Democrats are accelerating efforts to reach young voters on the digital platforms where they spend most of their time, from TikTok and Instagram Reels to Twitch livestreams and YouTube Shorts. Party strategists say that traditional tools like TV ads and town halls are losing relevance with under-35 voters, who are far more likely to encounter political content through short-form videos, gaming streams, and influencer-driven campaigns.
Several Democratic campaigns have already started experimenting with creator partnerships, meme-driven messaging, and interactive livestreams to break through crowded feeds. The goal, according to digital consultants, is to meet young audiences “where they live online” rather than expecting them to come to legacy channels.
Republicans, meanwhile, have been building digital ecosystems of their own, leaning on influencers and grassroots content networks that spread quickly across alternative platforms. That competitive pressure has Democrats worried about being outpaced in online spaces critical to shaping political culture.
Democrats Race to Court Young Voters on TikTok, Twitch, and New Media Platforms
