facebook and TikTok. The popularity of influencers and micro-influencers means that brands and local businesses are increasingly turning to micro-influencers, i.e. the influencers with smaller number of followers ranging from 10K to 100K for authentic engagement. It is projected that influencer advertising in Cambodia can reach US$5.91 million in 2025 with a solid steady growth ahead.

4. Localized Content & Cultural Storytelling

The influencers are now turning towards localized content and cultural storytelling because Cambodian consumers tend to resonate more with authenticity and localization. Such popular contents are more preferred in Khmer language featuring cultural motifs, idioms, and local storytelling which wins the loyalty from Khmer audience.

Brands collaborating with these influencers also benefit from this shift, as campaigns rooted in cultural familiarity generate stronger engagement and credibility. Instead of generic or imported messaging, localized campaigns foster emotional connections, making audiences feel understood and valued. This approach not only boosts brand visibility but also nurtures long-term loyalty in the Cambodian market.

5. AI, Personalization & Performance Marketing Focus

Khmer marketers are now more advanced in the way they manage their advertising on social media as well as on Google to gain more results from their ad expense. They are learning to use a data-driven approach using tools like Meta Business Suite, TikTok Ads Manager, and Google Analytics to optimize campaigns by CPC (Cost Per Click), CPA (Cost Per Action), and ROAS (Return On Ad Spend). The popularity of AI-powered ad personalization allows marketers to do dynamic remarketing, and trend prediction.

At the same time, Cambodian businesses are becoming more strategic in balancing their ad budgets across platforms to maximize impact. Instead of focusing solely on reach, they are prioritizing measurable outcomes such as conversions, customer retention, and lifetime value. This shift reflects a growing maturity in the local digital ecosystem, where marketers understand that long-term growth comes not only from driving clicks but also from building sustained relationships with their target audience.

6. Digital Payments & Seamless Checkout

Cambodian people are getting more familiar with digital payments and seamless checkout recently. Most adults are using payment app like ABA Mobile or ACLEDA Mobile to pay at everywhere they go. Small and medium sellers are getting used to having their KHQR cards at their store to accept payment digitally. More people trust digital transactions, meaning they like seamless checkout even more, increasing the potential of digital e-commerce markets. Brands that integrate safe, mobile-first payment options score better conversions.

At the same time, e-commerce platforms and delivery services in Cambodia are starting to adapt quickly to this behavior shift. From food delivery apps to online retail marketplaces, many now integrate multiple payment gateways, giving customers the flexibility to pay the way they prefer. This trend not only makes shopping easier but also builds trust and loyalty between consumers and businesses. As the ecosystem matures, brands that can combine fast delivery, secure payments, and smooth user experience will be in the best position to capture the growing digital-first audience.

7. Full-Funnel Marketing Strategy (Omnichannel Approach)

Brands are increasingly moving away from one-off, isolated ads and focusing instead on building full-funnel marketing strategies. This approach allows them to guide customers through every stage of the journey — from initial brand awareness to consideration, purchase, and post-purchase engagement. By using consistent messaging across platforms like social media, search engines, and content channels, brands ensure that potential customers encounter a connected and coherent experience rather than fragmented touchpoints.

More importantly, these strategies are designed not only to drive conversions but also to nurture long-term loyalty. Landing pages are optimized to align with ads, creating a seamless transition from discovery to action, while CRM systems help brands personalize communication and maintain ongoing relationships with customers. By analyzing customer behavior and engagement data, businesses can refine their campaigns continuously, ensuring that every interaction — whether through retargeting, email follow-ups, or loyalty programs — strengthens brand trust and lifetime value.

8. Growing Emphasis on KPIs & Measurable ROI

The rise of performance marketing in Cambodia signals a shift in how businesses evaluate their advertising efforts. Instead of simply running campaigns for visibility, companies now prioritize measurable outcomes that can directly impact revenue. This trend has pushed marketers to set clear key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Cost Per Click (CPC), Cost Per Action (CPA), and Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), ensuring that every dollar spent delivers trackable value.

To support this, digital tools like Google Analytics 4 and Meta Pixel are becoming standard for tracking user behavior, conversions, and campaign performance. These platforms give businesses real-time insights into how ads influence customer actions across websites and apps, making it possible to optimize budgets, improve targeting, and refine creative strategies. As more Cambodian businesses adopt this data-driven mindset, performance marketing is moving from being an optional strategy to becoming the backbone of modern digital advertising.

Final Thought

In summary, the digital transformation sweeping across Cambodia isn’t just a fleeting trend—it’s a fundamental shift that presents both exciting possibilities and competitive challenges. From the meteoric rise of social commerce and mobile-first engagement to the increasing sophistication of online analytics, businesses must stay agile and insight-led. As platforms converge and technologies evolve, companies that ground their strategies in localized, data-driven approaches—like mobile optimization, influencer collaborations, and seamless payment integration—will be best equipped to thrive. By embracing innovation while remaining culturally relevant and consumer-centric, brands can not only capture attention but also foster loyalty and long-term growth in this rapidly evolving digital landscape.