Social Media and Video Platforms Now Top News Sources Globally, Trust Hits Record Low

For the first time, social media and video platforms have become the primary source for news consumption worldwide, overtaking traditional media outlets like websites, apps, and television. This shift is highlighted in the 2026 Digital News Report from the Reuters Institute.

The report, based on a survey of nearly 100,000 digital news consumers across 48 markets, also reveals a significant decline in trust in news. Global trust has dropped to 37%, the lowest point recorded since the institute began tracking this metric in 2015. Notably, sharp decreases in trust were observed in countries such as the Philippines, Ireland, Thailand, Peru, and Poland.

Furthermore, the study indicates a growing reliance on AI chatbots for accessing current events, particularly among younger demographics. There is also a discernible trend favoring video content over text and audio formats, alongside a rise in content creators on digital platforms shaping how people receive information.