MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The demand for real-time video technology in the Philippines is rising, fueled by growing digital consumption. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok have seen significant growth, with TikTok reporting a 20.8% increase in users from 2022 to 2023. This reflects how video streaming has become integral to daily life, with more Filipinos turning to digital platforms for entertainment, education, and communication. As a leader in real-time engagement APIs, Agora supports platforms like KUMU by providing the tools to integrate real-time video seamlessly.
The video conferencing market in the Philippines is projected to follow this trajectory, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% from 2024 to 2028. Digitalization efforts and the rising adoption of video tools for remote work, education, and entertainment fuel this expansion. Globally, the video conferencing market is forecast to grow from US$33.04 billion in 2024 to US$60.17 billion by 2032, reflecting the growing demand for real-time communication tools across sectors.
KUMU launched in 2018 as a social entertainment platform and has emerged as the Philippines’ top-grossing social app. With over 10 million registered users from more than 50 countries, Kumu has quickly scaled its reach. The platform averages 60 million livestream views per month and has seen a 30% increase in session time, highlighting its success in engaging Filipino content creators and audiences both locally and globally.
KUMU’s growth has been supported by Agora’s advanced Software-Defined Real-Time Network (SD-RTN™), which has helped the platform overcome the Philippines’ connectivity challenges, where the country ranks 82nd globally in wireless internet speed. Agora’s technology enables KUMU to deliver seamless livestreaming experiences, even in areas with suboptimal network conditions. This reliability has allowed KUMU to expand beyond the local market, connecting Filipino content creators and viewers from 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 at 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.
