By Rebecca Avusu | Penplusbytes

A New Era of News Consumption

In today’s digital world, the way Ghanaians consume news is shifting rapidly. Traditional news formats like radio, bulletins, and long newspaper articles are being replaced. The youth are replacing them with short, engaging videos shared on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and WhatsApp. These videos, usually under two minutes, are becoming a key source of news and civic education, and they are influencing how people think, act, and engage with public issues.

What Is Short Video Journalism?

Short video journalism refers to the use of concise, visually engaging content that explains news stories, public policies, or social issues. These videos often feature a narrator, on-screen text, music, and sometimes humour, and animations to break down complex topics into segments that are simple and understandable. The goal is to inform quickly and effectively, especially for mobile users who prefer quick updates on the go.

How It’s Taking Root in Ghana

In Ghana, short video journalism is gaining traction as both a tool for civic engagement, and a medium for countering misinformation. For example, in Kumasi, a young creator used TikTok to explain the withdrawal from ECOWAS by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in simple terms. The video, which used voiceovers and animated visuals, reached thousands within days. In Accra, a journalism student created short reels to debunk common myths about the Ghana Rent Assistance Scheme. Her videos, presented in everyday language and posted across social media, were widely shared and appreciated for their clarity.

Local language creators are also using this format to make news more inclusive. In parts of Northern Ghana, journalists are producing short video explainers in both Dagbani and Dagaare, making civic education accessible to non-English speaking populations. These innovations are transforming how people, especially in rural and peri-urban areas, receive and understand important information.

Why Short Videos Are Gaining Popularity

People, especially the youth, are drawn to short videos because they are fast, accessible, and engaging. According to a 2023 survey by the Media Foundation for West Africa, over 60% of young Ghanaians access news primarily through social media. Many of them prefer short videos because they deliver key points without the need to read long articles or sit through lengthy broadcasts. Videos in local languages, like those produced by community journalists in the Upper West and Northern regions, also help bridge the language gap for rural and less literate audiences.

The Risks of Short-Form News

However, this shift to short-form news comes with serious challenges. The same platforms that allow credible creators to educate and inform also give room for misinformation to thrive. In 2022, a wave of false videos claiming that COVID-19 vaccines caused infertility spread across TikTok and WhatsApp, particularly in the Volta Region. These videos, often made to look professional, caused fear and discouraged many people from taking the vaccine. Because of the speed at which content is shared, harmful videos can reach thousands before fact-checkers even become aware of them.

Another risk is oversimplification. While brevity is a strength, it also limits how much context can be provided. Some creators leave out critical details or exaggerate claims just to go viral. Sensational headlines, misleading visuals, or emotional manipulation can distort the truth even when the issue is serious. This is why digital media literacy is more important than ever. Audiences need the skills to question what they see, check the sources behind the videos, and think critically before sharing content.

How Penplusbytes Is Responding

Penplusbytes is at the forefront of efforts to promote responsible and impactful short video journalism in Ghana. Through its “Building Media Literacy and Empowering Rural Youth” program, supported by UNESCO, the organization has trained young leaders in the Eastern, Oti, and Volta regions to recognize and counter misinformation      while encouraging civic dialogue in their communities. Penplusbytes has also conducted ethical video production workshops in collaboration with DW Akademie, equipping participants with mobile journalism, storytelling, and editing skills grounded in ethical reporting.

In 2024, Penplusbytes hosted the Youth Against Disinformation Conference, bringing together over 200 youth leaders, journalists, and media professionals to share tools for recognizing and combating online falsehoods. It also led Ghana’s 2023 Global Media and Information Literacy Week in Kumasi, the first time this national event was held outside Accra, extending digital literacy discussions to schools, youth groups, and educators throughout the Ashanti region.

These programs reflect Penplusbytes’ deep commitment to fostering a media environment where young people can create and consume compelling and credible short-form content.

The Way Forward

Short video journalism is here to stay. It offers a powerful way to reach audiences who may not engage with traditional media. However, to fully harness its benefits, continued investment must be made in training content creators, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging ethical standards. Journalists and youth alike need access to tools and mentorship that can help them produce content that informs rather than misleads.

At the same time, audiences must be educated to think critically about what they watch and share. Digital media literacy programs, especially those targeting rural youth and non-English speakers, are essential for building a society that values truth, context, and responsible expression.

Conclusion: It’s Time to Invest in Short Video Journalism

Short video journalism is not just a trend; it is the future of news consumption in Ghana and across Africa. If we want to build an informed, engaged, and an empowered society, then we must take this format seriously. It’s time to support the creators who are using their phones, not just to entertain, but to inform and inspire. One story at a time. One video at a time.