The news is going vertical

More and more young people now get their news on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Instead of opening websites or turning on the TV, information finds them mid-scroll—often without being actively sought.

Recent survey data from Pew Research Center, reported by Business Insider Africa, illustrates this shift:

• TikTok: 43%

• YouTube: 41%

• Facebook: 41%

• Instagram: 40%

TikTok’s rise is especially rapid—up from 32% in 2023 to 43% today. News is becoming short, vertical, and algorithm-driven.

• 76% — often or sometimes get news from social media

• 60% — visit news websites

• 28% — read newsletters

Increasingly, journalists are entering this space too. They combine accessibility with the credibility, context, and verification that trained reporters and established media brands provide. While newsfluencers can alert audiences quickly, professional journalism ensures that information is accurate, reliable, and meaningful.

Social media news outlets are also gaining formal recognition: some have even been invited to apply for press credentials to cover the White House, reflecting the growing role these platforms play in public information.

• Producing stories directly in vertical video format

• Allowing reporters to appear on camera and become recognizable guides

• Designing headlines and visuals specifically for mobile screens

• Treating social platforms not just as distribution channels, but as primary delivery spaces

The future of journalism is digital, dynamic, and audience-centered. Technology, mobile formats, and social feeds are shaping how stories are told, engaged with, and trusted.