TikTok's "Newsfluencers" Are Changing the Game

TikTok has rapidly evolved into a key news source for younger generations, particularly Gen Z. Since 2020, the share of adults regularly getting news from TikTok has jumped from 3% to 17% in 2024. The platform now boasts an ever-growing roster of wildly popular creators who deliver political and social news, giving traditional media a run for their money.

A recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted several TikTok influencers who have become central figures in reshaping how Gen Z gets their news. 

• Vitus “V” Spehar, who runs the account "@underthedesknews," is one of the most popular, with over 3 million followers. Spehar's straightforward yet relatable approach to political news regularly outperforms legacy media in terms of engagement.
• Harry Sisson is a 22 year old whose news and political advocacy posts have driven millions of views. His content often surpasses major outlets like CBS and MSNBC.
• Joey Contino, known for covering U.S. politics and the Russia-Ukraine war, also uses a more casual, conversational approach that resonates with younger viewers.

These influencers make the news feel personal and relatable, something traditional outlets often struggle to achieve.

Why This Matters:

• Traditional news outlets are struggling to keep up with TikTok influencers' ability to produce frequent, engaging content. While the traditional outlets still have a wider reach, TikTok creators have a unique ability to connect with younger audiences, providing news in a way that feels less formal and more trustworthy.
• Politicians have recognized the influence of TikTokers. Vice President Kamala Harris just appeared on Alex Cooper’s "Call Her Daddy" podcast to reach younger voters, while former President Trump has spoken to influencers like Logan Paul and Theo Von. These partnerships demonstrate how important influencers are becoming in shaping political discourse, especially among Gen Z.

As TikTok influencers continue to grow their influence, they are transforming not only the way news is consumed but also the way political narratives are shaped for the next generation.

Introducing: Our New Podcast

Why are there only three women in the ranking of the top 50 YouTubers worldwide?

We are super excited to launch our new podcast! This four-part investigative series delves deep into the gender imbalance on YouTube, uncovering why men overwhelmingly dominate the platform as the top earners and most-subscribed channels. Led by ThoughtLeaders COO and industry expert Shoshana Eilon, the series features interviews with YouTubers, journalists, creator economy leaders, and academics, to explore the root causes of this disparity and shed light on the forces driving it.

Check out our trailer and subscribe here.