The demand for real-time video technology in the Philippines is rapidly increasing, driven by the rise in digital consumption. Platforms such as YouTube and TikTok have seen substantial growth, with TikTok reporting a 20.8% increase in users between 2022 and 2023. This surge reflects the growing role of video streaming in daily life, as more Filipinos turn to digital platforms for entertainment, education, and communication. Agora, a leader in real-time engagement APIs, supports platforms like KUMU by providing the necessary tools to seamlessly integrate real-time video features.
The video conferencing market in the Philippines is also poised for growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% expected from 2024 to 2028. This growth is driven by the rise in remote work, education, and entertainment, fueled by digitalization efforts. Globally, the video conferencing market is expected to expand from US$33.04 billion in 2024 to US$60.17 billion by 2032, highlighting the increasing demand for real-time communication tools across industries.
KUMU, a social entertainment platform launched in 2018, has quickly become the Philippines’ top-grossing social app. With over 10 million registered users from more than 50 countries, KUMU has scaled rapidly, averaging 60 million live stream views per month and seeing a 30% increase in session time. These achievements underline KUMU’s success in engaging Filipino content creators and audiences both locally and globally.
Agora’s advanced Software-Defined Real-Time Network™ (SD-RTN™) has been a key factor in KUMU’s growth, helping the platform overcome the Philippines’ connectivity challenges, where the country ranks 82nd globally in wireless internet speed. Agora’s technology ensures seamless live streaming, even in areas with less-than-optimal network conditions. This reliability has allowed KUMU to expand beyond the local market, connecting Filipino content creators and viewers from countries like Canada and Saudi Arabia.
“Agora’s suite of SDKs and extensions exceeded our expectations in delivering a rich, interactive experience for our users. Their team of experts supported us every step of the way, 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 has rapidly introduced new features such as interactive messaging, virtual gifts, and AI-powered noise cancellation. The platform’s community-driven features, including live game shows and interactive campaigns, help maintain high user engagement, with over 10,000 live streams occurring daily. These updates have enriched the user experience, solidifying KUMU’s position as a leading 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 enable businesses to thrive, no matter their location.”
As the demand for reliable real-time communication platforms continues to grow, KUMU’s use of Agora’s technology places it at the forefront of this rapidly expanding market.
