Vietnamese social networks are no longer just platforms for connectivity and information sharing. They are increasingly gaining a foothold by creating unique values tailored to domestic user needs.

According to the Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information Authority, under the Ministry of Information and Communications, as of November 15, 2024, Vietnam has issued 1,056 licenses for social network establishment, with 40 new licenses granted in 2024 alone.

Statistics show that approximately 110 million accounts belong to Vietnamese users on domestic social networks. The Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information Authority has recognized notable efforts and breakthroughs made by some domestic platforms in the past year.

The growth of Vietnamese social networks has been showing positive signs, with these platforms establishing strong positions and pursuing unique strategies to expand their domestic user base.

For example, as of June 30, 2024, Zalo had 76.5 million monthly active users, surpassing the number of domestic registrations on three major global platforms: Facebook (72 million users), YouTube (63 million), and TikTok (67 million).

A noteworthy new player in Vietnam’s social networking scene is YooLife, one of the rare domestic platforms to enter the top 10 most downloaded social media apps on Apple’s App Store.

YooLife also ranked fourth in the list of most popular free apps on Google Play in November 2024.

Vietnamese social networks redefine engagement

YooLife's appeal lies in its application of 360-degree virtual reality (VR360) technology to vividly recreate Vietnam’s cultural and historical values.

One of its most notable projects was the VR360 virtualization of the Vietnam Military History Museum, launched in early November 2024. This initiative attracted millions of online visits and received widespread positive feedback from the community.

Following this success, in December 2024, YooLife introduced a new project simulating the combat and development journey of the Vietnam People's Army.

The project takes viewers back in time, from the formation of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army, the predecessor of the Vietnam People's Army.

By integrating modern technology with visuals, narration, and music, YooLife successfully recreated historical spaces, resonating emotionally with users, particularly the younger generation.

Zalo, on the other hand, has taken a different approach by actively participating in the digital transformation of public administrative services. This has been achieved through two key models: Zalo Mini App and Zalo Official Account (Zalo OA).

By the end of 2024, over 17,200 government agencies, from central to local levels, had adopted Zalo OA to communicate with citizens. As a two-way interactive solution, Zalo OA allows citizens to receive official information from government agencies and promptly report pressing issues.

For state agencies, Zalo OA facilitates quick information dissemination and enhances public feedback collection.

This platform is regarded as a crucial communication bridge between local governments and citizens, garnering tens of millions of followers.

According to the Department of Grassroots Information (Ministry of Information and Communications), as of late 2024, 4,024 communes, wards, and townships nationwide had established Zalo OA information pages, accounting for 40% of all administrative units.

The department aims for 100% of communes, wards, and townships to have Zalo OA information pages by the end of 2025.

Zalo Mini App, a micro-application integrated into Zalo, enables government agencies, organizations, and localities to provide services and utilities to citizens through the social network.

By the end of 2024, over 460 mini-apps had been integrated into Zalo, serving millions of users.

Through its distinct approach, Zalo is gradually becoming a platform for digital transformation solutions, bridging citizens with central and local governments.

This strategy has embedded the social network firmly into users' daily routines.

Vietnamese social networks are increasingly asserting their position through unique and innovative approaches.

While YooLife focuses on leveraging modern technology to promote Vietnam’s cultural and historical values, Zalo aims to be a crucial connector between citizens and the government in the national digital transformation process.

These early successes indicate the significant potential of Vietnamese social networks, paving the way for domestic platforms to compete more effectively with international social media giants.

Trong Dat