What percentage of global audiences now use social media for news?

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Social Media and Video Networks Emerge as Leading Global News Sources

For the first time, social media and video networks have surpassed other news sources to become the most widely used channels for news consumption globally, with 54% of all audiences now accessing news through these platforms. This significant shift, detailed in the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2026, highlights the accelerating transformation of news consumption driven by artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, short-form video, and independent content creators. These changes present considerable challenges for traditional media organisations striving to maintain their readership and viewership.
Rise of AI Chatbots in News Consumption

The report identifies AI chatbots as a key development, with 10% of people now using these conversational tools to summarise, explain, and personalise news content, an increase from 7% in the previous year. This usage is particularly concentrated among individuals with a strong interest in news and younger demographics, with 16% of those under 35 reporting AI chatbot use for news. This trend indicates a growing reliance on AI for direct news engagement, bypassing traditional news websites.
Growth of Video-Led Platforms and Independent Creators

News video consumption, especially among younger audiences, continues to rise, with social media platforms increasingly serving as primary gateways to news. Alongside this, independent news creators and influencers are gaining traction by offering personality-led content that many users find more relatable and authentic than institutional journalism. Approximately a quarter of global respondents (27%) receive news from individual creators or influencers, and nearly half (46%) engage with creators of any type, valuing their entertainment, clarity, and relatability.
Declining Interest and Trust in News

The report also observes a general decline in interest and trust in news. Since 2021, the proportion of individuals expressing high levels of interest in news has dropped by an average of 13% across surveyed markets. Furthermore, trust in news has fallen in 29 out of 48 markets, reaching its lowest recorded level at 37% since measurements began in 2015. This decline in trust is partly attributed to a broader societal erosion of trust in institutions and leaders, as well as direct attacks on journalism.
Impact on Traditional Media Outlets

The increasing reliance on third-party platforms, particularly video-led ones like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, alongside AI chatbots, is impacting traditional news organisations. Both TV news and news organisations' websites and apps have seen a decline in usage since 2020, by 13% and 12% respectively. This necessitates that news organisations reassess their social media strategies and focus on maximising engagement and value from their existing, more loyal audiences on their own platforms.

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What percentage of global audiences now use social media for news?

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