Forget the clichés. This is what digital journalism actually looks like in 2025—and how to make it work for your skills, schedule, and sanity.
Let’s get one thing straight: digital journalism isn’t just journalism done online. It’s a shape-shifting, algorithm-dodging, platform-hopping hustle that blends reporting, social media savvy, and digital storytelling.
The field has evolved fast. Legacy newsrooms have gone remote, TikTok explainers rack up millions of views, and email newsletters are reshaping political influence. Today’s digital journalists might be live-tweeting a hearing, editing a podcast, or fact-checking a climate story for Instagram.
And yet, many digital journalism programs are still teaching like it’s 2008. You’ll learn news writing and maybe dabble in HTML—but where’s the crash course in YouTube SEO? In creator-style storytelling? In avoiding burnout when your whole career lives online?
Here’s what no one tells you. But we will.
What is digital journalism, really?
Digital journalism is journalism that’s built for the digital age—text, video, audio, data, visuals, and whatever new format the internet cooks up next. It’s what happens when traditional journalism meets Westlund-style innovation and decides to try TikTok.
Sure, it includes the classics: news stories on media outlets like The Washington Post or BBC.com. But it also lives on YouTube channels, Substack newsletters, podcasts, Instagram carousels, and the oddly compelling explainer someone posted from their closet at 2 a.m.
The formats? Endless. Think:
- Longform investigations
- Photojournalism slideshows
- On-camera explainers
- Email newsletters
- TikTok commentary
- Podcast interviews
- Twitter/X threads that low-key break major stories
And in the age of misinformation overload, digital journalism matters more than ever. When anyone with WiFi can pretend to be a source, trusted storytelling becomes a form of public service.
Digital journalists aren’t just reporting—they’re translating, curating, contextualizing, and sometimes calling BS in real time.
📌 Pro Tip: The platforms may change, but the mission hasn’t: Tell the truth. Make it accessible. Try not to get ratioed.
What does a digital journalist actually do?
Digital journalists wear a lot of hats—especially if you’re not at a giant media outlet with a 47-person video team and someone who only formats headlines. Whether you’re a digital journalism major or a working pro, your day might include writing, editing, producing, uploading, and—yes—checking metrics like your story’s bounce rate while reheating cold coffee.
Let’s break it down:
- Writing and editing: Still core to the gig. You’re crafting everything from breaking news reports to deeply researched features, sometimes for traditional news outlets, sometimes for your own Substack.
- Producing and uploading: You’re in the CMS, embedding videos, adding alt text, optimizing for SEO, and triple-checking that you didn’t forget a citation (again).
- Analytics and performance: Love it or loathe it, you’ll track how your stories perform using dashboards, A/B tests, and social shares. Because in digital journalism, if no one clicks it, did it even happen?
You’ll also jump across platforms like a caffeinated squirrel: TikTok explainers, Instagram infographics, newsletters, podcasts, short-form video, long-form text, and even the occasional headline built just to win Google.
And while the tools vary (WordPress, Notion, analytics dashboards, social schedulers), the heart of the job hasn’t changed: report the story, report it well, and meet your audience where they’re actually scrolling.
In short: digital journalism is less “clock in, file copy” and more “write, post, tweet, fix typo, check stats, repeat.”
Is digital journalism a good career path?
Let’s be honest: digital journalism is not the cozy, corner-office dream your journalism professor sold you. But if you’re curious, scrappy, and okay with a little chaos, it can be a seriously rewarding ride.
Here’s the truth:
- The pay? Entry-level salaries can be…humbling. Especially at smaller news media startups or digital news sites still figuring out monetization. Subscriptions help, but most newsrooms aren’t exactly swimming in cash.
- The hours? Expect to work when news breaks—which is often at the worst possible time. (Looking at you, Sunday night.)
- The burnout? Real. Especially when you’re juggling content creation, digital publishing, social media, and staying ahead of the next online journalism trend.
But it’s not all doomscrolling and deadline anxiety.
The pros are pretty great:
- Massive creative freedom to explore new formats—from TikTok journalism to audio storytelling.
- The ability to reach global audiences instantly.
- The flexibility to work remotely, freelance, or launch your own digital news brand.
Who thrives in this career?
