The Rise of Digital Marketing in Cambodia
Digital marketing on major social media platforms has been steadily growing in Cambodia as more local businesses recognize the power of reaching millions of online users each day. Many business owners are now creating dedicated roles for digital marketing, reflecting its importance in today’s competitive environment.
However, the popularity of social media platforms differs from country to country, and Cambodia demonstrates a unique usage pattern. To maximize results in Cambodia, businesses should focus on the top five social networks, ranked by their influence and user base.
1. Facebook – The King of Social Media in Cambodia
With more than 10 million active users out of a population of around 17 million (2025), Facebook remains the dominant platform in Cambodia. It is the first choice for businesses across industries, including restaurants, hotels, retail shops, salons, NGOs, and educational services.
In Cambodia, Facebook functions almost like Google. Users frequently rely on Facebook’s search bar to find news, restaurants, job opportunities, hotels, and entertainment content. Facebook Pages and Groups play a central role in this ecosystem, offering businesses targeted access to highly engaged communities.
Small and medium-sized businesses increasingly rely on Facebook Ads due to their affordability and precise targeting capabilities. The platform allows advertisers to reach specific audiences by location, demographics, and interests, supported by Facebook’s powerful AI-driven algorithm.
2. TikTok – The Fastest-Growing Platform
TikTok is the second most popular platform and the fastest-growing in Cambodia. While Facebook has already captured the majority of internet users, TikTok’s explosive rise highlights the shift toward short-form video content.
Most popular among younger audiences, TikTok has become a hub for creators in niches such as food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, entertainment, and real estate. Short videos can go viral quickly, making it an attractive platform for businesses looking to build brand awareness and attract new customers.
Local businesses increasingly collaborate with micro-influencers on TikTok to produce sponsored content, which often translates into real sales. Unlike Facebook, TikTok’s algorithm provides wider organic reach by surfacing content based on user interests rather than just social connections.
3. YouTube – Trusted for Learning and Reviews
YouTube is the third most influential platform in Cambodia, widely regarded as the go-to destination for tutorials, product reviews, music, and educational content. It is especially effective for businesses in sectors such as hospitality, education, tourism, and technology.
Compared to TikTok, YouTube is better suited for long-form video content, storytelling, and brand-building. Businesses often use the platform for both organic growth and paid advertising. Since video content builds trust more effectively than text-based ads, YouTube offers a unique opportunity for businesses to establish credibility.
By uploading consistent, informative videos and integrating promotions at the end of each clip, businesses can build lasting relationships with audiences while increasing visibility on both YouTube and Google search results.
4. Instagram – Growing but Niche
Instagram is gaining popularity among urban youth in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, particularly within fashion, beauty, lifestyle, café, and hotel sectors. Its strength lies in visual branding, making it ideal for businesses targeting image-conscious or luxury-oriented customers.
However, Instagram’s audience in Cambodia is relatively niche, concentrated among teenagers and young adults. For brands targeting older demographics, Instagram is less effective compared to Facebook or YouTube.
Businesses that do leverage Instagram can benefit from its strong visual storytelling and paid advertising options, particularly for lifestyle-driven and tourism-related industries.
5. Telegram – Communication and Community
While Telegram is not a traditional social media platform, it has become one of the most widely used communication tools in Cambodia, across both the private and public sectors. Millions of Cambodians use Telegram for personal messaging, professional communication, and community-based group discussions.
For businesses, Telegram offers powerful opportunities to build direct communication channels with customers, provide real-time support, and share updates through dedicated channels. Small posts within groups can instantly reach thousands of people, making Telegram an efficient tool for building loyalty and driving repeat engagement.
It is particularly valuable for e-commerce businesses, NGOs, and tech-savvy brands looking to maintain close contact with their audiences.
Final Thoughts
Cambodia’s digital landscape is rapidly evolving, and businesses that adapt to local social media habits will gain a strong competitive edge. Facebook remains the undisputed leader, but TikTok and YouTube are quickly becoming indispensable for video-driven engagement. Instagram offers a niche opportunity for visual industries, while Telegram serves as a powerful communication hub. By strategically combining these platforms, Cambodian businesses can effectively expand their reach, strengthen customer relationships, and achieve sustainable growth in the digital age.
Boost your business with Nara Agency. We deliver expert digital marketing in Cambodia—social media strategy, content creation, and targeted ads on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Telegram—helping you reach the right audience, engage customers, and grow your brand effectively.
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