How Social Media Is Changing Where People Get Their News in 2025

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Understanding the Shift: Where People Get Their News Today

The way people access news is changing rapidly. In 2025, digital sources-especially social media-have become a critical part of how individuals stay informed. Traditional outlets like television, newspapers, and even direct news websites are seeing declining engagement, while social platforms and video have surged as leading news sources. This article explores how many people get their news from social media, where most people turn for news, and offers actionable steps for finding credible information in today’s evolving media environment.

The Dominance of Social Media in News Consumption

According to the Pew Research Center, just over half of U.S. adults (54%) say they at least sometimes get news from social media, a figure that has remained stable but significant in recent years [1] . This trend is even more pronounced among younger adults, with 78% of those aged 18-29 reporting that they use social media for news at least some of the time [3] .

The platforms leading this transformation are Facebook and YouTube, where about one-third of U.S. adults regularly get their news. Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) also play notable roles, especially for audiences under 35. For instance, 52% of TikTok users now say they regularly get news on the platform, a number that has more than doubled since 2020 [1] .

Global Trends: The Rise of Social and Video News Worldwide

Globally, the move toward social media as a primary news source is accelerating. The 2025 Digital News Report from the Reuters Institute reveals that in the U.S., the proportion of people who say social media is their main source of news has jumped from 4% in 2015 to 34% in 2025. This marks the first time that social media and video platforms have overtaken both TV news and news websites for news consumption in the U.S. [2] .

This shift is not limited to the U.S. In countries like the UK and France, about 20% of people now use social media as their primary news source, up from below 10% a decade ago. The trend is especially strong among younger groups: 44% of 18-24-year-olds and 38% of 25-34-year-olds worldwide now cite social media and video as their main news platforms [2] .

What Platforms Are People Using Most for News?

In the U.S., the most commonly used platforms for news are:

News websites or apps: 66% of adults at least sometimes get news this way
Social media: 54% at least sometimes get news from social platforms
Search engines: 66% use search to access news
Podcasts: 27% report getting news via podcasts

However, when asked about their
preferred
source, 23% of U.S. adults choose news websites or apps, while 18% prefer social media. This gap is shrinking as more people, especially younger audiences, turn to social feeds for their news [3] .

Demographic Differences in News Consumption

News consumption habits vary by age, gender, ethnicity, and political affiliation:

Younger adults (18-29): 78% get news from social media, with TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat seeing the highest engagement.
Women: More likely to use platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat for news.
Men: More likely to get news from Reddit, X, Rumble, and YouTube.
Political affiliation: Republicans and Republican-leaning independents dominate platforms like Truth Social and Rumble, while Democrats and Democratic-leaning individuals prefer Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Reddit [1] .

How to Access Reliable News in a Social Media-Driven Era

As more users turn to social media for news, questions about credibility and misinformation arise. Here are practical steps for accessing reliable news and minimizing exposure to misleading content:

Identify trustworthy sources: Follow official news organizations on social platforms, such as verified accounts for major outlets.
Cross-check information: If you see a story on social media, search for it on established news websites or apps to confirm its accuracy.
Use news aggregators: Consider using reputable news apps or platforms that curate content from multiple sources, increasing the chance of balanced reporting.
Be cautious of viral content: Stories that spread rapidly may not always be accurate; check the source and look for corrections or updates.
Leverage search engines: To verify breaking news, use search terms related to the topic and compare reports from several major outlets.

If you want to ensure you are following credible sources, you can search for the official accounts of major news organizations on each social media platform. For more in-depth analysis, visit the official websites of organizations like Pew Research Center or the Reuters Institute, where you can find detailed reports and breakdowns of news consumption patterns. If you are interested in podcasts or video news, look for official channels and check for verification badges to distinguish legitimate sources from unofficial content.

Alternative Approaches to Staying Informed

While social media is dominant, some people may prefer alternatives or wish to diversify their news intake for a broader perspective. Here are some approaches:

Direct subscriptions: Subscribe to digital editions of reputable newspapers and magazines for ad-free, curated news.
Newsletters: Many major outlets offer daily or weekly email newsletters, summarizing key events and analysis.
Podcasts: Audio news is growing; search platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify for news shows from established organizations.
Television streaming: Some networks offer live news streaming on their official websites or apps, accessible with or without cable subscriptions.
Community resources: Local news outlets, community bulletins, or public radio can provide relevant updates that may not trend nationally.

Challenges in the Social Media News Landscape

The rise of social media as a news source comes with challenges:

Misinformation and disinformation: False stories can spread quickly. Users should be proactive in checking facts and using trusted sources.
Echo chambers: Algorithms may reinforce existing beliefs by showing similar content, so it’s important to seek out diverse viewpoints.
Digital literacy: Understanding how to evaluate the credibility of online news is crucial. Consider learning more about media literacy from educational organizations or official sources.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Reliable News

1. Decide which topics matter most to you (e.g., local, national, international, business, science).

2. Search for official accounts of major news organizations on your preferred social media platform. Most reputable outlets have a verification badge.

3. If a story seems surprising or controversial, use a search engine to find coverage of the same event from multiple established news outlets. Compare their accounts for consistency.

4. For deeper coverage, visit the official websites of trusted media organizations directly. You can find comprehensive reports, fact-checking resources, and editorial analysis.

5. If you prefer audio or video, look for podcasts and streaming channels from established news providers. Verify the source before subscribing.

Key Takeaways

More than half of U.S. adults now get news from social media, and younger generations are leading the shift. While news websites and apps remain important, their dominance is waning as social media, video, and podcasts gain ground. To stay accurately informed, it’s essential to follow official sources, cross-check information, and use a variety of news platforms. When in doubt about a story, always seek confirmation from established news outlets or consult official research organizations like Pew Research Center or Reuters Institute for the latest trends and data.