In Cambodia, social media is not just a form of entertainment, but a window to the outside world. A tool to express their creativity and build communities. Thousands of content creators use platforms like Facebook and TikTok to share their stories, talents, and passions. However, while in many countries these efforts generate a more than decent income, in Cambodia the lack of monetization options seriously limits the potential of these creators. That is why the content creators’ collective wanted to urge the government to negotiate with these companies (TikTok and Facebook) to allow them to monetize their work once and for all.
What is preventing monetization in Cambodia?
Unlike most countries, Cambodia does not have a system in place for creators to receive direct payments for their content on these platforms. This means that users must resort to complex workarounds, such as using VPNs to simulate foreign locations or opening bank accounts outside the country… These are not the best alternatives for them, but they are the ones they can use to finally receive money for their work.
Content creators on the ropes
Sun Sam, a content creator from Siem Reap, expressed his discontent last week, as he considers it very unfair that they have to look for such complicated alternatives just to make money with something they know how to do well, so he urged the Prime Minister to communicate with the platforms to enable payment bridges for them.
Is the government doing something?
For their part, they have acknowledged that it is a serious problem that is making the work of many content creators difficult. So Visothy, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, has confirmed that the government team is already in talks with these companies to find a solution. Even though Facebook closed its operations in Cambodia in 2023, the authorities are determined to rebuild this relationship and explore ways to finally allow video monetization.
What happened between Facebook and Cambodia?
It was in 2023 when the American company decided to withdraw from Cambodia after accusations of unethical practices (such as the use of private data and the dissemination of the now famous fake news). These accusations were a turning point between the company and the country, closing all relations between them. Now, both the government and those who are waiting for the situation to normalize, hope that this incident in the past will not prevent them from moving forward into the future.
Why is monetization so important?
The world is advancing technologically by leaps and bounds. What used to be manual or hard work has been replaced, in many cases, by machines, and has given way to other types of jobs that are more adapted to the societies in which we live. This is the case of content creators, who dedicate part of their time to digital platforms. In many countries, this has become just another job, but in Cambodia the reality is different and it is very difficult for them to receive money from these platforms (unless they are donations or agreements with brands).
So, by opening up these platforms’ payment channels, they could benefit thousands of content creators across the country and also encourage the growth of businesses related to them (such as marketing agencies, audiovisual producers and even local businesses that want to invest in new advertising channels). In an increasingly globalized world, it is normal that the request of these creators is getting bigger and bigger because it is a call for equal conditions. Cambodia has an incredible opportunity to demonstrate how good collaboration between businesses and governments can enable its residents to feel fulfilled in what they love to do!