Approximately 26 percent of U.S. adults say they get news by watching YouTube videos, according to a new study conducted by Pew Research Center.
The study examined YouTube’s increasing influence over news distribution in the U.S., as well as its consumption.
The study also found that established news organizations no longer have full control over the news Americans watch, as only 23 percent of YouTube consumers said they “often” get their news from channels affiliated with established news organizations.
23 percent also stated that they “often” get their news from independent channels, which were defined as those that do not have a clear external affiliation, whereas a news organization channel would be associated with an external news organization, like CNN.
The study also found that 72 percent of Americans said YouTube was either an important (59%) or the most important (13%) way they get their news. Although most people did not see any problems getting their news from the site, they did express some concern on issues like misinformation.
Additionally, the study examined the YouTube news environment and the topics being presented.
Read the full study here.
