TikTok Takes the Lead in News for US Young Adults
New research from the Pew Research Center reveals that TikTok has become the leading source of news among Americans aged 18 to 29. This shift places the platform ahead of YouTube and Instagram, both of which previously dominated news consumption in 2024.
Fresh data shows that 43 percent of young adults regularly get news from TikTok in 2025. Another 41 percent turn to YouTube and Facebook, while 40 percent rely on Instagram. Additional findings indicate that 21 percent use X and 18 percent look to Reddit for their news updates.
Social media stands as the primary place where young adults encounter news, with 76 percent saying they often or sometimes get news from these platforms. Another comparison shows that 60 percent use news websites and only 28 percent depend on email newsletters.
Half of those surveyed say they hold some or a lot of trust in social media as a source of news. That level of confidence mirrors their trust in national news organizations.
Rapid growth has defined TikTok’s rise as a news source, given that just 32 percent of young adults reported using it for regular news consumption in 2023.
The Influence of Creators on TikTok News Consumption
News consumption on TikTok often comes through influencer commentary and user generated videos rather than posts from traditional outlets. Many users count raw footage from major events such as protests or conflict zones as news content on the platform.
A surge of independent news influencers including Philip DeFranco and @underthedesknews by Vitus V Spehar has reshaped how younger audiences follow current events. These creators deliver information in a tone that many viewers consider more relatable and authentic.
Some established media brands like NPR Planet Money have embraced creator style content to better connect with younger audiences. Many Gen Z users told Business Insider that they prefer news presented in formats that feel direct and personal.
Growing involvement from social media creators and podcasters has expanded their role in news gathering and political coverage in recent months. Significant creator participation appeared at last year’s Democratic and Republican national conventions, signaling a shift in who reports from major moments.
Increasing numbers of independent creators have applied for White House press access for 2025, pointing to their growing presence in modern news ecosystems.
TikTok has also introduced new features aimed at improving its news ecosystem, offering publishers the ability to link to articles within videos and providing a fact checking tool called Notes. Additional partnerships with independent fact checkers now span more than 130 markets worldwide.
