The MSNBC social media team is dedicated to providing audiences with resources to navigate complex political issues and breaking news. Our mission is to help our followers "understand more" through nuanced context, thoughtful analysis, and dynamic video content—all delivered 24/7/365. We continually enhance our social media presence to establish MSNBC as the leading destination for breaking news and insightful commentary.
In 2024, we focused on these main objectives for TikTok and YouTube:
From our YouTube “Trump on Trial” live streams and our TikTok series “MSNBC Asks” to our extensive election coverage, we aimed to build a vibrant, diverse community that sets MSNBC’s social media apart from our competitors. One social media viewer illustrated our impact when they commented, “Your reporting continues to inform your viewers. Sometimes it motivates the spirit. Thank you.”
By holding those in power accountable without fear or favor, MSNBC solidified our position as the #1 social media destination for political news across platforms in 2024.
YouTube
Expanding MSNBC’s Social Media Reach To Broader Audiences
MSNBC extended its reach to global audiences through long-form, engaging content. Our live-streaming series Trump on Trial brought viewers inside the courtroom where Donald Trump faced charges, offering a historic perspective. With MSNBC anchor and legal contributor Katie Phang providing expert analysis, the series invited a worldwide audience to join the conversation, breaking barriers to understanding complex events.
Making Complicated Issues Accessible Through Innovative Videos
YouTube became a key platform for breaking down complex legal proceedings into clear, digestible insights. During Trump on Trial, Katie Phang translated legal jargon into straightforward explanations, ensuring viewers could follow every development. Through live Q&A sessions and expert panel discussions, MSNBC provided in-depth analysis that made even the most intricate aspects of the trial understandable to audiences of all backgrounds.
Fostering Active, Live Engagement with Followers
The interactive nature of YouTube’s live streams allowed MSNBC to foster real-time audience participation. Viewers had the opportunity to pose direct questions to legal experts and Trump insiders, sparking insightful conversations. This dynamic exchange transformed passive viewership into an engaged community, giving audiences a front-row seat to unfolding events and deepening their connection to the news.
Follower Comment: “Thanks for this YT stream. I don’t have TV and work during the day, so you’ve provided a window into the trial for me that was absolutely necessary.”
TikTok
Expanding MSNBC’s Social Media Reach To Broader Audiences
MSNBC connected with a wider audience by tailoring content to TikTok's fast-paced nature. Categorizing content into genres like breaking news, behind-the-scenes footage, and anchor insights created a space for creative engagement. Our MSNBC Asks series, where correspondents spoke with everyday Americans, helped attract viewers who might not traditionally follow political news. For example, in this video with playful graphics, MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle humorously spoofed a bill proposing Trump’s face on the $500 bill, complete with a Monopoly board twist.
Making Complicated Issues Accessible Through Innovative Videos
Americans have limited time, so TikTok’s short-form storytelling allowed MSNBC to simplify complex topics creatively. Facing time as an obstacle, we enhanced the YouTube Trump on Trial series with Trump on Trial in 60 Seconds, summarizing courtroom proceedings under a ticking clock. Explainer videos with fact-checks, trending visuals, and even humor helped break down intricate political issues in ways that resonated with TikTok’s audience.
Fostering Active, Live Engagement with Followers
MSNBC fostered engagement by creating interactive and relatable content, such as a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the NBC News Decision Desk team featuring MSNBC’s National Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki. This exclusive first look encouraged comments, shares, and viewer discussions. In 2024, MSNBC also began using TikTok to livestream major news events, including the DNC, to followers who were actively participating in conversations.
Follower Comment: “Love seeing behind the scenes and the team supporting Steve! Thanks for sharing.”
By leveraging YouTube for in-depth, live content and TikTok for creative, snackable formats, MSNBC expanded its reach, made complex issues accessible, and fostered meaningful engagement.
In 2024, MSNBC was the #1 Political News Destination across social media. We had our strongest year ever for social video views, surpassing six billion views across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and X (+109% year-over-year).
TikTok
YouTube
Additional comments from our social media followers which underline the impact of our engagement:
“Thank you…for teaching all of us about all of this…for your hard work to help us all understand!!”
“I love how much I am learning about our system of justice…”
“I love this!! No rush. Brilliant lawyers. Digging deep and staying sassy. Please continue this series!”
“Wow, fantastic job, MSNBC! This was a really interesting production and I loved all the discussions. Very informative!”
