A new study reveals that YouTube and TikTok have become as prominent as established media outlets in the UK for news consumption, with 71% of adults using these platforms for news, raising concerns about misinformation. The research, conducted by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, found that the two platforms now rival traditional broadcasters and newspapers in reach.
Platform reach and usage
The study, based on a survey of 2,000 UK adults, showed that 71% of respondents used YouTube for news in the past week, while 68% used TikTok. This compares to 72% for BBC One and 65% for ITV. Among younger adults aged 18-24, TikTok was the most popular source, with 82% using it for news, followed by YouTube at 78%.
According to the report, the shift is driven by algorithm-driven recommendations that prioritize engaging content over accuracy. “The platforms are now central to how people discover news, but they also expose users to a high volume of unverified information,” said Dr. Nic Newman, lead author of the study.
Misinformation risks
The study highlighted that 45% of UK adults encountered misinformation on YouTube or TikTok in the past month, compared to 28% on traditional news sites. The platforms’ algorithms often amplify sensational or false claims, particularly about health and politics. For example, during the recent election campaign, false claims about voting procedures spread rapidly on TikTok.
Professor Rasmus Nielsen, director of the Reuters Institute, commented: “The prominence of these platforms means that misinformation can reach large audiences quickly. There is a clear need for stronger content moderation and media literacy initiatives.”
Impact on established media
Traditional news organizations are adapting by increasing their presence on these platforms. The BBC, for instance, has expanded its TikTok output, reaching 1.5 million followers. However, the study found that only 23% of users trust news on TikTok, compared to 56% for BBC News. The report concluded that while platforms offer reach, trust remains low, and the risk of misinformation is significant.
