The Philippines is seeing a surge in demand for real-time video technology, driven by the country’s growing digital consumption. Video streaming has become an essential part of daily life, with platforms like YouTube and TikTok reporting significant growth – TikTok, in particular, saw a 20.8% increase in users from 2022 to 2023. As Filipinos increasingly turn to digital platforms for entertainment, education, and communication, Agora supports innovation by providing seamless real-time video integration tools for leading platforms like KUMU.
The video conferencing market in the Philippines is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% from 2024 to 2028, driven by digitalization and increased use of video tools for remote work, education, and entertainment. Globally, the market is projected to rise from US$33.04 billion in 2024 to US$60.17 billion by 2032, highlighting the increasing demand for real-time communication tools across various sectors.
Launched in 2018, KUMU has become the Philippines’ leading social entertainment platform, boasting over 10 million registered users from over 50 countries. The app averages 60 million live stream views monthly and has experienced a 30% increase in session time, demonstrating its effectiveness in engaging Filipino content creators and audiences worldwide.
KUMU’s growth has been bolstered by Agora’s advanced Software-Defined Real-Time Network (SD-RTN), which addresses the Philippines’ connectivity issues, where the country ranks 82nd in wireless internet speed. Agora’s technology enables KUMU to provide seamless live streaming, even in challenging network conditions. This reliability has facilitated KUMU’s expansion beyond the local market, connecting Filipino content creators and viewers across more than 50 countries, from Canada to Saudi Arabia.
“Agora’s suite of SDKs and extensions exceeded our expectations in delivering a rich and live interactive experience for our users. Agora’s team of experts was extremely helpful from product innovation to successful implementation.” said Ellard Capiral, VP of Engineering of KUMU.
With Agora’s low-code development tools and real-time streaming solutions, KUMU was able to rapidly iterate and add new features, such as interactive messaging, virtual gifts, and AI-powered noise cancellation. The app’s vibrant community-driven features, like live game shows and interactive campaigns, have allowed it to maintain user engagement with over 10,000 live streams happening daily. These updates have enriched the user experience, further solidifying KUMU’s position as a top digital community for Filipinos.
“Agora is proud to support KUMU’s mission of building a global platform for Filipino voices,” said Effie Fang, Director of Agora’s APAC Sales Team. “Their success story demonstrates how our real-time technology can support you, regardless of location.”
As businesses and consumers continue to seek reliable real-time communication platforms, KUMU’s use of Agora’s technology places it at the forefront of this rapidly expanding market.
