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Major Global Figures in Social Media News Consumption – 2025
Nigeria Leads with Over Half of Its Population Using Social Media for News
Nigeria continues to dominate the world stage when it comes to social media as a primary source for news, with 56.6% of its population engaging in news consumption through social platforms. This high engagement reflects Nigeria’s vibrant digital culture and increasing reliance on social media to stay informed about local and global events. Notably, Nigeria surpasses many Western nations in this domain, illustrating a shift toward digital news consumption in developing regions.
Brazil and Turkey Follow Closely Behind
Brazil ranks second with 52.8%, showcasing its strong social media presence in Latin America. The country’s widespread smartphone adoption and active social media communities contribute to this high percentage. Turkey is not far behind at 52.0%, with social media becoming an essential channel for news, especially amid political developments and societal changes.
European Countries Exhibit Steady Growth in Social Media News Use
Greece, with 50.2%, and Argentina at 49.7%, are among the top European and South American nations respectively that demonstrate a growing trend in seeking news via social media. More broadly, across the continent, countries like Poland (49.5%) and Italy (47.1%) are experiencing increased reliance on social media for news updates. This trend underscores the impact of digital transformation, even in traditionally print-oriented societies.
North African and Asian Countries Show Increasing Engagement
Morocco, with 49.3%, and Vietnam at 47.8%, are leading in their regions for social media news consumption. These countries reflect a rapid digital push, with mobile internet accessibility fueling increased engagement. Indonesia (41.8%) and the Philippines (40.7%) also show substantial reliance on social platforms as news sources, representing significant markets in Southeast Asia.
Sub-Saharan Africa’s Rising Digital News Audience
Ghana (47.5%) and Kenya (41.3%) exemplify Africa’s growing digital audience. As infrastructure improves, more Africans turn to social media to access timely news, often surpassing traditional media outlets. This shift is critical to understanding how information dissemination is evolving continent-wide.
Latin America and Europe Surpass 40%
Countries like Chile (47.7%) and Colombia (47.2%) in Latin America, along with Portugal (45.3%) and South Africa (45.0%) in Africa, show how social media has become a mainstream means for news. In Europe, nations such as Spain (41.4%) and Austria (39.5%) are witnessing notable adoption rates.
North American and Asian Trends
In North America, the US and Canada see 27.4% and 31.0% respectively, indicating a more moderate reliance compared to other regions. Meanwhile, Asian countries like India (32.0%) and Taiwan (26.5%) are experiencing significant increases in social media news consumption, driven by expanding smartphone use and digital literacy.
European Countries Maintain Moderate Engagement
Countries such as Switzerland (32.6%), Belgium (32.5%), and Bulgaria (32.3%) showcase consistent usage rates, highlighting ongoing shifts in how Europeans access news via digital platforms. The UK stands at 28.3%, indicating a somewhat diversified media consumption landscape.
Global Perspective: A Steady Rise in Social Media News Usage
The worldwide average hovers around 34.5%, a clear indicator of how social media continues to challenge traditional news outlets globally. The widespread adoption of smartphones and social networks means more people are turning to these platforms as their primary news source.
Notable Outliers and Future Outlook
Some nations exhibit notably lower percentages. For example, South Korea (19.7%) and Japan (24.0%) have a more conservative approach regarding social media as a news source, often retaining traditional media’s dominance. However, even these countries are gradually seeing digital shifts.
Image: Global Social Media Engagement Trends (2025)
Insert a world map highlighting the countries with their respective percentages for social media news usage. The visualization underscores regional differences and the global spread of digital news consumption.
In Summary
The 2025 data vividly illustrates a global shift towards social media for accessing news. Countries like Nigeria, Brazil, and Turkey are leading the way, while traditional media remains prominent yet gradually giving way to digital platforms in many regions. As internet access broadens and social platforms evolve, this trend is poised to grow, reshaping the future of news dissemination worldwide.
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