Independent Voices Reshape Canadian New Media in 2025

 Canada’s new media landscape is evolving rapidly, with independent voices on YouTube and TikTok driving a dynamic shift. In July 2025, left-leaning YouTube channels saw faster follower growth than right-leaning ones, signaling rising demand for progressive perspectives. However, right-leaning voices, like Moose on the Loose, dominate total views, reflecting their established audiences and polished content.

On TikTok, traditional media and independent creators are vying for influence, with distinct trends emerging.

YouTube: Left-Leaning Growth, Right-Leaning Dominance

 According to 996 Advisors' analysis, in July 2025, left-leaning independent voices' YouTube channels in Canada outpaced right-leaning ones in follower growth. Progressive creators focusing on climate, social justice, and anti-conservative narratives, like GuardTheLeaf, are attracting younger audiences seeking alternatives to traditional media. Yet, right-leaning channels, such as Northern Perspective, maintain a stronghold on total views. Their established presence mirrors the U.S., where conservative media built a robust digital ecosystem earlier, amassing millions of views.

TikTok: Traditional Media and Rising Independent Canadian Voices

On TikTok, last week’s data shows traditional media incumbents like CBC and CP24 maintaining rapid account growth. However, RedFM Vancouver, a South Asian radio station, is outpacing giants like CTV in growth, building a vibrant TikTok community with culturally relevant content. Among right-wing Canadian independent voices, creator Mario Zelaya leads growth. Based in Burlington, Ontario, Zelaya’s pro-Conservative TikTok account surged last week with posts on healthcare, particularly the tragic death of a 16-year-old due to hospital wait times. His measured style and multi-platform presence amplify his reach. On the left, Cole.not.Cole is last week’s fastest-growing left leaning independent account, focusing on Gaza and the recent hockey sexual assault verdict.

ACCOUNT HANDLE	FOLLOWER GROWTH JUL 21-27, 2025
cbcbritishcolumbia	3200
cp24breakingnews	3000
officialmariozelaya	2200
redfmvancouver	2200
ctvnewsottawa	1800
citynewsto	1700
cole.notcole	1500

U.S. Influence and Post-2024 Election Shift

The Canadian landscape reflects U.S. trends, where distrust in mainstream media fueled right-wing media’s early rise. The 2024 U.S. election highlighted the power of independent voices like Joe Rogan. In Canada, similar skepticism has prompted right-leaning creators to fill a gap in the digital space. Progressive channels are now gaining traction as they’ve seen the success of the right-leaning trailblazers.

Emotionally charged topics have resonated with younger audiences, driving significant engagement. Both sides navigate algorithmic biases and risks like content farming. Yet, the rise of diverse voices, from RedFM to independents like Zelaya and Cole, signals a vibrant, contested digital public square.