Indians Are Turning to AI and Influencers for News, Says Global Report
A recent global study by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism reveals a major shift in how Indians are consuming news in 2025. The Digital News Report, which surveyed over 1 lakh people across 48 countries, shows that Indians — especially young internet users — are moving away from traditional news sources and embracing AI tools, influencers, and video content for their daily updates.
🔍 AI Tools Like ChatGPT Are Gaining Ground
Generative AI is quickly becoming a popular way for people in India to get their news. Tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity AI are being used to simplify, summarize, and personalize the news. In fact, India leads globally, with nearly 1 in 5 people using chatbots for news every week, and 44% of respondents saying they feel comfortable using AI for this purpose.
📺 Videos Are the New Headlines
More and more Indians now prefer to watch the news rather than read it. Platforms like YouTube are booming with engaging talk shows, debates, and explainers. This shift is part of a global trend where young people are turning to social media and video platforms instead of traditional news websites.
📣 Influencers Are Becoming Trusted News Voices
In India, influencers are no longer just about fashion or fitness — many are making a name by discussing politics, social issues, and current affairs in a relatable way. Some popular names include:
Ravish kumar www.youtube.com/@ravishkumar.official(12M followers) – Former TV anchor now sharing political and social commentary on YouTube.
- Dhruv Rathee (25M followers) – Breaks down complex topics around politics, environment, and society.
- Akash Banerjee (The Deshbhakt, 5.5M followers) – Known for his satirical take on Indian politics.
- Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps) – Covers lifestyle, fitness, and entrepreneurship with a youth-first approach.
This trend shows how personality-driven content is shaping how Indians consume information.
📉 Traditional News Is Losing Viewers
Newspapers, TV channels, and even news websites are seeing fewer readers and viewers. Among Indians aged 18–34, only 24% consider news websites their main source, while 41% rely on social media and YouTube. That’s a huge change in how the next generation is staying informed.
💬 WhatsApp: Trusted Yet Risky
Messaging apps like WhatsApp are still widely used for sharing news in India. Although globally seen as safer due to closed-group sharing, in India, the platform has been linked to the spread of fake news, with some incidents even leading to mob violence. Interestingly, 11% of people said they believe friends and family play a role in spreading misinformation.
🚫 News Avoidance on the Rise
Another surprising finding? Many people are actively choosing to avoid the news. India ranks 4th globally in news avoidance, especially among English-speaking internet users, with 50% saying they avoid the news sometimes or often.
📌 The Bottom Line
India’s media habits are changing fast. People are turning to influencers, videos, and AI-powered tools to get news in formats they prefer. As trust in traditional news outlets weakens, relatable content, short video explainers, and personalized summaries are becoming the new normal for millions of Indians.
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