As the first generation to grow up in an entirely digital environment, they show a diminishing interest in traditional news formats, especially those with limited use of dynamic on-screen graphics.

Social Media: The New News Hub for Gen Z The study, encompassing a global audience, points to a drastic pivot towards social media for news consumption among Gen Z. The research indicates that Instagram (60%), TikTok (38%), and Facebook (38%) are their preferred platforms for news and current affairs. This shift is attributed to the fast-paced news cycles, an abundance of negative news stories, and a growing affinity for social media-based news brands.

The Role of Real-Time Graphics in News Engagement
Ulrich Voigt, the Global Head of Product Management at Vizrt, stresses the importance of real-time data and on-screen graphics in engaging Gen Z and ensuring the relevancy of news content for future audiences. He emphasizes the need for content creators and news outlets, both traditional and online, to evolve and cater to the digital-first preferences of each new generation. Voigt also points out the potential of augmented reality (AR) and extended reality (XR) in making news more accessible and engaging.

Gen Z’s Preference for Enhanced On-Screen Graphics
A detailed analysis involving thousands of respondents from the UK and USA reveals Gen Z’s heavy reliance on on-screen graphics. This generation is twice as likely to engage with content featuring on-screen graphics, compared to other age groups. They find these graphics helpful in understanding complex stories, interpreting data clearly, and accessing additional information not presented verbally.

The Shift to Social-First Formats and Vertical Viewing
Despite Gen Z’s preference for accessing news on mobile devices, many broadcasters have yet to fully adapt to this new digital requirement. A significant percentage of young adults (56%) find it difficult to engage with horizontally formatted content on their phones, which are typically used in vertical orientation. Additionally, nearly half of the respondents cite a lack of on-screen graphics as a drawback when consuming news on the move.

Vizrt’s Broader Research on Digital Consumption Trends
Vizrt’s recent findings on Gen Z and millennials’ news consumption habits come after similar research on these demographics’ sports viewing preferences. Both studies confirm the increasing trend of social media use for content consumption on mobile devices, emphasizing the universal appeal of engaging visual graphics across various demographics and content types, be it news or sports.

News source: https://www.vizrt.com/