Get alerts: Strive, Trump Media & Technology Group, JOYY, JOYY, and Sprout Social are the five Social Media stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeat’s stock screener tool. Social media stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business is operating social networking platforms or related services, with revenue typically driven by advertising, data monetization, and user engagement–based products. Investors treat them as growth-oriented but often volatile, with performance closely t ...

Core Insights - Malaysia is emerging as a focal point for global guilds in the Southeast Asian live streaming economy, with Bigo Live set to enter a growth phase in 2026, creating a "golden window" for MCN entrants due to favorable policies, user base, technological innovation, and monetization potential [1] Market Fundamentals - Malaysia boasts a high internet penetration rate of 97.7% and over 80% smartphone user ratio, with daily social media usage exceeding 3 hours, creating a large and active user base [3] - Bigo Live has over 40 million monthly active users in Malaysia, with a 7.9% growth in paying users, while top guilds only capture 30% of the traffic, leaving ample room for mid-tier guilds to differentiate [3] - The demographic structure, with a significant proportion of Gen Z and Millennials (68% of gamers aged 18-35), drives demand for interactive and culturally rich live content, particularly among the 23% of the Chinese population with a strong cultural identity [3] Platform Policies - Bigo Live's tiered revenue-sharing model, offering a base split of 60%-70%, significantly exceeds the 50% benchmark of domestic platforms, with potential bonuses of 5%-15% for meeting monthly targets and up to 85% during special events [4] - New guilds benefit from a three-month traffic protection period, with a 30% higher chance of being featured on local and global trending lists, and can unlock a 100,000 initial traffic pool by binding five or more hosts within seven days [4] Technological Empowerment - The application of AI technology in 2026 provides revolutionary solutions for cost reduction and efficiency enhancement, allowing guilds to create localized virtual IPs at a fraction of traditional costs [6] - AI-driven tools improve operational efficiency, increasing effective streaming hours from 4 to 6 and boosting reward income by 35%, while real-time translation supports 83 languages, enhancing user engagement [6] Monetization Innovations - Bigo Live is transitioning guilds from a single tipping model to a diversified ecosystem that includes live streaming, e-commerce, knowledge payment, and digital collectibles [7] - Collaborations with local e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada have led to significant sales, with some guilds achieving over one million in GMV per live session [7] - The introduction of AI-generated digital collectibles has opened new revenue streams, with some guilds earning over 500,000 annually from limited edition NFTs [7] Localization Opportunities - Emphasizing local culture is key for guilds to differentiate themselves, with Bigo Live allowing custom virtual gifts that reflect local themes, resulting in a 40% increase in gift income for specific cultural events [9] - Targeted content for various ethnic groups, such as Malay and Indian communities, has proven successful in attracting loyal audiences, demonstrating the effectiveness of a global platform with localized content [9] - The combination of market advantages, policy support, technological empowerment, and monetization innovation positions the Malaysian Bigo guild market as a unique opportunity for growth in 2026 [9]

Group 1 - Strive, Trump Media & Technology Group, and JOYY are identified as the three social media stocks to watch, with high trading volumes recently [2] - Social media stocks are characterized as growth-oriented but volatile, influenced by user engagement, advertising demand, and regulatory changes [2] - Strive (ASST) provides social media marketing and content delivery services, focusing on platforms like Discord and TikTok [3] - Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT) operates social media platforms including TRUTH Social and TMTG News, founded in March 2024 [3] - JOYY (YY) operates various video-based social platforms, including Bigo Live and Likee, offering interactive experiences and communication services [4]

