Social platforms are overtaking TV and newspapers as primary news sources in India
In India, social and video networks have become the leading source of news, surpassing traditional television and print outlets.
India's media landscape is undergoing a power shift from legacy broadcasters and newspapers to smartphones and social platforms. While television still reaches hundreds of millions of households, surveys indicate that online news video is now watched by a larger share of the population in the majority of markets. In India, 55% of respondents use YouTube for news, followed by Instagram, Facebook and X, according to the 2026 Digital News Report.
The country also boasts hundreds of millions of internet and social media users, reinforcing the move toward digital news consumption. This transformation is reshaping how stories are produced and distributed, with independent creators and citizens able to reach large audiences without traditional gatekeepers. However, the rise of algorithm-driven feeds also raises concerns about verification and the spread of misinformation.
Why it matters
The shift to social media changes how people receive news and influences public discourse.
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