Internet usage in Southeast Asia - statistics & facts
Southeast Asia has emerged as one of the most dynamic and digitally connected regions in the world. With the internet penetration rate reaching nearly 80 percent, Southeast Asia boasts over half a billion internet users - a number that has more than tripled in the last decade. The rapid expansion of internet access, particularly mobile internet, has fueled a booming internet economy in the region across sectors such as e-commerce, online food delivery, online travel, and digital media.
Other segments, such as online travel, online media, and online ride-hailing and food delivery market, are also expanding rapidly in Southeast Asia. More than 60 percent of internet users across economies in Southeast Asia pay for digital content every month, such as subscriptions to video and music streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify, as well as local services like Galaxy Play, Vimamax, and in-app purchases for online games. Meanwhile, digital payments have become integrated into everyday transactions, making it easy for people to shop online, pay bills, and send money securely.
Southeast Asia’s growing online population, mobile-first access, and high engagement with internet-based services like e-commerce and social platforms are reshaping commerce, entertainment, and everyday life across the region.
Mobile connects Southeast Asia
Mobile internet has been the engine powering Southeast Asia (SEA)’s digital revolution. With widespread smartphone ownership across the region’s markets, mobile devices have become the most accessible and preferred means of accessing the internet for its users. Internet users in SEA report a larger share of online time daily on mobile devices compared to desktops. They also spend, on average, more time daily using mobile internet compared to other countries in the broader Asia-Pacific region. This demonstrates high user engagement with mobile for internet activities like using social media, messaging friends and families, shopping, gaming, and watching videos.Southeast Asia’s growing internet economy
The expanding internet adoption in SEA has fueled its digital economy. In Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, over 60 percent of internet users report weekly online purchases, and the e-commerce user base across the region is projected to continue growing steadily, especially in Indonesia. E-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and Tokopedia are the major players in Southeast Asia’s e-commerce market, which is valued at nearly 160 billion U.S. dollars.Other segments, such as online travel, online media, and online ride-hailing and food delivery market, are also expanding rapidly in Southeast Asia. More than 60 percent of internet users across economies in Southeast Asia pay for digital content every month, such as subscriptions to video and music streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify, as well as local services like Galaxy Play, Vimamax, and in-app purchases for online games. Meanwhile, digital payments have become integrated into everyday transactions, making it easy for people to shop online, pay bills, and send money securely.
Social media as multipurpose hubs
In Southeast Asia, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are serving as hubs for online experiences, combining communication, entertainment, and commerce. These platforms facilitate social interaction through messaging and content sharing while also serving as marketplaces where businesses of all sizes can connect with customers, promote, and sell products. Southeast Asian users are highly engaged, with the Philippines leading the Asia-Pacific in average daily time spent on social media at three and a half hours, while users in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand spend at least two and a half hours daily on these platforms. This high engagement underscores social media’s vital role in shaping daily life, entertainment, and digital commerce across Southeast Asia.Southeast Asia’s growing online population, mobile-first access, and high engagement with internet-based services like e-commerce and social platforms are reshaping commerce, entertainment, and everyday life across the region.