Core Thesis - JOYY Inc. is viewed positively due to its strong cash position and capital return strategy, which includes dividends and share repurchases, providing downside protection for investors while awaiting valuation normalization [2][3]. Financial Performance - JOYY's share price was $63.19 as of December 17th, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 8.92 and 9.78 respectively [1]. - The company has guided for approximately $900 million in cumulative dividends and buybacks between 2025 and 2027, with a current quarterly dividend of $0.97, implying a yield of roughly 6% [3]. - JOYY holds $3.32 per share in cash as of Q3, indicating minimal leverage and liquidity risks [3]. Business Segments - Bigo Live is a significant revenue driver, generating $388 million in live-streaming revenue in Q3, accounting for over 70% of total revenue, primarily through virtual gifting [4]. - BIGO Ads has shown substantial growth, with ad revenue increasing by 29% year-over-year to $112.5 million, and BIGO Ads revenue rising 33% year-over-year to $103.9 million, including nearly 20% sequential growth [4]. Growth Catalysts - Near-term sentiment for JOYY could improve due to factors such as enhanced advertising growth, increased third-party demand, and further monetization of iOS [4]. - The company's core live-streaming business is mature, but recent earnings indicate accelerating momentum in its AdTech and SaaS initiatives, which are becoming increasingly important to the investment narrative [4]. Market Position - JOYY is trading at approximately 12.5x forward earnings, and sustained growth of over 20% in BIGO Ads could lead to a significant rerating alongside ongoing capital returns [4].

Core Insights - JOYY Inc. reported Q3 2025 revenue of $540 million, a 6.4% increase quarter-over-quarter, driven by growth in live streaming and advertising [2][4] - The company achieved a net profit of $41 million, reflecting a robust growth trend in its financial performance [4][5] Revenue Breakdown - Live streaming revenue reached $388 million, marking a 3.5% quarter-over-quarter increase, continuing its growth for two consecutive quarters [4][6] - Advertising revenue grew by 29.2% year-over-year, increasing the non-live revenue share to 28.1% of total revenue [4][5] Profitability Metrics - Non-GAAP operating profit was $41 million, a 16.6% year-over-year increase and a 6.1% quarter-over-quarter increase [5] - EBITDA stood at $51 million, reflecting a 16.8% year-over-year growth and a 4.9% quarter-over-quarter increase [5] Cash Flow and Financial Health - Operating cash flow for the quarter was $73 million, with net cash reaching $3.32 billion as of September 30 [5] - The company has a share buyback and dividend plan totaling approximately $900 million for 2025-2027, with $237 million completed from January 1 to November 14 this year [5] AI-Driven Growth - AI technologies have become a significant growth driver, enhancing both live streaming and advertising operations [6] - In live streaming, AI-driven content recommendation algorithms improved average viewing time by 3.4% quarter-over-quarter, and AI-generated interactive gifts accounted for 25% of virtual gift consumption in October [6] - In advertising, the application of AI has led to a 30% quarter-over-quarter increase in core advertiser budgets, with significant growth in revenue from North America (22% increase) and Western Europe (41% increase) [6] Strategic Outlook - The CEO emphasized the commitment to building a diversified growth engine and enhancing the company's global presence, aiming for long-term value creation for shareholders [6]

Core Insights - JOYY Inc. reported Q3 2025 revenue of $540 million, a 6.4% increase quarter-over-quarter, with live streaming revenue at $388 million, up 3.5% [1] - Advertising revenue grew by 29.2% year-over-year, increasing the non-live revenue share to 28.1% of total revenue [1] - BIGO Ads revenue reached $104 million, marking a 33.1% year-over-year and 19.7% quarter-over-quarter growth [1] Financial Performance - Non-GAAP operating profit for Q3 was $41 million, a 16.6% year-over-year and 6.1% quarter-over-quarter increase [1] - EBITDA for the quarter was $51 million, reflecting a 16.8% year-over-year and 4.9% quarter-over-quarter growth [1] - Monthly active users (MAU) for global social products reached 266 million, a 1.4% increase quarter-over-quarter [1] Business Strategy - JOYY implemented various initiatives in Q3 to optimize the Bigo Live platform, including enhancing the anchor incentive mechanism and leveraging AI technology for content production [2] - The management indicated a clear path for positive revenue growth for the year, with stable recovery in live streaming and strong growth potential in advertising [2] - AI technology is being integrated into Bigo Live for content distribution and user experience, improving user engagement metrics [2] Advertising Growth - BIGO Ads has seen accelerated revenue growth for three consecutive quarters, driven by increased traffic, product innovation, and algorithm efficiency [3] - The platform upgraded its IAA D7 ROAS smart bidding product, enhancing advertising effectiveness and efficiency [3] - Core advertisers increased their budgets by 30% quarter-over-quarter, with a 17% increase in the number of core advertisers [3] Future Outlook - For 2026, BIGO Ads plans to focus on expanding traffic scale, increasing advertising budgets, optimizing data systems, and regional market expansion [4]

