TikTok has rapidly become one of Malaysia’s leading platforms for news consumption, with usage soaring from 31% in 2024 to 48% in 2025, according to the Reuters Institute’s Digital News Report. The sharp increase places Malaysia among the highest users of TikTok for news globally, alongside Thailand, highlighting the growing influence of social media in shaping how Malaysians stay informed.
A decade ago, most Malaysians relied on newspapers and television broadcasts for daily updates. Today, many are more likely to encounter breaking news while scrolling through short videos on TikTok’s “For You Page.”
The Reuters Institute identified TikTok as the fastest-growing platform for news consumption worldwide. Globally, one in three people now use the platform, with about half of those users turning to it for news and current affairs.
The shift is even more pronounced among younger audiences. For people aged 18 to 24, social media has overtaken traditional news outlets as the primary source of information, with 44% saying they now rely on social platforms for news. The preference reflects changing consumption habits, as younger users increasingly favour fast, visual, and easily digestible content over lengthy articles.
A one-minute video can explain a complex political issue, economic update, or social development in a way that is quick and accessible. Rather than actively searching for news, many users now discover it naturally as they browse through their social media feeds.
This transformation is also changing the way journalists and media organisations produce content, with greater emphasis on short-form videos, mobile-first storytelling, and audience engagement.
At the same time, TikTok has given rise to a new generation of “newsfluencers”—content creators who simplify and explain current events for audiences that may no longer watch television or read newspapers regularly. Many have built loyal followings by presenting news in a relatable and engaging manner.
However, the growing influence of these creators has also raised concerns over misinformation, bias, and the spread of unverified content. Unlike established news organisations, many independent creators are not subject to formal editorial standards or rigorous fact-checking processes, allowing rumours and opinions to spread as quickly as verified information.
To address these challenges, Malaysia’s Online Safety Act 2025, which came into effect in January, introduces broader regulatory oversight for platforms such as TikTok and Instagram as the government seeks to improve online safety and accountability.
For many young Malaysians, TikTok has evolved far beyond entertainment. It has become a daily source of updates on politics, business, education, technology, and social issues that directly impact their lives.
The trend also reflects a broader digital transformation, with researchers observing that students and young adults increasingly depend on social media not only for communication and learning but also to stay informed about current affairs.
As digital platforms continue to reshape the media landscape, adapting to this new environment is becoming increasingly important. While debates continue over the reliability of news shared through social media, the reality is that these platforms have become central to how younger generations discover, discuss, and share information.
As TikTok’s role in news consumption continues to grow, media literacy is becoming more important than ever. The challenge is no longer helping people find the news, but equipping them with the skills to distinguish credible information from misinformation in an increasingly digital world.
