Sophie Blake
For the first time, more Americans now get their news from social media than from television, marking a watershed moment in global media consumption. According to the 2025 Digital News Report by the Reuters Institute, 54% of U.S. adults rely on social and video platforms for news, overtaking TV (50%) and traditional news websites or apps (48%).
This shift underscores a broader transformation in how people engage with journalism, particularly in politically polarized nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, and France. The findings suggest a significant generational and ideological gap, as younger, right-leaning, and low-trust users increasingly turn to decentralized and personality-driven content ecosystems outside mainstream media.
The growing dominance of social media as a primary news channel comes amid the rise of online influencers, podcasters, and content creators who often bypass traditional journalistic scrutiny. In the U.S., a notable 22% of respondents encountered political commentary from podcaster Joe Rogan in the week following President Trump’s re-inauguration. In France and parts of Asia, figures like YouTuber Hugo Travers and TikTok influencers reach substantial segments of under-35s.
Video has become a preferred format, with 72% of Americans now consuming online news videos weekly—up from 55% in 2021. Globally, social video use for news jumped to 65% in 2025, further driving the shift away from written content. TikTok, in particular, has surged, reaching nearly half of all online users in Thailand for news consumption. At the same time, it is also among the platforms most associated with misinformation.
The smartphone has cemented its place as the central device for news access—57% of Americans under 35 say it’s the first place they check each morning. Podcasts are also playing an increasingly significant role, particularly among younger, educated audiences. In the U.S., 15% reported listening to at least one news podcast per week, with many of these now distributed in video form on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
However, the line between journalism and entertainment continues to blur. These personality-led formats often emphasize commentary over verified reporting, which can contribute to the spread of misinformation and undermine public trust in fact-based journalism.
Despite the flood of content, traditional news institutions are seeing falling engagement and stagnating digital subscriptions. The report reveals that just 18% of people across wealthier nations pay for online news, with only modest gains in markets like the U.S. (20%). Meanwhile, trust in the news has stabilized globally at 40%—four points below the peak during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Across all surveyed countries, 58% of respondents said they are concerned about their ability to distinguish between true and false information online. Influencers and politicians were identified as the most likely sources of misinformation, especially in regions like the U.S., Eastern Europe, and parts of Africa.
This year’s report also explores how artificial intelligence is beginning to shape news delivery. While still in its early stages—with just 7% of respondents globally using AI platforms like chatbots for news—adoption is notably higher (15%) among people under 25. Publishers are increasingly exploring AI tools for content summarization, translation, and recommendation, though public attitudes toward AI in journalism remain cautious.
Audiences appreciate the potential for AI to improve accessibility and personalisation, but express concerns about transparency, accuracy, and editorial integrity. Human oversight remains a key expectation, particularly as synthetic content continues to flood online spaces.
The divide between institutional journalism and influencer-led media continues to widen, reinforcing political and ideological silos. In the United States, this is reflected in polarized attitudes toward content moderation, with conservatives favoring fewer restrictions and progressives calling for stricter oversight.
While social platforms dominate the news landscape, public reliance on trusted brands—particularly when verifying questionable content—remains intact. Yet, the reality is clear: the battle for attention and trust is now playing out on smartphones, in video clips, and across algorithm-driven feeds.
The 2025 Digital News Report, covering 48 countries and six continents, paints a stark picture of a media world in flux. As traditional outlets grapple with declining influence, the future of news may be shaped less by institutions and more by creators, algorithms, and evolving consumer habits.
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