Zalo has overtaken Facebook, TikTok and YouTube to become the most popular social media platform in Vietnam, according to the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC).
Zalo is a Vietnamese cross-platform instant messaging service developed by VNG. Photo: Internet
Hanoi (VNA) – Zalo has overtaken Facebook, TikTok and YouTube to become the most popular social media platform in Vietnam, according to the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC).
A MIC report released on November 28 shows that the domestically developed platform has 76.5 million monthly active users, surpassing major international platforms such as Facebook (72 million), TikTok (67 million) and YouTube (63 million). ).
The MIC data aligns with a recent Decision Lab survey, which indicates that Zalo is the most popular messaging app in Vietnam.
In Decision Lab’s Q3 2024 “The Connected Consumer” report, Zalo led the messaging platform category with a penetration rate of 85%, marking a slight increase of 3% from the previous quarter. Meanwhile, the penetration rates of Facebook and Messenger show a slight decline, reaching 62% and 53% respectively.
Additionally, Zalo maintained its position as the most popular platform across all three generations (Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z), with an exceptional usage rate. Among Gen
Zalo is an OTT app that allows users to send messages and make calls on mobile and desktop platforms. Developed by VNG, a leading technology company in Vietnam, Zalo was first launched in 2012 as a mobile application and quickly became popular not only in Vietnam, but also in countries like the United States, Japan , the Republic of Korea, Australia, Germany, Myanmar and Singapore.
The app allows users to send messages and make free calls between accounts as long as they have an internet connection.
Today, Zalo also offers a wide range of additional utilities, including sharing short videos; purchasing cinema, train, bus and plane tickets, paying bills and booking taxis, among others.
According to VNG, Zalo now has 77.6 million monthly active users and nearly 1.97 billion messages sent daily. This impressive performance highlights Zalo’s dominance and commitment to improving user experience through continuous development. – VNA
## Zalo Rises: How a Local Platform Toppled Giants in Vietnam
**Hanoi, Vietnam:** In a surprising move, Vietnamese messaging app Zalo has eclipsed social media behemoths like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to become the most popular platform in the country. Statistics by the Ministry of Information and Dialog (MIC) reveal a staggering 76.5 million monthly active users for Zalo, surpassing international giants by a meaningful margin.
To understand this remarkable feat and explore its implications for the future of social media in Vietnam, World Today News sat down wiht two experts: Dr. Nguyen Phuong Anh, a leading researcher in digital media at Hanoi University, and Mr. Tran Minh Tuan, Head of Digital Strategy at a prominent Vietnamese marketing agency.
**The Rise of a Local Champion**
**World Today News:** Dr. Anh,can you shed some light on the factors contributing to Zalo’s meteoric rise?
**Dr.Nguyen Phuong Anh:** Several factors have fueled Zalo’s success. Primarily,it’s a strong “homegrown” identity.Vietnamese users appreciate a platform tailored to their needs and cultural nuances. Zalo has excelled at integrating services relevant to the local market, from bill payments and transportation booking to news and entertainment, creating a thorough ecosystem.
**World Today News:** Mr. Tuan, how has Zalo’s dominance impacted the digital marketing landscape in Vietnam?
**Mr. Tran Minh Tuan:** Zalo’s rise has forced brands to rethink their strategies.
Focusing solely on international platforms no longer guarantees reach. companies now need to prioritize Zalo for effective engagement with Vietnamese consumers.
**Zalo’s Focus: The Key to Success?**
**World Today News:** Dr. Anh, Zalo stands out for its focus on messaging and utility features. How has this approach differentiated it from its global competitors?
**Dr. Nguyen Phuong Anh:** While international platforms prioritize content consumption and social networking, Zalo has centered around practicality.
“this aligns with Vietnamese users’ preferences for efficient communication and everyday utility,” she explains. “Zalo empowers people to manage daily tasks within a single app, fostering a sense of convenience and dependency.”
**World Today news:** Mr.Tuan, how effective are these utility features in attracting and retaining users?
**Mr. Tran minh Tuan:** They are incredibly effective. Zalo has essentially become a digital hub for Vietnamese users, offering solutions for diverse needs. This “one-stop shop” approach has proven incredibly triumphant in building user loyalty.
**Predictions for the Future**
**World Today News:** What does the future hold for Zalo, Dr.Anh? Can it maintain its dominance?
**Dr. Nguyen Phuong Anh:** Zalo’s trajectory suggests continued growth. its developer, VNG, is consistently rolling out new features and improvements, keeping the platform fresh and relevant.
Launching specialized versions for various demographics, as they recently did for Gen Z, is a clever strategy.
**World Today News:** Mr. Tuan, how do you see Zalo influencing the broader landscape of social media in Southeast Asia?
**Mr. Tran Minh Tuan:** Zalo’s success serves as a model for local platforms in the region. It demonstrates that understanding cultural nuances and providing tailored services can lead to significant market penetration. I anticipate seeing more homegrown platforms emerge, challenging the dominance of global giants.
**Key Takeaways:**
Zalo’s unprecedented rise to the top of Vietnam’s social media landscape highlights the growing importance of localization and user-centricity. Its integrated utility features and focus on practicality have resonated strongly with Vietnamese users, propelling it past global giants.
* **Join the Discussion:** What are your thoughts on Zalo’s success? Share your comments below.
* **Explore Further:** Read more about Vietnam’s digital landscape in our article [link to relevant article]