Core Viewpoint - JOYY Inc. reported a steady recovery in its livestreaming revenue and significant growth in its advertising business for the third quarter of 2025, indicating a positive trajectory for the company's overall performance and shareholder returns [4][5][11]. Financial Highlights - JOYY's total revenue for Q3 2025 was US$540 million, a 6.4% increase from US$508 million in Q2 2025 [5][6]. - Livestreaming revenue reached US$388 million, up 3.5% from US$375 million in Q2 2025, marking two consecutive quarters of growth [2][5]. - Advertising revenue from BIGO Ads was US$104 million, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 33.1% and a quarter-over-quarter increase of 19.7% [11][12]. - Non-GAAP operating income increased to US$41 million, a 16.6% year-over-year rise [2][6]. - JOYY's net cash as of September 30, 2025, was US$3.32 billion, supporting ongoing shareholder returns [2][6]. Business Highlights Livestreaming Business - JOYY's global average mobile MAUs reached 266 million, a 1.4% increase quarter-over-quarter [7]. - BIGO Live's revenue was US$368 million, maintaining a sequential growth trend [7][8]. - The average streaming hours for newly signed streamers increased by 3.5% quarter-over-quarter, indicating improved engagement [9][10]. Advertising Business - BIGO Ads achieved significant growth, with daily gross revenue reaching new heights and total spending from key cohorts increasing by 30% quarter-over-quarter [12][13]. - Revenue in North America grew by 22% quarter-over-quarter, while Western Europe saw a 41% increase, indicating strong market penetration [14].

Financial Highlights - Net revenues for Q3 2025 were US$540.2 million, a decrease from US$558.7 million in Q3 2024, but an increase of 6.4% from US$507.8 million in Q2 2025 [5][9] - Live streaming revenues were US$388.5 million, down from US$439.5 million in Q3 2024, but up 3.5% from US$375.4 million in Q2 2025 [11] - Advertising revenues increased by 29.2% to US$112.5 million from US$87.1 million in Q3 2024, and by 17.1% from US$96.1 million in Q2 2025 [12] - Other revenues rose by 22.3% to US$39.2 million from US$32.1 million in Q3 2024, and by 8.3% from US$36.2 million in Q2 2025 [13] - Operating income was US$19.6 million, up 19.1% from US$16.4 million in Q3 2024 and up 237.3% from US$5.8 million in Q2 2025 [17] - Non-GAAP EBITDA was US$50.6 million, an increase of 16.8% from US$43.3 million in Q3 2024 and up 4.9% from US$48.2 million in Q2 2025 [19] - Net income from continuing operations attributable to controlling interest was US$62.0 million, a 2.3% increase from US$60.6 million in Q3 2024 [20] - Net cash as of September 30, 2025, was US$3,320.9 million, compared to US$3,275.9 million as of December 31, 2024 [23] Business Highlights - Global average mobile MAUs reached 266.2 million in Q3 2025, down from 272.4 million in Q3 2024, but up 1.4% from 262.5 million in Q2 2025 [5] - Live streaming revenues from BIGO were US$367.7 million, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous quarter [11] - Total paying users of BIGO rose by 0.8% quarter-over-quarter to 1.50 million, with ARPPU increasing by 3.4% to US$222.6 [5] - The company implemented AI-powered improvements in content distribution and payment experiences, enhancing user interactions and viewing times [6] - BIGO Ads achieved approximately 33.1% year-over-year and 19.7% quarter-over-quarter revenue growth, driven by traffic expansion and algorithm optimization [8][10] Outlook and Shareholder Returns - For Q4 2025, the company expects net revenues to be between US$563 million and US$578 million [25] - The company distributed US$147.9 million in cash dividends and repurchased US$88.6 million worth of shares from January 1, 2025, to November 14, 2025 [8] - A quarterly dividend of US$0.97 per ADS has been declared for Q4 2025, expected to be paid on January 13, 2026 [28][29]

