Sep
A newly released report from Pew Research reveals a compelling shift in how Americans consume news: social media platforms are now central to the information diet for many. While Facebook and YouTube continue to dominate, TikTok and Instagram are rapidly climbing in importance as news sources.
Key Findings: Platform Shares & Trends
According to Pew’s latest data:
- 38% of U.S. adults say they regularly get news from Facebook, and 36% say the same about YouTube.
- Meanwhile, 20% of Americans now regularly use TikTok and 20% use Instagram for news.
- Among those who use each app, many view it as a go-to source for updates: for example, about 55% of TikTok users say they regularly get news on the app.
- Overall, roughly 53% of U.S. adults get some news from social media (whether regularly or sometimes), a share that has remained fairly stable.
One of the clearer trends is generational. Younger audiences are much more likely to rely on TikTok and Instagram for news, whereas older adults still favor Facebook and YouTube.
Why This Shift Matters ?
- Algorithmic gatekeeping becomes even more powerful
As people pivot to social platforms for news, what they see is increasingly shaped by algorithms, not editorial choice. This gives platforms—and those who understand them—outsized influence over information flow. - News consumption habits are fragmenting
That you might hear one story from Facebook, a different angle on YouTube, and another via TikTok shows how users are collecting bits of information from scattered sources rather than relying on a few authoritative outlets. - Opportunities for content creators & news publishers
If you’re producing news, commentary, or journalistic content, you need to meet audiences where they already are — meaning on social. But the formats, tone, and pacing that work on TikTok differ from those on Facebook or YouTube. - Risks of misinformation and echo chambers
As with any platform relying heavily on algorithmic recommendation, there’s a higher risk of reinforcing existing beliefs or promoting sensational content. Fact-checking and credibility become more critical than ever.
What This Means for Brands & Marketers
- Content diversification: Don’t assume one social platform covers all your audience. A news snippet or branded content might need tailoring to suit TikTok’s style, Instagram’s visual appeal, and Facebook’s longer format approach.
- Strategic account scaling: If your strategy spans multiple markets or audience segments, having multiple accounts can help you experiment with what content resonates in each niche. That’s where Bulk Instagram Accounts can be useful — giving you flexibility to test tone, visuals, and messaging across different audience clusters.
- Optimize for each platform’s news dynamics: On TikTok, you might lean into fast, attention-getting clips. On Instagram, use carousel stories, visual hooks, and clear credit to source. On Facebook, longer posts paired with multimedia may still perform.
Final Thoughts
The Pew data paints a clear picture: social media isn’t just for memes, cat videos, or influencer content — it’s becoming a major channel by which people stay informed. The rise of TikTok and Instagram in the news landscape should prompt creators, brands, and news publishers to rethink distribution, format, and credibility strategies.
If you’re running social campaigns or news-related content, this is a pivotal moment to rethink your platform mix and how you distribute content. And if you’re managing multiple accounts or want to scale in nuanced ways, the option to use Bulk Instagram Accounts might help you stay nimble and responsive.
