Answer Details

Trustworthiness in news is a complex issue, especially on TikTok, where content from traditional news organizations, individual "news influencers," and advocacy groups all mix in the "For You" feed. The most trustworthy accounts generally belong to established, reputable news organizations that adhere to journalistic standards, such as citing sources and fact-checking. Reputable News Organizations on TikTok These accounts bring established journalistic principles (fact-checking, sourcing, editorial oversight) to the platform, making them a more reliable source of factual information. The Associated Press (AP): The AP is widely regarded for its objective, non-partisan reporting and is often cited by other news outlets. Searching for their official TikTok account (e.g., @apnews or similar, as specific handles were not provided in the search results) is recommended. Reuters: Similar to the AP, Reuters is known for its high standards of factual reporting and is a major global news agency. BBC News: The BBC has a strong reputation for balanced, international journalism and is generally considered more trusted than many US-based sources. You can find their content at @bbcnews. The Washington Post: One of the more popular news accounts on TikTok, they produce content for the platform while adhering to their editorial standards. Their handle is @washingtonpost. NBC News, ABC News, CBS News: These legacy broadcast television news giants have also established a strong presence on TikTok, performing well in terms of reach. Tips for Evaluating Trustworthiness on TikTok Pew Research Center analysis indicates that many people get news from a mix of sources, including influencers and people they don't know personally. To navigate this landscape, consider the following: Look for Citations: Trustworthy accounts or videos will state where their information came from and potentially link to original sources. Check for Bias: All sources have some level of bias. Use independent media bias charts, like the one from AllSides, to understand the perspective of the account you are watching. Identify the Source Type: Be aware of who is delivering the news. Is it a journalist, a general "content creator," an advocacy group, or a political party? Content creators may mix news with entertainment, opinion, or humor, which can be difficult to distinguish. Verify Information Elsewhere: If you see a claim that seems important, search for the topic online to see if reputable news organizations are reporting on it. Watch for "Sponsored" Labels: Paid political advertising is present on the platform. Look for "sponsored" or "ad" labels near the username to identify paid content.