5 Things We Learned at YouTube’s Accelerator Event

CULTURE

5 Things We Learned at YouTube’s Accelerator Event

Written by Michi Ancheta

Updated Aug 28, 2025, 11:55:56 AM

Google’s Sapna Chadha gave us the receipts: YouTube Shopping in the Philippines is blowing up, and it’s only getting started.

At YouTube’s recent Accelerator Event, the spotlight was firmly on the Philippines. The gathering highlighted not only the platform’s growth but also the creativity and influence of Filipino content creators. From cultural impact to the rise of video commerce, here are five insights that stood out.

1. The Philippines is a YouTube superstar.

With 650 channels crossing the 1 million subscriber mark in the past year, the Philippines has emerged as one of YouTube’s fastest-growing creator communities. This growth shows just how vibrant and influential Filipino creators have become.

2. Everyone’s on YouTube

Nine out of ten Filipinos use YouTube, making it the most widely used video platform in Southeast Asia. It connects with over 93% of the online population aged 18+, making it the most effective platform for both creators and brands.

3. Long-format videos are alive and kicking

Shorts often serve as the discovery point, but Filipinos are watching 20, 40, even 60 minutes of content when it resonates. This proves that meaningful storytelling thrives on YouTube despite the myths about shrinking attention spans.

4. Trust is YouTube’s secret sauce

Filipino users are 98% more likely to trust YouTube creators than any other platform. That trust now translates directly into purchase decisions, making YouTube the epicenter of content-driven commerce.

5. Shopee is spicing things up

In just two months since launch, more than 20% of eligible Filipino creators are already earning through YouTube Shopping. The joint initiative with Shopee has led to over 550,000 products tagged across 240,000 videos. With features like Stickers on Shorts, Timestamps, and a Chrome Extension that pulls products directly from Shopee, the partnership is shaping the future of video commerce.

So many exciting insights came out of the Accelerator Event — from how creators are reshaping culture and community to how Shopee is helping turn creativity into real opportunities. It’s clear there’s so much more ahead for content-driven commerce in the Philippines, and we're here for it.