TikTok and Social Media: The Rise of Short Videos as a Primary Source of Information for Young People

A recent report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism highlights that short videos on social networks are becoming the primary source of information for young people, surpassing traditional media. The study emphasizes the growing importance of videos as an online information source, particularly among younger demographics. In regions such as Asia, Latin America, and Africa, social networks serve as the primary gateway to news.

Based on online surveys conducted by YouGov in 47 countries with 95,000 participants, the report underscores the significance of platforms like TikTok as a main source of information. The study reveals that globally, two-thirds of individuals watch short videos on news topics each week, with a majority of this consumption taking place on social media platforms rather than traditional media sites. This trend poses challenges for revenue generation.

The report notes a shift in consumption patterns, with younger audiences turning to content creators and influencers on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube for information rather than traditional media outlets. The ease of access and variety of content offered by videos make them appealing to consumers while some traditional media struggle to adapt to this trend. Examples like Hugo Décrypte, a French content creator with millions of followers on YouTube and TikTok, underscore the influence of creators in shaping news consumption among younger audiences.