Social Media Traffic to News Sites Drops as Platforms Prioritize Video

Social media platforms are sending significantly less traffic to news websites, affecting how people access the latest headlines. Over the past year, major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have started to prioritize in-app video content over traditional news links. As a result, fewer users are clicking on links that lead them outside social apps, causing a noticeable decline in readers for many news outlets.

Decline in social media traffic to news sites

Why Is Social Media Sending Less Traffic?

Platforms now favor short-form videos and in-app engagement to keep users scrolling. Link posts, which once drove millions to news stories, are getting buried by algorithms that promote video reels and stories. News organizations are feeling the impact as their online readership drops, making it harder for them to reach audiences and share important updates.

What Does This Mean for News Outlets?

Media companies must rethink digital strategies. Instead of relying on social clicks, they now focus on building loyal audiences through newsletters, podcasts, and mobile apps. As social platforms continue to shift away from external links, news outlets must adapt to survive in a changing digital landscape.

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