Social Media Dominates as Primary News Outlet in the US
In a notable shift, social media and video platforms have overtaken traditional television as the main source of news for Americans. Recent findings reveal that 54% of Americans now rely on platforms like YouTube, X, and other social media to follow current events, surpassing the 50% who turn to TV and the 48% who use news websites or apps.
Influencers and Personalities Reshape News Consumption
The rise of personality-driven news is accelerating. Online influencers and podcasters have become powerful news conduits, often eclipsing traditional journalists. In fact, one popular podcaster reached nearly 22% of Americans with political commentary during the study period. Politicians, too, are increasingly turning to influencer-hosted platforms for interviews, bypassing mainstream media outlets to reach their audience directly.
Concerns Over Misinformation from Influencers and Politicians
Alongside this shift comes growing apprehension about the spread of false or misleading content. Globally, almost 47% of respondents identified influencers and online personalities as major sources of misinformation, with politicians equally implicated. This trend highlights the challenges of navigating a media landscape shaped by unregulated sources.
Political Realignment on X After Ownership Change
The social platform X has undergone a noticeable political transformation since its acquisition in 2022. The influx of right-leaning users, particularly young men, has tripled in the US, while progressive voices have decreased their presence. A similar pattern is observed in the UK, where right-leaning users on X nearly doubled. Alternative social networks like Threads and Mastodon have yet to gain significant traction for news consumption, maintaining less than 2% global reach.
TikTok and AI Chatbots: New Frontiers in News Access
Among emerging platforms, TikTok stands out as the fastest-growing news source, now reaching 17% of the global population—an increase of 4 percentage points from last year. Simultaneously, AI chatbots are becoming more prevalent, especially among those under 25, who use them at twice the rate of the general public for news purposes. Yet, despite these technological advances, many users remain wary of AI's potential impact on journalistic integrity, fearing reduced accuracy and transparency.
The Enduring Value of Trusted News Brands
Despite evolving consumption habits, trusted news organizations with established reputations for accuracy continue to hold strong appeal across all age groups—even if their daily usage has declined. This underscores a persistent demand for reliable information amid an ever-changing media environment.
About the Study
This comprehensive analysis comes from the 2025 Digital News Report, now in its 14th edition. It encompasses insights from nearly 100,000 respondents across 48 countries, making it one of the most expansive surveys of global news consumption patterns to date.