Writers with strong storytelling instincts, relentless curiosity, and a growth mindset. People who love learning new tools, can adapt to algorithm shifts without crying (much), and care deeply about quality news reporting—whether that’s a 2,000-word longread or a 90-second video breakdown.
So yes, it’s a good career path—but it’s not for the faint of heart.
Career paths in digital journalism (that go beyond “reporter”)
Think “digital journalism” means spending your life chasing quotes and filing stories before deadline? Think again. While news writing is still the heartbeat of the field, today’s digital newsrooms run on far more than just bylines.
Whether you’re an undergrad figuring out your first move or a mid-career writer eyeing a pivot, there’s a wide range of roles that let you flex your writing skills, storytelling instincts, and digital savvy.
Here are just a few:
- Multimedia producer: Plan, shoot, and edit stories that blend text, video, and audio into scroll-stopping packages. Think documentary-style YouTube pieces or interactive explainers for a major news source.
- Social media editor: Turn complex news into bite-sized content that actually gets seen. You’ll translate breaking news into posts that inform and trend—without resorting to clickbait.
- Podcast producer: From behind-the-scenes editing to on-air interviews, this role blends journalism, sound design, and narrative chops. Bonus: You’ll never run out of podcasts to “research.”
- Fact-checker: The frontline of fighting misinformation. You’ll verify quotes, stats, and sources—making sure digital journalism stays credible in a post-truth world.
- Newsletter editor: Curate and deliver personalized news updates directly to inboxes. Writing, editing, and engaging with readers is your daily mission.
- Digital strategist for news organizations: Help shape how stories are published, optimized, and shared across platforms. Analytics, SEO, and audience insight are all part of the gig.
And that’s just the beginning. Many digital journalists also move into broadcast journalism, filmmaking, or even branded content and advocacy work.
In short: if you love telling stories and adapting to new tools, there’s definitely a seat at the table for you.
Degrees, majors, and experience: What do you actually need?
Think you need a fancy degree to break into digital journalism? Maybe. But not always. These days, hiring editors care far more about what you can do than what’s printed on your diploma.
A bachelor’s degree in journalism, digital media, or communications is the most common route—but not the only one. A master’s degree can be useful for career changers or those looking to specialize, but it’s rarely required for entry-level jobs. What matters most is whether you’ve got a strong portfolio, solid writing skills, and a knack for working across platforms.
Most digital journalism majors or bachelor of arts programs include coursework in:
- News writing and reporting
- Media law and journalism ethics
- Multimedia production: video, podcasting, and digital tools
- Social media and audience engagement
But don’t worry if you didn’t take this path. Many successful journalists got their start writing for the high school paper, launching a podcast from their bedroom, or experimenting with Substack and TikTok explainers. A formal degree program can give you structure, support, and access to internships—but it won’t always reflect the skills employers actually want.
📌 Pro Tip: Real-world experience can carry more weight than a polished transcript. Editors want to see proof: a well-written article, a smart Instagram post breaking down policy news, or a mini-documentary you made for class.
And if you’re already studying or working in another field? Online courses, short bootcamps, and on-the-ground reporting experience can get you up to speed fast. Undergraduate students often supplement their program of study (or lack thereof) with hands-on work—freelance gigs, newsletter launches, or campus media projects that show what you can actually do.
Bottom line: You don’t need a perfect résumé. You need curiosity, hustle, and the drive to build a portfolio that speaks louder than any diploma.
How to start a career in digital journalism
There’s no single “right” way to break into digital journalism—but there are a few tried-and-true starting points. Whether you’re a journalism student, a career changer, or someone just figuring it out as you go, you’ll need one thing above all: a body of work that proves you can do the job.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Get internships and freelance work
Traditional internships (especially those tied to digital journalism programs or offered by major newsrooms) can be a great foot in the door. But freelance assignments often move faster and come with more flexibility. Start small—local publications, niche blogs, independent newsrooms—and build up from there.
2. Build a killer portfolio
You don’t need 20 polished clips from big-name outlets. A handful of strong pieces—blog posts, published articles, social posts, TikTok explainers, even podcast episodes—will do. Focus on showing your writing skills, digital instincts, and ability to engage an audience.