Core Insights - The article discusses the emerging opportunities in the Middle Eastern social entertainment market, particularly in Iraq, which has seen significant growth post-conflict, with a 76.8% increase in revenue for entertainment applications in 2023 [6][10][24]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The Middle Eastern social entertainment market is transitioning, with fewer new entrants and a concentration of power among leading players, creating a significant barrier to entry for smaller companies [9][15]. - The market has evolved from a "blue ocean" to a "battlefield," with a rapid return to a more stable growth phase, indicating a shift in investment strategies and user acquisition costs [15][17]. - The competitive landscape is characterized by high user acquisition costs, which have increased from around $1 per user in 2017 to over $5 in 2022 [17][19]. Group 2: User Behavior and Preferences - The young population in Iraq, with a median age of 20, presents a unique opportunity for social media and entertainment platforms, despite a relatively low penetration rate of 70% [6][10]. - Users are becoming more discerning, with a growing demand for quality and localized content, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior towards more sophisticated and culturally relevant offerings [25][27]. - The rise of "stranger socializing" platforms has filled a gap in the market, catering to the social needs of users in a region with traditional cultural constraints [24][25]. Group 3: Strategic Approaches - Companies are increasingly focusing on localized services and community engagement to build stronger connections with users, which is essential for long-term success in the region [21][27]. - The article highlights the importance of understanding local culture and consumer behavior, as companies that invest in local teams and insights are better positioned to succeed [21][27]. - Innovative product features and community-driven content are becoming critical for retaining users and driving engagement, as seen with platforms like SUGO and TopTop [36][41]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The potential for growth in "five-ring" markets outside the Gulf states is significant, with emerging consumer bases in countries like Iraq and Egypt showing high demand for entertainment and social interaction [34][36]. - Companies that can adapt to the changing landscape and meet the evolving needs of users will likely thrive, as the market continues to mature and diversify [39][41]. - The focus on sustainable growth and long-term strategies will differentiate successful players from those relying on short-term gains through aggressive marketing [23][41].

Core Viewpoint - The Indian government's ban on 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok and WeChat, could lead to potential losses of up to $10 billion for the affected companies, with ByteDance estimated to lose around $6 billion [4][5][6]. Group 1: Impact of the Ban - The ban primarily affects apps developed by Chinese companies or those registered by Chinese nationals abroad, with TikTok being the most significant casualty due to its large user base in India [4][6]. - TikTok had over 100 million daily active users in India before the ban, making it the largest market for the app [6][8]. - The ban's execution is uncertain, with speculation on how it will be implemented, including potential removal from app stores and blocking by internet service providers [18][19]. Group 2: Market Context - The Indian market has been a focal point for Chinese internet companies since 2014, driven by its growth potential [20][21]. - Chinese companies have heavily invested in Indian tech startups, with 18 out of 30 unicorns having Chinese backing, amounting to over $3.5 billion [21]. - Despite the large user base, many Chinese companies face challenges in monetizing their services in India, which could limit the immediate financial impact of the ban [21]. Group 3: Historical Context and Signals - The ban follows a series of tensions between India and China, including border conflicts and public sentiment against Chinese products [16][17]. - Prior to the ban, there were indications of a growing backlash against Chinese apps, including a significant drop in TikTok's ratings on the Google Play Store [17][18]. - The Indian government has previously suggested banning TikTok due to concerns over content and security, indicating a long-standing scrutiny of Chinese apps [7][8]. Group 4: Broader Implications - The ban may not only impact internet companies but could also extend to Chinese electronics manufacturers operating in India, potentially affecting major players like Huawei and ZTE [24][25]. - The Indian government's actions reflect a broader trend of decoupling from China, which could have lasting effects on trade and investment between the two countries [24][25]. - The situation highlights the complexities of operating in international markets, where geopolitical factors increasingly influence business operations [24][26].