STUDY | Philippines emerges as an empowered digital nation in 2026
As global internet users surpass six billion, the Philippines’ digital fluency stands out.
The Philippines remains among the world’s most digitally engaged nations, with nearly universal smartphone ownership and record levels of online activity across entertainment, commerce, and finance, according to the Digital 2026: Philippines Report by Meltwater and We Are Social.
The study found that 98 million Filipinos are now online, representing 83.8 percent of the population, while social media users reached 95.8 million, equivalent to 122 percent of the adult population. With 98.6 percent of internet users accessing the web through mobile phones, digital access has become an integral part of Filipino life.
Streaming, social, the culture of connection
Filipinos continue to rank among the most active internet and social media users globally. The report shows that the average Filipino spends 54 hours each week online—among the highest in the world. Much of this time goes to watching videos, chatting with friends, and searching for information.
Online video remains the dominant format, with music videos (76.3 percent), comedic or viral content (58.1 percent), and influencer vlogs (47.8 percent) as the most consumed. Filipinos spend more than 20 hours per week watching videos online, twice the time they spend on traditional television. Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video continue to gain traction, but local creators and vlogs remain central to the country’s digital culture.
Mimrah Mahmood, Meltwater’s APAC vice president, said the findings underscore the nation’s shift from digital access to empowerment. “Filipinos have long been recognized as one of the most digitally active nations, and our 2026 data reaffirms that. What stands out this year is how digital behavior has matured, moving beyond streaming and social engagement, into e-commerce and digital finance,” Mahmood said. “The Philippines is no longer just connected but is empowered by the tools people use every day.”
Digital finance drives inclusion
The study also highlights how digital payments and finance are reshaping economic participation. More than half of Filipinos, or 56.3 percent of internet users aged 16 and above, purchase consumer goods online weekly, with spending across electronics, food, and fashion reaching P487.5 billion ($8.24 billion) in 2025.
E-wallets such as GCash and Maya dominate payment preferences, accounting for 39 percent of all online transactions, while debit and credit cards make up 27 percent. With nearly half of the population still unbanked, these mobile wallets have become essential tools for inclusion, enabling millions to participate in digital commerce and access financial services.
Beyond shopping, 88.5 percent of Filipinos engage in online banking, investing, or insurance every month, showing increased trust in managing finances digitally. The trend signals the rise of an omnichannel consumer mindset—one that blends online convenience with traditional retail experiences.
A connected future
With 117.4 percent mobile connection penetration, the Philippines continues to expand its digital reach even as about 19 million people remain offline. Fixed internet speeds now average 105.17 Mbps, while mobile speeds reach 59.64 Mbps, improving accessibility across the archipelago.
As global internet users surpass six billion, the Philippines’ digital fluency stands out. The nation’s evolution from a connected population to an empowered digital economy reflects how connectivity, creativity, and inclusion are driving new opportunities for individuals and businesses alike.
Mahmood added that the country’s growing digital sophistication is setting the stage for sustained innovation. “From entertainment to commerce and finance, Filipinos are using technology to build opportunity, creativity, and inclusion,” he said.
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