Gone are the days of traditional ideals owning the media zeitgeist. With the emergence of new ideas comes the technological age of widespread media. More and more people are finding new forms of media development such as virtual reality (VR), robot journalism, social outreach apps, and 5G networks enthralling. When the out-with-the-old approach to media becomes mainstream, it may be time to look towards new media tech startups for guidance on what the future holds.

With media technology continuously evolving and reaching new levels, it has a positive effect on those that consume their media in digital ways. A study published in Taylor & Francis Online found that new media can actually lead to less fear surrounding any given crisis because of the instantaneous methods of reporting. 

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Not all digital media is the same, though, and some companies are surpassing expectations when it comes to showing the world what tech media is capable of achieving. In particular, the following four companies are the best of the best when it comes to media tech in Southeast Asia. 

ITTIFY, Malaysia

A new digital media company, ITTIFY, is closing the gap between companies, content creators and influencers. Many companies rely on people with high social media influence to help market and brand their products. They can often drive business by simply endorsing items on their social media account. A 2018 report found that between 60% to 80% of consumers used social media to gather information about products and services.

With a high number of people using their online accounts for consumerism, it’s no wonder that a company such as ITTIFY would be highly regarded as part of the big picture when it comes to consumers and businesses developing lasting relationships.  

Partipost, Singapore 

Internet marketing is another form of media that companies and their consumers heavily rely on as a source of information. As already mentioned, people use social media as a means to consume different things. Partipost uses a similar model, encouraging influencers to post about the brands they love. By sharing reviews, they help brands to develop a strong online presence while sustainably creating the opportunity for new clients and customers. 

Partipost does things a little differently, however. Instead of companies reaching out to new clients, wannabe-influencers can pick and choose the campaigns they want to be a part of and get paid for their promotion work. 

Adzymic, Singapore

Another Singaporean company, Adzymic, is a content-based media-tech startup that works directly with advertisers, publishers, and agencies to help turn their traditional advertising campaigns into engaging and digestible content. Its management platform makes assisting in the creation and targeting of new advertisements so simple that anyone can do it. Adzymic recently partnered with Allegiant Media in Australia to help them to expand into different markets and sharpen sales.

Then when the content is ready, Adzymic’s generated tags distribute the advertisements to the best platforms or publishers for the specific audience and provide optimisation to ensure the ads hit the target. 

Kofera, Indonesia

Many media creators rely on a pay-per-click scale. The more traffic their site has, the higher the payout. Kofera capitalised on the PPC model by enhancing the algorithm through automated machine learning. They take on clients who wish to have their marketing campaigns organised, efficient, and across multiple platforms.

Useful for everyone from small businesses to large agencies, Kofera makes creating, managing and optimising advertising campaigns simple.

Editor’s note: the brand seems to have been purchased by Volantis Indonesia, as their website redirects to the Volantis website.

Tech disruptions in the media industry

The tech-driven future that many people have only dreamt about is happening now. The companies at the forefront of media tech in Southeast Asia are creating new technologies to develop audiences, expand the reach, and enhance the consumer-facing relationships that commerce relies on to succeed. 

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Social media influencers have become an essential part of the sales package for many retailers, while digital PR and marketing has begun to rely heavily on reach and engagement. People are jaded with overt advertising and are looking for authentic stories and real-life scenarios. Media tech startups deliver tailored campaigns and promotions through social platforms.

Traditional media has been on its last legs for the past decade because of the hyper-speed ramp-up of new technologies driven by the consumer. Most people watch TV shows on streaming platforms allowing them to dictate their own speed of consumption. Newspapers and magazines have moved predominantly online while social media and forums have become “latest news” sources. 

Social media marketing is incredibly influential, particularly when targeted towards the lucrative millennial market, with up-and-coming startups knowing how much value lies in being able to carry, maintain, and influence an online audience. As media tech in Southeast Asia evolves, driven by a handful of impressive disruptors,  the use of smart applications and innovative tech is likely to continue to change how we stay informed and digest the happenings of the world.