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## Introduction
In recent years, news consumption on social media platforms has experienced significant shifts. While many sites have seen a decline in news consumption, TikTok has emerged as a surprising player in this space. With its focus on short-form video sharing, TikTok has gained immense popularity, particularly among teenagers and young adults. In this article, we will delve into the latest research conducted by Pew Research Center, exploring the growing trend of news consumption on TikTok among U.S. adults.
Methodology
To gain insights into Americans’ news consumption habits in the digital age, Pew Research Center surveyed 8,842 U.S. adults from September 25 to October 1, 2023. The respondents were members of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), which is recruited through a national random sampling of residential addresses. The survey was designed to be representative of the U.S. adult population in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education, and other categories.
Changing Landscape of News Consumption on TikTok
Over the past three years, the percentage of U.S. adults regularly consuming news on TikTok has increased significantly, quadrupling from 3% in 2020 to 14% in 2023. This growth stands in stark contrast to other social media platforms, where news consumption has either declined or remained stagnant. TikTok’s appeal to the younger demographic has played a crucial role in its rise as a news source, with two-thirds of teenagers reporting having used the platform.
Demographic Breakdown
Among U.S. adults, the age group between 18 and 29 is most likely to consume news on TikTok, with 32% reporting regular news consumption on the platform. This represents an increase from previous years. In comparison, 15% of those aged 30 to 49, 7% of those aged 50 to 64, and only 3% of those aged 65 and older regularly consume news on TikTok.
Increasing News Consumption Among TikTok Users
Not only are more U.S. adults consuming news on TikTok, but a higher percentage of TikTok users are also engaging with news content on the platform. Currently, 43% of TikTok users report regularly consuming news on the site, compared to 33% in 2022. This places TikTok on par with Facebook as a news source for its users. However, TikTok users are still less likely to consume news on the platform compared to users of X (formerly Twitter).
Implications for News Consumption
The growing trend of news consumption on TikTok raises several implications for the media landscape. Firstly, it demonstrates the evolving preferences of younger generations, who are increasingly turning to social media platforms for news updates. Traditional news outlets must adapt their strategies to reach this audience effectively. Additionally, the rise of news consumption on TikTok highlights the importance of fact-checking and verification, as misinformation can spread rapidly through short-form videos.
