TikTok is an established entertainment provider worldwide, but is also becoming increasingly popular as a news outlet among UK youth.
The annual report by British editorial regulator Ofcom reveals that the social media platform is the fastest growing news source, with 7% of adults using it for news, up from 1% just two years ago. Half of this news followers are between the ages of 16 and 24.
The report shows that Instagram is the most popular news source for 12-15 year olds, followed by TikTok and YouTube.
Worrying for those concerned about the spread of misinformation, the report also found that half of people who use TikTok for current events receive their “data” from other TikTokers rather than turn to major news outlets for information.
Of those who use the platform for current events, 44% say their main source is other people they follow; 36% say they are friends and family. Only 24% name official news organizations. The most popular official news sources on TikTok are Sky News, BBC and ITV.
TikTok, owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, is the fastest growing social media platform with over one billion users worldwide. It recently faced a high-security appeal from Republican senators in the US Congress. One regulator describes it as a “national security risk” associated with the collection of user data.
Source: Deadline
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
