TikTok LIVE has emerged as a strategic platform for SEA creator economy, with 95 million active users in H1 2026 (50% YoY growth). Notably, 40 million new creators launched their first livestream, with one-third monetizing within 30 days. Beyond entertainment, TikTok is positioning LIVE as infrastructure for digital tourism and local commerce through cultural storytelling partnerships (Thailand's Talad Noi, Philippines' Ayala Museum, Indonesia's cultural initiatives). The platform's dual focus—supporting emerging micro/nano creators through the Creator Academy and monetization subsidies, alongside strategic partnerships with tourism boards—signals a shift from influencer-dependent models to sustainable community-driven ecosystems. Marketers and SMEs should recognize LIVE's evolution from feature to economic backbone.