Readly, the magazine and newspaper app, has compiled its annual reading trends report for 2022.
For the first time, it includes user data of newspapers and reveals differences in reading behaviours.
The latest insights show that 286,000 digital issues were read 146 million times on the platform, with readership spiking in categories such as News & Politics, Craft & DIY and TV, Film & Cinema. The most popular time to read magazines is on Thursdays at 6 pm, whilst for newspapers, it is at 7 am on Sundays.
When looking at Readly’s ten most popular categories based on the highest total readership, the category Travel & Regional has gained popularity, with its share of the total readership increasing by 12% globally. The issues attracting most readers during the year were about domestic travel tips.
Covid-delayed weddings are also back. Based on average reading minutes per account, the wedding category has increased by 6% globally and 14% in Australia.
Chris Couchman, head of content at Readly, said: “Although post-pandemic travel is recovering, it’s evident that domestic travel is here to stay. We see this as a result of an increased awareness about climate change and how we as consumers must change our behaviour, but also perhaps the effects of a tougher economic climate.
“Another trend that has emerged possibly through a combination of current events, is increased reading in category craft and DIY, with consumers looking to fix and mend instead of buying new.Again, environmental consciousness probably plays a part, but it is clearly also the consequence of increased inflation and the squeeze on consumers wallets.”
Readers have been turning to needlework to tackle the cost of living crisis, with a 10 percent increase of average reading per account, globally in the category Craft & DIY. In Australia, the craft & DIY category increased by 29% whilst Home & Renovation increased by 46%.
Another form of low-cost entertainment is staying in, watching TV. The category TV, film & Cinema has close to 30 minute average reading per issue which represents 12 percent increase during 2022 compared to 2021.
Couchman said: “Inflation and economic uncertainty, caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has also led to a spike in readership of daily newspapers and political magazines. 2022 has been a turbulent political year in many countries and as a result, subscribers have used Readly’s wide portfolio of quality journalism to keep informed and updated.”
The monthly average number of newspaper readers who use Readly on a daily basis has increased by 23 percent this year compared to 2021. And average reading time in the magazine category News & Politics increased by 8 percent globally.
Australia’s reading snapshot 2022
• Aussie readers have read issues over 584,000 times.
• 70% of all titles read by Australians are foreign titles.
• Tablets are the most popular device for reading.
Most read categories are:
○ Celebrity & Entertainment (20.9% share of total readership)
○ Lifestyle (11.5% share of total readership)
○ Interior Design & Architecture (8% share of total readership)
Australia’s top ten reading categories for 2022 readership and increase YoY:
1. Celebrity & Entertainment – 26%
2. Lifestyle – 36%
3. Interior Design & Architecture – 43%
4. Craft & DIY – 29%
5. Home & Renovation – 46%
6. Food & Drink – 23%
7. Cars & Motoring – 40%
8. Fashion & Beauty – 29%
9. Tech – 13%
10. Health & Wellness – 37%