More Americans are turning to social media than TV and 6 other news trends

The latest Reuters Institute report reveals how global news consumption is evolving. In the US, more people now get their news from social media than television. This shift reflects a broader global trend away from traditional media and towards digital platforms.

In the US, 54 percent of people access news through social media, while just 50 percent still turn to TV. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are replacing TV, print and websites as primary news sources.

Influencers are playing a growing role in shaping public opinion. In the US, 22 percent of voters listened to Joe Rogan before the 2024 election. In France and parts of Asia, young creators on platforms like TikTok have become major news sources.

Video consumption continues to rise. In 2025, 65 percent of people watch videos on social media, and 75 percent watch video news across the internet. In countries like the Philippines, Kenya and India, watching has overtaken reading as the preferred way to get news.

Seven percent of people now use AI chatbots for news, including 15 percent of under-25s. AI is valued for summaries and recommendations, but most audiences still prefer human input in journalism.

Forty percent of people trust the news most of the time, down slightly from the pandemic. The World Economic Forum’s white paper, Principles for the Future of Responsible Media in the Era of AI, outlines how to build digital trust in this shifting media landscape.

Watch the video for more insights into the future of news consumption.