The “distribution” of information: social networks become an even more important source
Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2025 8:57 am
The data shows a significant increase in traffic to online news sites, especially for mainstream media. For example, the BBC recorded 70 million unique visitors at the start of the lockdown, a record for British audiences.
Before and during the pandemic, news sites have innovated significantly in terms of formats and “news products”: data journalism , visual “explainers”, newsletters and podcasts . A strategy to build relationships with readers outside of platforms and to improve the value proposition with the aim of encouraging subscriptions (a lot of Covid-19 content was available for free). Podcasts are enjoying major success (31% listen to them each month), despite a slight decline in listening due to the pandemic. 59% of people who listen to podcasts in the United States consider that the format allows for “a better and deeper understanding of complex subjects”.
Despite publishers’ attempts to retain Internet users outside of GAFA bank data platforms and concerns about misinformation, Internet users continue to use messaging and social networks to discuss, find and share information about Covid-19. 24% (+7 after the pandemic) of individuals surveyed during the crisis use WhatsApp to find and share information about the virus, and 18% have joined a support or discussion group with strangers on Facebook or WhatsApp to talk about Covid-19.
Among young people, Instagram, Snapchat and even TikTok are becoming important platforms for accessing information about the virus. In Argentina, 49% of respondents aged 18-24 turn to Instagram, and 38% in Germany. In the United States, 11% access Covid-19 information via TikTok, and 9% in Argentina.
Source: Reuters Institute
Although social media is usually used in combination with other sources of information, the rise of these platforms as a source of news should not be ignored. 11% of respondents in 12 countries use Instagram for news during the week, and 64% of people under 25 use the platform regularly . With its innovative visual formats (stories, IGTV), Instagram has become almost as popular a source of information as Twitter.
Before and during the pandemic, news sites have innovated significantly in terms of formats and “news products”: data journalism , visual “explainers”, newsletters and podcasts . A strategy to build relationships with readers outside of platforms and to improve the value proposition with the aim of encouraging subscriptions (a lot of Covid-19 content was available for free). Podcasts are enjoying major success (31% listen to them each month), despite a slight decline in listening due to the pandemic. 59% of people who listen to podcasts in the United States consider that the format allows for “a better and deeper understanding of complex subjects”.
Despite publishers’ attempts to retain Internet users outside of GAFA bank data platforms and concerns about misinformation, Internet users continue to use messaging and social networks to discuss, find and share information about Covid-19. 24% (+7 after the pandemic) of individuals surveyed during the crisis use WhatsApp to find and share information about the virus, and 18% have joined a support or discussion group with strangers on Facebook or WhatsApp to talk about Covid-19.
Among young people, Instagram, Snapchat and even TikTok are becoming important platforms for accessing information about the virus. In Argentina, 49% of respondents aged 18-24 turn to Instagram, and 38% in Germany. In the United States, 11% access Covid-19 information via TikTok, and 9% in Argentina.
Source: Reuters Institute
Although social media is usually used in combination with other sources of information, the rise of these platforms as a source of news should not be ignored. 11% of respondents in 12 countries use Instagram for news during the week, and 64% of people under 25 use the platform regularly . With its innovative visual formats (stories, IGTV), Instagram has become almost as popular a source of information as Twitter.