The TikTok news challenge: The influence of the news organization on the editorial decision-making of TikTok editors

Abstract

This study examines how TikTok news is produced within a Belgian newsroom. While TikTok is the fastest-growing social media platform, research on its role in news production remains limited. Using ethnographic observations and in-depth interviews, we analyze the TikTok production process and explore how it is shaped by organizational structures, routines, and platform demands. Applying the Hierarchy of Influences model, our findings show that TikTok news editors benefit from significant autonomy but also face pressures from institutional expectations and platform logics. This tension requires them to balance innovation with adherence to journalistic standards while creating content aimed at TikTok’s younger audience. We identify five key challenges that emerged during our observations. With this research, we aim to shed light on broader trends transforming journalism in the social media age.