Latin America: digital news purchase penetration 2024, by country
Online news consumption in Latin America is evolving, with Brazil leading the way in paid subscriptions. A 2024 survey revealed that 19 percent of Brazilian respondents paid for online news, the highest rate among major Latin American countries. In contrast, Chile had the lowest rate at 12 percent, highlighting significant regional differences in willingness to pay for digital news content.
Social media's role in news dissemination
Social media platforms play a crucial role in news distribution across Latin America. Particularly in Mexico, Facebook stands out as a primary news source, with 50 percent of Mexican internet users accessing news through the platform in early 2024. YouTube also serves as a significant news channel, used by 34 percent of respondents. Facebook also leads in Chile. However, social network usage for news in Brazil presents itself a bit differently, with WhatsApp at the top of the ranking in that country. The bottom line is that no matter the platform, people in Latin America rely heavily on social media for news consumption.
Traditional media adapting to the digital landscape
Despite the rise of social media, traditional news outlets are successfully transitioning to digital platforms. In Mexico, leading online news brands belong to legacy media companies and are widely used. El Universal's website was accessed by 20 percent of Mexican internet users at least once a week in early 2024. This trend extends to other countries, with El Tiempo, Semana, and El Espectador ranking among the top news websites by unique visitors in Colombia. These figures demonstrate the ongoing relevance of established media brands in the digital news ecosystem.
