Información de actualidad en TikTok. Viralidad y entretenimiento para nativos digitales

Since its 2018 launch, TikTok has evolved into a dominant platform among digital natives, blending entertainment with algorithmic personalisation. This study examines how journalistic institutions and professionals adapt to TikTok’s unique audiovisual, short-form, and highly viral communication logic. By analysing over 23,000 videos from 143 media and journalist accounts across 25 countries, the research measures virality, engagement, and thematic communities formed via hashtags. Results show a predominant focus on entertainment content, with limited adoption of serious news formats. However, a niche exists for current affairs dissemination—especially when formats are adapted to TikTok's affective, fast-consumption style. English-language content dominates both reach and interaction, reflecting the platform's globalised audience. The paper identifies the structural tensions between traditional journalism and TikTok's algorithmic, community-driven environment. Ultimately, it highlights the need for tailored storytelling strategies to engage younger audiences with relevant, informative content on emerging platforms.