The Digital News Report 2025 from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism reveals a historic turning point: 54% of Americans now turn to social media and video platforms as their primary source of news, slightly surpassing television, which stands at 50%. This shift marks a profound transformation in the way news is consumed and distributed.

The trend is especially pronounced among younger demographics. In the U.S., 54% of adults aged 18 to 24 and 50% of those aged 25 to 34 report that social media is their preferred way to stay informed—an increase of 13 and 6 percentage points, respectively, compared to the previous year. While traditional TV still holds an audience among older age groups, it no longer dominates the overall media landscape.

Globally, this phenomenon is mirrored in countries like India, Brazil, Indonesia, and Thailand, signaling a widespread media transformation. In the U.S., platforms such as Facebook (36%), YouTube (30%), Instagram (around 20%), WhatsApp (15%), X (formerly Twitter, 11%), and TikTok (10%) have solidified their role as key channels for information.

Another notable development is the rise of so-called "news influencers"—podcasters, YouTubers, and TikTok creators—who now often reach larger audiences than traditional journalists. Joe Rogan, for instance, was seen or heard by nearly 22% of Americans in the week following the 2025 presidential inauguration.

However, this shift comes with growing concerns. Around 73% of Americans say they struggle to distinguish between real and misleading news online. A bipartisan YouGov survey, published in The Washington Post, highlights the paradox: trust in social media is low, yet usage remains high, particularly among conservative users.

Video news consumption is also surging. The percentage of Americans who watch news in video format jumped from 55% in 2021 to 72% in 2025, mostly via social media.

Traditional media now face an unprecedented challenge. Nic Newman of the BBC warns that many editors have yet to adapt their tone and formats to visual-first platforms dominated by charismatic personalities, weakening both their reach and their revenue streams.

This seismic change in the U.S. media landscape goes beyond format or platform—it reflects a deeper transformation in what audiences demand from the news: immediacy, relatability, and shareability. While the evolution is unstoppable, so too are the risks of misinformation and polarization.