3. Know where to look
Job boards like JournalismJobs.com, Mediabistro, and even LinkedIn can be goldmines. So can edu platforms that post student opportunities and fellowships. Don’t ignore the career pages of your favorite media companies or digital news startups—they often list entry-level roles you won’t find anywhere else.
4. Start where you are
While New York remains a hub for news media, the rise of remote work and digital-first newsrooms means you can land your first byline from just about anywhere. Focus less on where you live and more on what you’re creating—and who’s reading it.
The goal? Get your work out there, pitch often, and show up with curiosity. A strong portfolio and some strategic hustle can open doors a degree alone never will.
What no one tells you about this career
Digital journalism is thrilling, meaningful, and often… chaotic. It’s not just about writing headlines—it’s about keeping up with algorithms, fighting misinformation, and carving out a space in a fast-moving landscape where anyone with Wi-Fi and a ring light can call themselves a journalist.
Here’s what most glossy career brochures leave out:
1. You’ll need to build your own audience
Yes, even if you land a job at a legacy outlet. Having a following on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Substack can boost your visibility and your story reach. In some cases, it may even help you get hired.
2. Misinformation is part of the job now
Whether you’re fact-checking viral claims or clarifying complex issues, fighting fake news is no longer a side task—it’s part of the role.
3. There’s pressure to be first—but accuracy still matters
Digital journalism often means racing to cover a developing story. But rushing leads to mistakes, and credibility is hard to rebuild once it’s broken. Learning when to pause (and verify) is a crucial part of the job.
4. You may feel more like a content creator than a reporter
One minute you’re covering breaking news; the next you’re editing a reel, writing SEO headlines, and responding to comments on social media. It’s all journalism—but not necessarily how you imagined it.
5. Pitching yourself is non-negotiable
Whether you’re freelancing or on staff, being able to confidently pitch your story ideas—and your own skills—is as important as the news writing itself. (Think: cover letters, intros, and quick “here’s why this matters” hooks.)
📌 Pro Tip: This isn’t your grandparents’ journalism job—but if you’re adaptable, passionate, and ready to tell stories that matter, it might just be your dream career.
The future of digital journalism
The only constant in digital journalism? Change.
This field is evolving fast—with new tools, new talent, and new challenges reshaping what it means to be a journalist in the digital age. Whether you’re just entering the industry or looking to stay ahead, here’s what’s coming:
1. AI is here—and it’s not going away
Automation is already handling everything from summarizing earnings calls to suggesting headlines. But instead of replacing journalists, smart newsrooms are using AI to support reporting—not substitute it. (Your humanity still matters.)
2. Big players are getting even bolder
Newsrooms like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN are leading the charge on interactive storytelling, data journalism, and immersive formats like AR and VR. Innovation isn’t optional—it’s baked into their daily workflows.
3. Visuals are leading the charge
Digital journalism is shifting toward photojournalism, motion graphics, and video-first formats. Whether it’s a TikTok explainer or a documentary-style short, visual storytelling is becoming just as essential as the written word.
4. New platforms, new partnerships
As social media continues to fragment, journalists are experimenting with where and how they reach audiences. Expect growth in independent platforms like Substack, Patreon, and podcasts—as well as unexpected collaborations across the publishing industry.
5. A new generation is ready
Today’s digital journalism students are graduating with skills in video editing, audience engagement, and SEO baked into their training. They’re hungry, tech-savvy, and rethinking what a journalism career can look like.
In short: digital journalism isn’t fading—it’s morphing. And for the writers, reporters, and creators ready to evolve with it, the future’s looking pretty damn exciting.
Should you pursue a career in digital journalism?
If you want a cozy, quiet job with no surprises… this ain’t it.
Digital journalism is fast, demanding, often underpaid, and occasionally soul-crushing (hi, comments section). But it’s also thrilling, purpose-driven, and one of the few careers where your curiosity, storytelling instincts, and internet rabbit-hole habits are actual superpowers.
If you’ve ever felt lit up by the truth, obsessed with clarity, or determined to tell stories that matter, then yes—this might just be your corner of the universe.
And if you want help getting there?
Join Wordling Plus—our membership for ambitious writers navigating modern media careers.
We’ve got pitch breakdowns, career strategy, mindset support, and a whole library of real-world tools for digital journalists (and the rest of us trying to make writing work in 2025 and beyond).
Smart writers. Deep insights. Zero fluff.
