TikTok LIVE convened regional creators, viewers, and partners in Bangkok, Thailand, for the annual Community Fest 2026 under the theme “Be Part of the Win” to drive creator skill development and promote real-time cultural discovery across Southeast Asia and Central Asia. Organized in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and ICONSIAM, the mid-year event marks the third year of the initiative focused on turning livestreaming into a sustainable profession.
Driving Creator Economy Growth and Community Momentum
The platform recorded substantial user and creator expansion across Southeast Asia and Central Asia during the first half of 2026. Over 95 million unique creators hosted livestreams, marking an increase of more than 50 percent year-on-year, while over 40 million individuals went live for the first time. Platform data indicates that one in three new creators earned their first reward within 30 days of joining, illustrating monetization opportunities across various fields such as music, gaming, street food, and travel.
Audience engagement metrics also rose, with nearly half of all regional TikTok users tuning into a livestream daily during the second quarter of 2026. This engagement demonstrates the transition of livestreaming into a primary interactive medium where viewers actively converse with and support hosts.
“The defining strength of TikTok LIVE is its capacity to build immediate and authentic human connections. Viewers are no longer passive observers; they become part of the conversation,” stated Napattha Chavalitcheewingul, Creator Manager at TikTok LIVE Thailand. “Community has become the most vital asset in the modern creator economy and TikTok LIVE provides creators with the tools and resources to turn real-time engagement into real-world impact, transforming online passion into impactful and meaningful storytelling.”
Promoting Regional Cultural Discovery through Livestreams
Travel and cultural heritage storytelling have emerged as prominent streaming formats across the region. During Community Fest 2026, creators completed a mission-driven cultural tour along Bangkok’s historic Song Wat riverside road, broadcasting real-time interactions with local shopkeepers and neighbourhood life to international audiences. Similar heritage partnerships have been established across several countries:
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Thailand: TikTok LIVE collaborated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to showcase Songkran water festival traditions worldwide.
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Philippines: The platform joined the Ayala Museum, the Ayala Foundation, UNESCO, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines to present museum collections to digital audiences.
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Kazakhstan: Through the “Museums Come Alive” initiative and #MuseumTok, the platform featured the National Museum and the Almaty Museum of Arts.
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Indonesia: In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the National Museum integrated cultural heritage with POP MART to present local culture.
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Vietnam: In partnership with the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Conservation Support Fund, the “Beauty Vietnam” campaign explored traditions across Ba Vi, Dak Lak, Dien Bien, and An Giang provinces.
“TikTok LIVE is more than just views—it’s about co-creation,” Chavalitcheewingul noted. “Creators and communities shape experiences together, turning authentic moments into lasting connections. Across borders, neighborhoods and local communities come alive through livestreaming, helping inspire cultural discovery, support local businesses, and connect audiences around the world with authentic local experiences.”
Expanding Creator Education and Regional Talent Support
Community Fest 2026 highlighted regional creator journeys, including stage singer Jo (@jo.ppc123) from Malaysia, vocalist Ryssi (@imryssi) from the Philippines, multilingual creator Cesy (@cesynyam) from Indonesia, singer Namnam (@namnamagate) from Vietnam, and acoustic musician Pang (@pangnganthavee) from Thailand.
To support continuous skill building, the platform expanded its TikTok LIVE Creator Academy by piloting six global workshops directed by creator-instructors, including six Southeast Asian instructors. The initial regional pilots conducted in Vietnam and Indonesia generated more than 16 million impressions and drew over 190,000 unique viewers. Moving through 2026, the platform plans to further expand Creator Academy programs and lower entry barriers for emerging livestreamers.
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