In 2025, Malaysians have more online entertainment choices than ever. With better internet access and new digital trends, people spend more time streaming, gaming, and engaging on social media. Whether it's catching up on the latest movies, battling it out in mobile games, or tuning in to their favorite music playlists, the options are endless. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular online entertainment trends shaping Malaysia this year.
Gaming: A Booming Industry
Gaming has taken off in Malaysia, with mobile games and esports leading the way. With affordable smartphones and fast internet, more people are playing than ever before.
Mobile Gaming
Popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends dominate, thanks to their social and competitive features. These games allow friends to team up and play together, making them incredibly popular.
Esports & Online Gambling
Esports tournaments are drawing huge audiences, with live-streamed events attracting millions of viewers. As the excitement around competitive gaming grows, many Malaysians are also exploring online gaming options. In this environment, it's important to ensure players engage securely and responsibly. Wilna van Wyk of CasinoBeats explains how to play securely in Malaysia by offering a guide on safe gaming practices and platform reviews. This ensures that players make informed choices and stay protected while enjoying online gaming. As competitive gaming continues to grow each year, Malaysia’s esports scene is evolving into a major industry.
How 5G is Changing Gaming
One of the biggest game-changers in 2025 is the expansion of 5G networks. Faster internet speeds reduce lag and improve online multiplayer experiences, making gaming smoother than ever. Cloud gaming is also becoming more popular, allowing players to stream games instead of downloading them.
Streaming Platforms: The King of Online Entertainment
Streaming platforms continue to dominate Malaysia’s digital entertainment scene. People love watching content on demand, whether it’s movies, TV shows, or user-generated videos. The top platforms Malaysians use in 2025 include: YouTube – Still the most visited site in Malaysia, YouTube offers everything from tutorials to music videos.
It's the go-to platform for free content. Netflix – With a mix of international and local content, Netflix remains a favorite for those who love binge-watching. Disney+ Hotstar – Featuring Marvel, Pixar, and Asian dramas, this platform combines global hits with regional favorites. Viu – Known for K-dramas and local content, Viu is a budget-friendly option for fans of Asian entertainment. Iflix & DimSum – These platforms focus on Asian dramas, making them a top choice for viewers who prefer localized content. With nearly 95.5% of Malaysians watching online videos every week, it's clear that streaming is here to stay.
Why Streaming is Growing So Fast
One major reason for the rise of streaming is flexible subscription models. Many platforms offer affordable plans, student discounts, and family bundles, making entertainment accessible to more people. Localized content is another big factor—viewers love shows that reflect their own culture, language, and experiences.
Social Media & Short-Form Content: The Rise of TikTok
Social media remains a major source of entertainment, but in 2025, short-form videos are leading the way. Malaysians spend an average of 42 hours per month on TikTok—far above the global average. Here’s how the biggest platforms are shaping online entertainment: TikTok – Viral challenges, lip-sync videos, and comedy clips dominate.
The app’s short, addictive content makes it a daily habit for many. Instagram & Facebook – These platforms are still strong, offering reels, photo-sharing, and entertainment updates. YouTube Shorts – Competing with TikTok, YouTube Shorts offers quick and engaging videos that attract millions of views.
Why Malaysians Love Short-Form Videos
The main reason short-form content is thriving in Malaysia is convenience. People enjoy quick, engaging videos they can watch during short breaks. Plus, AI-driven recommendations keep users hooked by serving up personalized content. For many, social media isn't just about staying connected—it's a primary source of entertainment.
Music Streaming: Spotify Leads the Pack
Music streaming is another huge part of online entertainment. While people still use YouTube for free music, dedicated streaming apps offer a better experience. Spotify – The most popular music streaming platform, Spotify provides curated playlists and personalized recommendations.
YouTube Music – An alternative to paid services, YouTube Music allows users to listen to their favorite tracks without downloading them. Music lovers in Malaysia prefer on-demand streaming to traditional radio, and this trend continues to grow in 2025.
The Future of Music Streaming in Malaysia
Music streaming platforms now offer AI-powered song recommendations, better audio quality, and offline listening options, making them even more appealing. Many services also partner with local artists, helping Malaysian musicians reach a wider audience.
Independent Media & Digital News
Beyond social media and gaming, many Malaysians turn to independent media sites for entertainment and news. Platforms like Says.com and Cilisos offer humorous and relatable takes on trending topics. Additionally, 45% of Malaysians use social media as their primary source of news, preferring bite-sized updates to traditional newspapers. This shift to digital news is a key trend in 2025.
The Shift to Alternative News Platforms
With traditional media losing its influence, people trust independent news platforms more. They prefer content that feels less filtered and more relatable. This is why many younger Malaysians turn to social media influencers and independent blogs for their daily updates.
Summary of Key Trends Shaping Malaysia's Online Entertainment in 2025
Video content continues to dominate Malaysia’s digital entertainment scene. Streaming platforms now account for 44.7% of total TV viewing time as more Malaysians prefer on-demand content over traditional TV.
There’s also a growing demand for localized content. Platforms like Viu and DimSum thrive by offering regional shows and movies that resonate with Malaysian culture, gaining loyal followings.
AI-powered recommendations are transforming the way people discover content. Streaming and social media platforms use algorithms to personalize shows, music, and videos, keeping users engaged and delivering tailored experiences.
Esports and mobile gaming are becoming major industries in Malaysia. With growing prize pools and sponsorships, esports is now a viable career option, helping to cement Malaysia’s reputation as a regional hub for competitive gaming.
Digital-first entertainment is on the rise. More content is being created and consumed online, with short videos, live streaming, and social media driving this shift.
New technologies like virtual reality (VR) and the metaverse are starting to reshape entertainment. Though still in early stages, VR concerts and metaverse gaming hubs are becoming more mainstream, adding immersive experiences to the mix.
Final Thoughts
Malaysia’s entertainment scene is evolving rapidly. In 2025, streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+ Hotstar dominate, while TikTok leads in short-form content. Spotify remains the top choice for music streaming, and gaming—especially esports and mobile gaming—continues to thrive.
With personalized content, improved internet speeds, and growing digital engagement, Malaysians have an exciting and diverse range of online entertainment options at their fingertips. The future of entertainment is digital, and Malaysia is at the forefront of this transformation.