What Percentage of People Are on Social Media for News Consumption?

You're probably aware that the landscape of news consumption has changed significantly. As of 2024, over half of U.S. adults now turn to social media for their news. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and especially TikTok have transformed how people access information. But what does this shift mean for traditional news outlets and media credibility? Understanding the implications requires a closer look at the trends shaping our news consumption habits.

As social media becomes an increasingly important source of information, a substantial portion of the population relies on these platforms for news consumption. Recent data indicates that 54% of U.S. adults obtain news through social media channels, with Facebook and YouTube being the most prominent sources, utilized by 33% of the surveyed individuals.

Notably, TikTok has seen a remarkable increase in news consumption, particularly among younger audiences, from 22% in 2020 to 52% in 2024. Instagram is reported to be used by 20% of adults for news, while X and Nextdoor account for 12% and 5%, respectively.

Furthermore, it's important to highlight that the overall reliance on social media for news has grown by 6 percentage points within a single year, reflecting a broader trend towards digital platforms for accessing current events.

Key Statistics on News Sources

In recent years, the landscape of news consumption among U.S. adults has notably shifted, with 54% now relying on social media as a primary source for news. This trend indicates the increasing prevalence of social media platforms in news dissemination, particularly with Facebook and YouTube, where 33% of users report accessing news content.

TikTok has experienced significant growth in its role as a news source, with usage among its user base rising from 22% in 2020 to 52% by 2024. This reflects not only its popularity among younger demographics but also a broader acceptance of video content as a viable news format.

Instagram accounts for 20% of users accessing news, while X (previously known as Twitter) sees a lower engagement rate at 12%.

Additionally, LinkedIn remains one of the least utilized platforms for news, with only 4% of adults consulting it for this purpose.

These statistics illustrate the disparities in how different social media platforms serve as news sources, reflecting varying user preferences and habits in news consumption.

Social media is increasingly influencing news consumption patterns, particularly among younger demographics. Currently, 54% of U.S. adults utilize these platforms for news. The 18-24 age group is particularly notable, as they represent a significant segment of news consumers on social media.

Facebook and YouTube are leading platforms for information dissemination, with 33% of adults depending on them for news. TikTok has experienced rapid growth in this area, increasing from 22% to 52% in news consumption since 2020.

Demographically, women's preferences for news consumption tend to favor TikTok and Facebook, whereas men show a tendency to use Reddit and X for information.

Additionally, a substantial portion of WhatsApp's news consumers—48%—are Hispanic, indicating the diverse audience that engages with news on different social media platforms.

These trends highlight shifting behaviors in how various groups access news, reflecting broader changes in media consumption in the digital age.

Platform-Specific News Engagement

An increasing number of individuals are utilizing specific social media platforms as primary sources for news consumption. Recent statistics indicate that 54% of U.S. adults depend on social media for accessing news.

Among these platforms, Facebook and YouTube are the most significant, with 33% of adults obtaining news from them. Instagram accounts for 20%, while TikTok has seen notable growth, rising from 22% in 2020 to a projected 52% by 2024.

Additionally, platforms such as Truth Social and Rumble have reported even higher rates of news consumption among their users, with 88% and 83%, respectively.

These figures demonstrate the considerable influence of social media platforms on the way news is shared and consumed, highlighting a shift in media engagement patterns among the public.

Impact of Age on News Consumption Preferences

As younger adults increasingly utilize social media for news consumption, age significantly influences how various generations access information.

Statistics reveal that 54% of U.S. adults rely on social media for news, with the 18-24 age group showing a marked preference for video content, particularly on platforms such as TikTok, where usage for news has increased from 22% in 2020 to 52% in 2024.

On the other hand, older demographics tend to favor traditional forms of media, such as television and print publications, indicating a clear generational distinction in news consumption habits.

Furthermore, mobile devices are a primary source of news for younger individuals, with 57% of those under 35 primarily discovering news through their smartphones, while older adults typically remain associated with more established news outlets.

This trend highlights the ongoing evolution in how different age groups engage with news media.

The analysis of news consumption habits indicates notable partisan trends across various social media platforms.

For instance, a substantial majority of news consumers on Truth Social and Rumble identify as Republican, with percentages reaching 88% and 83%, respectively. In contrast, around 50% of users on Facebook and YouTube demonstrate Republican affiliation.

Meanwhile, platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok appear to have a Democratic lean among their users. X (formerly Twitter) provides a more heterogeneous political demographic, presenting a balance of viewpoints.

These partisan inclinations impact user engagement and the broader news ecosystem, shaping the information landscape encountered by individuals daily.

The Rise of Video News Platforms

Video news platforms are increasingly becoming a primary source of information for many Americans. As of recent data, 54% of the population relies on social media for news, slightly surpassing traditional television, which stands at 50%.

Notably, TikTok has experienced significant growth as a news platform, with consumption rates climbing from 22% in 2020 to 52% in 2024. Additionally, the rate of weekly video news consumption among U.S. adults has risen from 55% in 2021 to 72% in 2025.

Platforms like Facebook and YouTube are utilized for news by 33% of adults, with this trend being particularly prominent among younger users. These developments indicate a substantial shift in news consumption habits, emphasizing a growing preference for digital engagement over conventional media sources.

Concerns About Misinformation and Trust

The rise of video news platforms has contributed to a complex information landscape, characterized by significant concerns about misinformation and distrust in the news. A considerable amount of false information circulates on social media, with 47% of individuals identifying influencers as major contributors to misleading content.

Trust in traditional news outlets remains low, with only 38% of the population expressing confidence in their ability to verify the information presented. This issue is particularly pronounced among younger demographics, who often have limited access to credible sources.

As a result, there's a pressing need for enhanced media literacy to help individuals critically assess the news they consume. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding the accuracy of information has led to 40% of people choosing to avoid news altogether, indicating a growing concern regarding the reliability of information in the current saturated news environment.

Digital Versus Traditional News Consumption

As digital platforms continue to evolve, a growing number of individuals are opting for social media as their primary source of news instead of traditional media outlets. Recent data indicates that 54% of U.S. adults now access news via social media, slightly edging out television news consumption which stands at 50%.

Additionally, 48% of Americans utilize news websites and applications, reflecting a substantial inclination towards digital news channels.

A significant observation is that younger adults predominantly rely on digital formats, with approximately 86% of their news consumption occurring through digital devices, particularly platforms such as Facebook and TikTok.

This trend contrasts sharply with the latest figures for print news consumption, which have fallen to a historic low of 26%. This decline underscores a considerable shift in news consumption habits, moving away from traditional media formats in favor of digital alternatives.

Social media is poised to continue transforming news engagement, spotlighting trends characterized by speed, accessibility, and personalization.

As of 2024, statistics indicate that 54% of U.S. adults utilize platforms such as Facebook and YouTube for news consumption, with TikTok demonstrating a significant increase in engagement among younger users.

Mobile news formats are prominent, with 57% of individuals discovering news through smartphones.

However, the proliferation of misinformation presents a significant concern; 47% of people attribute the spread of false information to online influencers, highlighting the importance of critically verifying sources.

As social media platforms evolve, addressing these challenges will be essential for maintaining informed audiences.

Conclusion

As you can see, social media has become a major player in how adults consume news, with 54% relying on these platforms for information. The significant rise in TikTok's popularity for news shows younger audiences are particularly engaged. While there are valid concerns about misinformation, the shift towards digital news is undeniable. As trends continue to evolve, staying informed will mean adapting to these platforms for reliable updates and insights on current events.

What Percentage of People Are on Social Media for News Consumption?

Overview of Social Media News Consumption