Americans are increasingly turning to TikTok for entertainment, news, and social interaction, even as the app faces ongoing scrutiny and potential regulatory action in the United States. Recent data from Pew Research Center offers a detailed look at Americans’ habits and attitudes toward the short-form video platform.
Public support for banning TikTok has waned significantly, with only 32% of U.S. adults favoring a ban in summer 2024, down from 50% in March 2023. Political divisions remain, as Republicans are more likely to support a ban (42%) compared to Democrats (24%). However, both groups have shown declining support for such measures.
Despite political concerns, TikTok’s user base continues to grow. A third of U.S. adults now use the app, with younger generations leading the way — 59% of adults under 30 report using TikTok, compared to just 10% of those over 65. The app also remains popular among teenagers, with 63% of teens ages 13 to 17 using it, and 16% saying they are online “almost constantly.”
Entertainment remains the primary draw for TikTok users, with 95% citing it as a reason they use the platform. Yet TikTok’s role in news consumption has surged. More than half (52%) of U.S. adult TikTok users say they regularly get news from the app, doubling since 2020. This translates to 17% of all U.S. adults.
Younger adults, women, and Democrats are overrepresented among TikTok news consumers. About 45% of those who get their news on TikTok are aged 18 to 29, and women make up 62% of this group. Politically, 55% identify as Democrats, compared to 39% who lean Republican.
TikTok also stands out for the diversity of its news audience. Hispanic and Black Americans are disproportionately represented among TikTok news consumers, comprising 33% and 16%, respectively, compared to their shares of the overall U.S. population.
News content on TikTok differs from other platforms. Users are more likely to encounter humor (84%) and personal opinions (80%) about current events than traditional news articles (57%) or breaking news updates (55%). Additionally, TikTok users rely less on friends and family for news and more on individuals they don’t personally know.
A small percentage of users drive most of TikTok’s content. The top 25% of adult TikTok users account for 98% of publicly accessible videos, highlighting the platform’s reliance on highly active creators. Roughly half of adult TikTok users have ever posted a video, with active posters typically having larger followings and more engagement on the app.
As TikTok’s user base continues to expand, its influence on American culture, politics, and media consumption grows alongside it. Whether it remains a fixture in the digital landscape or faces further regulatory challenges, TikTok’s role in shaping how Americans engage with news and entertainment is undeniable.
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