TikTok has overtaken its social media rivals as the leading platform for news among young Americans, according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center. The survey, released this week, found that 43% of U.S. adults aged 18 to 29 said they regularly get news from TikTok in 2025, surpassing YouTube and Facebook, both at 41%. Instagram followed closely at 40%, while X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit trailed at 21% and 18%, respectively.
Social media overall remains the dominant news source for this age group. Sixty-seven percent of respondents said they often or sometimes rely on social media for news. Sixty percent rely on traditional news websites. Twenty-eight percent rely on email newsletters.
Despite skepticism around social media, roughly half of young adults expressed some or a lot of trust in news delivered through these platforms, a figure comparable to their trust in national news organizations.
TikTok’s rise as a news source has been swift. Just two years ago, only 32% of respondents identified the platform as a regular source of news. Experts note that news consumption on TikTok often extends beyond traditional outlets. Users frequently view videos from independent creators or other users providing on-the-ground coverage of events, ranging from protests to conflict zones.
This trend has fueled a growing cohort of independent news influencers. They are building sizable followings by reporting on current events in short, digestible video formats.
Professional news organizations are also adapting to the platform’s style. NPR’s Planet Money, for example, has focused videos around individual reporters and creators, leveraging personal storytelling to build trust with audiences. Gen Z users, according to reporting by Business Insider, are drawn to creators who deliver news in relatable and authentic ways, rather than through traditional broadcast formats.
Social media creators and podcasters are increasingly involved in news gathering, as well. In 2025, politicians and government agencies have leaned on these formats to reach younger audiences. Independent creators even applied for access to White House press briefings.
Major party conventions saw significant participation from these digital journalists.
TikTok has rolled out features to support news content. These include links to full articles within videos. The platform also offers a fact-checking tool called Footnotes.
The platform also works with independent fact-checkers in over 130 markets to verify content, according to its website.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
