From Websites to TikTok: How Gen Z’s News Habits Are Changing

News websites and journalism apps are no longer the first stop for many young people seeking updates, as social media and digital video become increasingly central to how they encounter information.

The shift puts platforms such as TikTok at the heart of a changing news experience. Rather than heading directly to a publication, young audiences can come across news while scrolling through a feed alongside entertainment and personal posts.

This changes more than where information appears. Short videos favour quick explanations and visual storytelling, offering an accessible introduction to a subject but potentially leaving less room for context.

The trend also raises questions about how audiences assess credibility. A video’s popularity is not proof of its accuracy, making it important to check the original source and distinguish reporting from opinion.

For news organisations, the challenge is to reach younger audiences in the formats they use without sacrificing depth or verification. The move from websites to social feeds changes the route to knowledge, but not the need for reliable information.