By Yulianna Shalenyk (she/her)

In an era characterised by digitalization and the pervasive influence of social media, the way we consume news has evolved significantly.

Traditional media outlets, long-standing purveyors of news and information, are facing new challenges and opportunities as they adapt to the changing preferences of younger generations. TikTok, the wildly popular short-form video platform, is emerging as an unexpected player in the news landscape. With major publications like BBC News and The New York Times now hiring TikTok “explainers,” the lines between journalism and influencer content are blurring, and the way younger generations interact with news is shifting dramatically.

TikTok, a platform primarily known for its entertaining and engaging short videos, has become a hub for sharing news and engaging with young people. Its unique format, optimised for visual content, allows users to access news in a way that is far more digestible and engaging than traditional long-form articles. In a world where attention spans are shrinking, TikTok’s bite-sized news updates and creative storytelling make it easier for users to grasp important information quickly. Rather than sifting through lengthy articles with so many unnecessary details, users can get a concise yet comprehensive overview of current events in just a few seconds.

One of the most compelling reasons behind TikTok’s rise as a news source is its appeal to the younger generation. Statistics provided by the Reuters Institute’s Report show that TikTok predominantly attracts users aged 18-24, making it a vibrant and youth-focused network.This demographic is notorious for preferring quick, easily digestible information and a high reliance on digital platforms for their daily dose of news.

The emergence of TikTok as a news source is also influenced by the changing media landscape. Traditional news publishing companies are experiencing the impact of digital-born brands and influencers. The cost of living crisis has had far-reaching consequences, leading to the closure of big players like BuzzFeed News, and Vice Media filing for bankruptcy.

Around one in five news subscribers (23%) have had to cancel at least one of their ongoing news subscriptions, with a similar number reported to have negotiated a lower fee with their providers, an investigation led by Reuters Institute and the University of Oxford has found. Amid this evolving landscape, the battle for consumer attention is more fierce than ever.

In addition to financial pressures, consumers have grown sceptical of traditional news sources, perceiving them as laden with biases. Thereby the reliance on social media as a primary news source continues to grow, and traditional publishing companies must adapt to this changing environment. To survive and thrive, they need to harness the tools and strategies used by their digitally native counterparts.

While media outlets explore alternative ways to reach their audience and stay afloat in a rapidly evolving industry, it is now crucial to acknowledge that TikTok and other social media platforms are no longer just for dancing and lip-syncing, but for informing and influencing the world. The future of news may very well depend on how well these outlets can use the power of short-form, engaging content to capture the hearts and minds of a new generation of news consumers.