According to a news survey from the Pew Research Centre, 43% of Americans aged 18 to 29 now receive news on TikTok, ahead of 41% on YouTube, 41% on Facebook, and 40% on Instagram. The results show that TikTok has emerged as the top social news platform for that age group, according to Pew. A fast-growing outlet for news for Americans.
TikTok has gone from an entertainment app to a potent news source. Previously, there existed viral dances and lifestyle trends, but now it has grown into a place where breaking news, political news, social movements and local stories reach millions of users each day. For more and more Americans, it is no longer an option.
Why scrolling news on TikTok is becoming a primary information source for many Americans:
It’s just included in their daily news diet. Now, it has become a major source of primary news for Americans today, due to its short video format. In the USA, people are increasingly turning to short, clear videos rather than lengthy articles. TikTok creators are able to break down complex topics, like elections, changes in the economy, public safety warnings or global conflicts, into short videos which can easily be grasped.
The news is thus accessible, particularly to younger generations who are fond of consuming information via mobile devices. Independent journalists and experts, and first-hand account holders, also increase significantly on the platform. A handful of reporters and analysts and astute creators are posting real-time updates, explainers and firsthand accounts from TikTok. For Americans, it feels real and immediate in a way that a traditional news site may not always.
The more the events play out using direct video, the stronger they are, and so the trust tends to be increased. The algorithm of news on TikTok is also vital to shaping news consumption trends in the USA. Unlike traditional media, which requires users to search for news, it presents people with relevant material according to their interests and activity straight to their feed.
That means Americans are exposed to what are generally “important” news stories frequently, even if they haven’t been hunting them out by name. Local news, weather news, public health notifications and social change can move rapidly into communities in this manner. TikTok also asks for chat and engagement.
Users can also comment, stitch, duet or share news-related videos, allowing for active discussion about current events. This approach features an interactive element that turns news into a social experience rather than a one-way street broadcast. For a great many Americans, then, reading makes learning seem more engaging and community-based.
The platform has taken the highest level of importance in times of political significance for the U.S., like elections, protests, natural disasters, and economic changes. At such times, more and more TikTok posts update quicker than regular websites: instant context, reactions and updates are delivered by creators.
This velocity is making TikTok a destination for news in real time. But the increasing prominence of TikTok as a news channel also poses challenges. But the risks of misinformation and uncorroborated material are still real. Numerous creators have found themselves increasingly focused on finding credible sources, fact-checking information and promoting media literacy among followers.
Americans are becoming more selective and also better at following up on the voices of trustworthy creators and double-checking their material. Even with those headwinds, TikTok is exerting influence over U.S. news consumption. Its speed and accessibility, and visual storytelling and engagement, are in line with how people nowadays learn and think.
Poland was urging the European Commission this week to investigate the platform after AI-generated videos appeared calling for the country to leave the European Union, helping intensify broader scrutiny of TikTok’s role in political communication. In summary, TikTok is changing how Americans consume news by changing the information format. With the fast-progressing nature of popular digital media, TikTok will have a much larger role in informing, educating, and reaching millions of Americans.
