The way people consume news continues to evolve rapidly, driven by advancements in technology, shifting audience expectations, and the rise of new platforms. For online news editors, staying informed about these trends is important to delivering the content that matters most to our readers and to encourage engagement. Here are the key trends on how users consume digital news in 2024:
Mobile-First news consumption
In 2024, mobile devices remain the primary way users access digital news. According to recent data, over 70% of news site traffic comes from mobile devices. On Saga’s news sites that number is over 80%. Our sites have been optimized for mobile. Here are few things you can do to encourage engagement:
- Include additional links to like content inside the articles. I sent ideas in a newsletter a few weeks ago. Click here to see a list of ideas. I suggest, you take the links you like, save them in your notes and copy and paste to articles.
- Interactive features like polls or comment sections are mobile-friendly.
- Use your “What’s Happening” to encourage further engagement. These articles fall at the bottom of each article on mobile, use them to further exploration of our websites.
Short-form content dominates
The popularity of short-form content continues to rise, fueled by platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. News consumers, especially younger audiences, prefer bite-sized updates and summaries over long articles. To adapt:
- Create quick video summaries of major news stories for Instagram reels. Users of these platform prefer content that is authentic, therefore, overly produced content isn’t necessary.
- Break stories down into subhead lines, like this story. Not only does it help keep users’ attention, but each headline also adds valuable keywords to search because Google searches headlines.
- One trend I am seeing with major news company is to offer snippets of the key points at the beginning of the articles in the form of three bullet points.
Visual storytelling gains traction
Images, infographics, and videos are increasingly important in how users engage with news. Visual storytelling enhances understanding and keeps readers engaged longer. Editors should:
- Incorporate high-quality images and videos, when available, into articles.
- Use data visualizations to explain complex topics.
- Experiment with interactive features like sliders and timelines.
Trust and credibility matter more than ever
With the rise of misinformation, readers are gravitating towards trusted sources. Transparency and accuracy are non-negotiable. Build trust by:
- Clearly labeling sponsored content and advertisements.
- Providing links to original sources.
- Publishing corrections promptly and visibly.
Social media as a news gateway
Social media platforms remain a key driver of news consumption, but their role has shifted. Instead of being a primary source, they are now gateways directing users to full articles. News editors should:
- Share clickable headlines and engaging visuals on social platforms.
- Use trending audio and hashtags to boost visibility.
- Actively interact with readers in comment sections.
Local news is thriving
Despite the global reach of the internet, users value local news more than ever. Highlighting community stories, events, and concerns can help our online news sites stand out. Editors should:
- Focus on hyper-local content that’s relevant to your community.
- Partner with local businesses for sponsored content opportunities.
- Create content that is not only informative but also highlights the culture in your communities.
Understanding these trends is not just about keeping up; it’s about staying ahead. By embracing mobile-first strategies, creating engaging short-form and visual content, and focusing on trust and personalization, our news sites can thrive in a digital landscape. Remember, the key to success in 2025 is not just delivering the news but delivering it in the way your audience wants to consume it.
Get exclusive updates – subscribe to our newsletter!