Washington D.C., November 10, 2025 – A fresh survey by the Pew Research Center reveals a dramatic shift in how Americans consume news: roughly 20% of U.S. adults say they regularly get news through TikTok — up sharply from just 3% in 2020.

The study highlights that the jump is especially steep among younger adults: about 43% of those under 30 claim they regularly access news via TikTok, up from 9% in 2020. Adults ages 30-49 show similarly rapid uptake, with a quarter now saying they get news this way.

Why this matters: Traditional news delivery channels are being disrupted as short-form video and social media platforms gain ground. TikTok’s rise as a news source has implications for how information is presented, how news organizations engage audiences, and how users assess credibility. According to the report, over half (55%) of TikTok users now say they regularly get news on the platform a steep increase from 22% just five years ago.

Media analysts say this trend raises key questions about the depth of coverage, the role of algorithms in shaping what viewers see, and the possible echo-chamber effects when entertainment and news blur. At the same time, newsrooms see the shift as an opportunity: reaching younger demographics that traditional outlets have struggled to engage.

In response, many news organizations are adapting their format: shorter clips, more mobile-friendly presentation, and more emphasis on visuals and shareability. But they also face the challenge of maintaining journalistic standards in a medium optimized for speed and engagement.

For users, the shift suggests that staying informed now often means navigating platforms originally designed for entertainment meaning we all must be more vigilant about distinguishing between credible news and content disguised as news.

Going forward: As TikTok and similar platforms grow as news-delivery channels, media literacy understanding who produces the content, how it’s curated, and why you’re seeing it becomes ever more important.