Rakuten Viber has launched Viber Marketplace in the Philippines, a new feature within the app that helps users discover and connect with thousands of local businesses offering products and services—from beauty salons and health services to restaurants, shopping, and more.
Replacing the former “Explore” tab, Viber Marketplace allows users to browse businesses by category, search for specific sellers, or view nearby businesses based on location. Users can explore business profiles, view product catalogs, and message owners directly without sharing personal phone numbers, making interactions simple, secure, and seamless.
“Viber’s mission as a super app is to empower both users and businesses,” said Ritesh Shah, GM of FinTech and VP of Business Solutions at Rakuten Viber. “Our goal is to help local businesses reach their customers more effectively while making it easier for people to find and connect with the businesses they need.”
Viber Marketplace also strengthens communities by supporting local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which saw a surge during the pandemic. A 2022 survey by Manulife found that 41% of Filipinos had started a business, and 65% began buying from small businesses. Despite this growth, many small businesses struggle to get noticed online—56% find it hard to be seen, and 60% struggle to attract new customers. Viber Marketplace aims to solve this challenge by improving visibility and customer engagement.
Complementing the Marketplace launch is Viber Business Plus, a premium subscription for small businesses to boost their reach and visibility. Business Plus offers higher search rankings, up to 30% more reach on the Marketplace, and premium tools such as live chat support, voice-to-text transcription, and the ability to edit or delete messages without leaving a trace.
“Digital technology has already broken down many barriers for MSMEs,” said Joey Concepcion, founder of Go Negosyo. “Partnering with Viber as our official communication app strengthens access to markets, mentoring, and opportunities for small businesses across the Philippines.”
For users and entrepreneurs alike, Viber provides a dynamic platform to connect, shop locally, and grow businesses. Discover local sellers on Viber Marketplace and increase your business visibility with Viber Business Plus.