Southeast Asia Internet Radio Market Trends

Statistics for the 2023 & 2024 Southeast Asia Internet Radio market trends, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Southeast Asia Internet Radio trend report includes a market forecast to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry trends analysis as a free report PDF download.

Market Trends of Southeast Asia Internet Radio Industry

Growing Adoption of Digital Internet Radio

  • With increasing internet penetration and a surge in smartphone adoption, Southeast Asian countries are experiencing a rising demand for digital internet radio. This trend underscores a broader shift toward digital media consumption, with radio included, propelled by technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and the content diversity that internet radio services provide.
  • The proliferation of smartphones and affordable mobile data plans has been a major catalyst for the rise of digital internet radio in Southeast Asia. Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have seen exponential growth in smartphone usage, providing a robust platform for digital radio services. According to a report published by Google, the size of the internet economy in Southeast Asia is continuously growing every year. In 2015, the internet economy was valued at USD 32 billion, which reached USD 218 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 295 billion in 2025.
  • Consumers in Southeast Asia are also increasingly shifting toward the adoption of digital radio. Millennials and generation Z, who make up a significant portion of the region's population, prefer digital platforms for their media consumption. As the demand for internet radio grows, many companies in the region are increasing their investments to increase their market share. For instance, in 2023, Mediacorp, a company based in Singapore, announced that the company is focused toward the expansion of its audio reach to capture 3.8 million listeners weekly. With this, the company said that its free-to-air and digital radio station is the primary choise of listeners.
  • Digital internet radio also stands out for its diverse content offerings. Unlike traditional radio, which faces constraints in programming due to time and geography, internet radio breaks these barriers. It opens up a world of global and local content, appealing to a wide range of tastes. This focus on niche content has significantly fueled the rise of digital radio's popularity in the region.
Southeast Asia Internet Radio Market: Internet Economy Size in Southeast Asia from 2015 to 2023, With a Forecast for 2025 (in USD Billion)

Increasing Use of Internet Radio in Government and Public Safety

  • Southeast Asia has experienced a rapid change in the communication landscape, mostly due to the growing advancement of internet technology. In this transition, internet radio has emerged as a crucial tool, especially in the public safety and government sectors. In Southeast Asia, where mobile device use and internet access are rising, internet radio is crucial for public engagement, information exchange, and disaster response planning. Hence, governments in many countries are adopting internet radio.
  • Internet radio offers several advantages over traditional communication channels, making it a better option for Southeast Asian government. With the widespread use of smartphones and internet access, internet radio can reach a broad audience, including those in remote or underserved areas. This broad accessibility ensures that crucial information can be disseminated quickly and efficiently.
  • Many countries, such as Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, are continuously increasing their defense budget, which has driven the adoption of internet radios. Effective communication is critical for operational success, strategic planning, and national security in the defense sector. As Southeast Asia continues to navigate a complex security environment characterized by territorial disputes, transnational threats, and natural disasters, the role of technology in defense has become increasingly significant.
    • For instance, Malaysia is continiously increasing its defence budget every year. In FY 2019, the government spent USD 3.3 billion, which increased to USD 4.0 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 4.9 billion in 2025. Such increases in defence budget has opened opportunities for the sector in the adoption of technologically advanced products, including internet radio.
  • Southeast Asia is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and floods. Internet radio plays a crucial role in disaster management by providing real-time updates, safety instructions, and evacuation routes to affected populations.
Southeast Asia Internet Radio Market: Malaysia Defense Budget, (in USD Billion) from 2019-2025

Southeast Asia Internet Radio Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2024-2029)