News in a Minute: How Gen Z is rewriting journalism for the reels era

Gone are the days when the evening news was the primary source of updates. For Gen Z, news doesn’t come from TV anchors behind desks—it comes in vertical videos, catchy captions, and bite-sized visuals, often under 60 seconds. Platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have become the new frontiers of journalism, and Gen Z is leading this transformation.

Sharing her thoughts, Kumud Kalra, a student of Apeejay Stya University, Gurugram,  mentioned, “Bite-sized storytelling is reshaping how we consume news. In just 60 seconds, creators break down complex stories into engaging, visual narratives. It appeals to short attention spans and mobile users, making news more accessible and viral. This shift demands clarity, creativity, and credibility—turning digital storytellers into the new-age news anchors.”

This shift is not just about shorter attention spans—it’s about storytelling that is immediate, engaging, and mobile-friendly. With smartphones as their newsroom and apps as their studio, young content creators and digital journalists are reshaping how stories are told and consumed.

News that Scrolls

Gen Z thrives on speed and substance. A 60-second news reel offers just enough time to break down a headline, explain a trending issue, or even report live from an event. Whether it’s a climate protest, an election update, or a celebrity trial, short-form content makes news accessible and digestible.

What makes this format appealing is the authenticity. Young creators often speak directly to the camera, in a relatable tone, adding humor, emotion, or personal perspective—qualities that traditional news often lacks. This personalised storytelling fosters trust and keeps audiences hooked.

Democratising Journalism

Instagram and YouTube Shorts have democratized news creation. Now, you don’t need a media house to report—you just need a smartphone, internet, and a voice. Student journalists, budding reporters, and influencers are leveraging their platforms to cover social justice, politics, health tips, or explainers on economic issues.

This approach has made news more inclusive. Audiences who may not have engaged with newspapers or TV are now staying informed through reels and shorts shared by peers or creators they follow.

The Flip Side

While short-form news has its strengths, it also presents challenges. With speed comes the risk of oversimplification or misinformation. Accuracy can suffer when creators prioritize virality over verification. This makes media literacy crucial—not just for creators but also for viewers.

Storytelling in 60 seconds is not a fad—it’s the future. Aligned with these thoughts, Keshvi Priya Sinha, a student pursuing Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication at Apeejay Stya University, Gurugram said, “A 60-second storytelling allows news to be concise and engaging because it relies on visuals, graphics and animations to convey information. Social media platforms have a vast user base, this allows news to reach a broader audience, especially the younger generation who might not be interested in traditional news sources. Social media allows journalists to be creative and experiment with different techniques to attract an audience.”

As Gen Z continues to consume and create in this format, the landscape of news will continue to evolve—faster, bolder, and more connected than ever before.

In this new world, journalism isn’t dying—it’s just learning to dance to a different beat.