The entertainment audience in Southeast Asia (SEA) is highly active on Twitter as evidenced by the 25.5 million tweets sent on the platform for the year 2021. People gathered on Twitter to share or discuss their thoughts about the movies or shows they watched especially those on streaming platforms.

Entertainment in the Philippines saw a boost in streaming content, music, films, and TV show conversations, while the most talked-about streaming services were Netflix, iFlix, iQIYI, Viu, and WeTV. These conversations showcase Filipinos’ drive to be first in #WhatsHappening, and here’s a rundown of what kept Filipinos entertained in 2021.

Over-the-top content is “on-demand”

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The conversation around streaming platforms in the Philippines has grown steadily across 2021, with 4.4 million Tweets about streaming platforms content from January to October 2021. Viewers have a plethora of choices with streaming services providing every genre of entertainment possible on-demand, and took to Twitter to share when new seasons dropped. K-drama and superheroes movies, which have expanded their audience through streaming services, are now appealing to global viewers.

Aside from international content, people are also interested in locally produced content that is available on key platforms. A notable feat for Filipino pop culture in 2021 is the release of the animated adaptation of “Trese” on Netflix, which Filipinos and international audiences highly anticipated in that year.

(Love) Local TV

The rise of streaming platforms does not waver the continuous growth of conversations around local TV in the Philippines. There were over 27.4 million Tweets about local TV from January to October 2021. In particular, people are taken by local series and the relationships between characters, such as Tweeting about their favorite highlights of “He’s Into Her” or “The World Between Us.”

In addition, celebrities dominate the conversation on local TV. Fandom culture is the driving force behind this, as they Tweet their support for celebrities and loveteams such as Maine Mendoza and Don Belle.

Cinema feels at home

The conversation around cinema and movies is going steady in the Philippines. Over 3 million tweets about cinema were tallied from January to October 2021, most of which are Tweets on the strong celebration and preference for locally produced movies such as “Princess Daya Reese” and “Hello Stranger The Movie,” and the strong interest in the actors who top-billed in these movies.

International flicks also remain popular, proving that Filipinos are one of the first-movers when it comes to knowing the latest in global content, from seeing the much-awaited “Justice League Snyder Cut” to hyping up the buzz on “SpiderMan No Way Home.”

Staying in tune

The biggest growth in Entertainment conversations goes to music, with a whopping 92.8 million Tweets from January to October 2021. Twitter is the home ground of music fandoms, so it’s no surprise that the music conversation is holding steady. Notably, SB19 rules the scene and is by far the most talked about band in the country. Fans are also eager to get their favorite bands even more visibility on shows.

Since the Philippines is one of the top markets on of Kpop Twitter conversations, some of the most talked-about artists in the stan world are the likes of BTS, EXO, and TWICE.

The vibrant conversations on Twitter surrounding movies, shows, and music in 2021 were a ray of hope for artists, producers, and directors alike in keeping entertainment alive and fresh for its audiences. They helped spotlight the industry, and local artists and shows gained more visibility through the conversations that happened only on Twitter.