New Report Finds Facebook and TikTok are Key News Sources

09/25/25
Source: Social Media Today – Latest News by Andrew Hutchinson. Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of How Social Media is Shaping News Consumption in 2024

Social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are increasingly central to how people get their news. Facebook and YouTube remain top sources, but TikTok and Instagram are rapidly growing, especially among younger audiences. Concerns about misinformation and AI-generated content persist, particularly on Facebook. Overall, over half of U.S. adults rely on social media for at least some news updates, highlighting social media’s powerful role in shaping public opinion.

Optimixed’s Overview: Emerging Trends and Challenges in Social Media News Consumption

Current Landscape of Social Media as a News Source

Recent research highlights how social media has become a dominant channel for news dissemination. Platforms such as Facebook and YouTube continue to lead in user engagement for news updates, with 38% and 36% of U.S. adults respectively using them regularly. Meanwhile, TikTok and Instagram are quickly gaining traction, especially among younger demographics, both at 20% usage rates for news.

Shifts in Platform Popularity and User Behavior

  • Facebook’s Role: Despite challenges related to misinformation and a decline in third-party fact-checking, Facebook remains the most used platform worldwide and a key news source.
  • TikTok and Instagram Growth: These platforms are becoming vital for younger users to access news, indicating a shift in where future audiences will primarily consume information.
  • Decline of X (formerly Twitter): The platform’s news value has diminished following ownership changes, affecting its influence as a news source.

Concerns and Implications

The rise of social media as a news source brings concerns about the spread of misinformation, especially with AI-generated content on platforms like Facebook. Additionally, TikTok’s growing influence raises geopolitical and security considerations due to its Chinese ownership and potential for foreign government influence.

Impact on Political Communication

Politicians increasingly use platforms like TikTok to engage voters, reflecting the app’s growing importance in political messaging and public opinion formation. This trend underscores social media’s powerful role in shaping political landscapes and election outcomes.