YouTube gathered more than 50 journalists and podcasters at its first Independent Media Summit to share advice on using its creation tools and growing channels on the platform.
The company said viewers watched more than 15 billion hours of news content on YouTube in the first half of 2025, and that a recent poll found nearly half of all voters now get more news from YouTube than from traditional television.
Speakers framed the platform as a significant opportunity for independent publishing.
Former CNN host Don Lemon said: "YouTube is the biggest television network in the world, and if you are not on YouTube, you're missing out."
Emily Jashinsky, D.C. Correspondent for UnHerd, said independent channels allow creators to work without traditional editorial constraints.
Panellists also addressed the relationship between journalism standards and audience engagement.
Journalist Tara Palmeri, host of the The Tara Palmeri Show on Youtube, said: "On YouTube, we can continue to keep the rigours and standards of journalism. It is the largest network in the world, and as news creators, we should use this platform to build trust with our audience."
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Media commentator Keith Edwards said the platform allows creators to present a more complete version of themselves to audiences.
Journalist and video producer Dave Jorgensen highlighted strong viewer participation, citing active engagement in comment sections as a distinctive feature of the platform.
The recap
- YouTube hosted over 50 creators at its Independent Media Summit.
- More than 15 billion news hours viewed in first-half 2025.
- Nearly half of voters now get more news from YouTube.