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Trustworthiness in political news on TikTok is difficult to define, as the platform is dominated by a mix of partisan commentators and influencers, and users are just as likely to get news from non-journalists as they are from traditional news outlets. Outlets with high general trust ratings in the U.S. include the Associated Press (@apnews), Reuters (@reuters), and publications like The Wall Street Journal (@wsj) and The Washington Post (@washingtonpost), which have a presence on the platform and adhere to traditional journalistic standards. Traditional News Organizations with a TikTok Presence Established news organizations bring a degree of accountability and editorial oversight that is often lacking in independent creator accounts. Their content typically involves fact-checking and source citation, which are hallmarks of reliable journalism. The Washington Post (@washingtonpost): The Post has an active presence and a team of journalists who cover the news in a style adapted for the platform while maintaining their editorial standards. The Wall Street Journal (@wsj): Known for its business and financial news, the WSJ also covers U.S. politics and maintains high trust ratings among the public. The Associated Press (@apnews): The AP is a global news agency known for its nonpartisan, factual reporting. Their content on TikTok focuses on breaking news and factual information. Reuters (@reuters): Similar to the AP, Reuters is known for its high standards of accuracy and is a generally trusted source of news across the political spectrum. Trusted Independent Creators Some independent creators have built a reputation for reliable content, though their perspective often leans to one side. V Spehar (@underthedesknews), for example, provides quick news summaries with a liberal focus and has been recognized for their work in media literacy initiatives. Other creators may gain traction for inputting their sources and legal documents, making their content more transparent. Important Considerations for Trustworthiness on TikTok Partisan Polarization: The platform is a major source of political commentary, with a significant amount of content being explicitly partisan. What one user considers trustworthy, another may find biased. Influencer-Driven Content: Much of the political discussion comes from influencers who may not have journalistic training and often mix news with entertainment, opinion, or humor. Fact-Checking: TikTok has a network of fact-checkers and a community fact-checking feature, but users should still vet information independently. Verification is Not Endorsement: A blue check mark indicates that TikTok has confirmed the ownership of the account, not that the content is endorsed or factually accurate. Ultimately, the most trustworthy accounts are those connected to organizations or individuals who adhere to established journalistic ethics, cite their sources, and are transparent about their biases or funding. Show all