YouTube has narrowly passed TV news as the top news source in the U.S. The shift shows how much creators now shape the way people stay informed.
A new report from Syracuse University’s Center for the Creator Economy surveyed 1,001 U.S. adults about their media habits. Sixty percent said they turn to social media first when they want information. YouTube was the primary news source for 16.5% of respondents. TV news landed at 16.1%, and print and online media followed at 15.7%.
YouTube’s lead is slim, but it points to a shift in how the national audience consumes news. The platform hosts traditional news organizations and independent creators alike. That gives viewers a wide range of perspectives and reporting styles in one place.
Independent creators are gaining clout and trust
Trust is moving too. In the report, 61% of respondents said they trust independent news creators as much as network broadcasters. About two-thirds said reporting ability matters more than formal journalism credentials. Viewers may be shifting their trust toward creators.
Traditional outlets are reacting. Some local TV stations now ask reporters to work more like digital creators so they can reach audiences online.
One caution from Tubefilter: Syracuse runs degree programs focused on creator content, so it has a stake in creator-friendly findings.
You don’t need to run a news channel to benefit from this trend. Educational videos, expert commentary, industry explainers and niche content can all help audiences understand topics that matter to them.
As creator and traditional media blur together, credibility becomes a real advantage. A personal point of view paired with accurate, well-researched content can earn an audience’s trust. For video shooters, clean audio, steady shots and clear sourcing help a news-style video look as credible as the facts behind it.