Readly has compiled a report detailing the top magazine reading trends of 2021. The latest insights show that 210,000 digital issues were read 120 million times on the platform with spiked readership in categories such as Home & Renovation and TV, Film & Cinema. During 2021 the number of bookmarked pages increased by 46% and the majority of these pages were recipes.
The increased focus on stay-at-home activities started in 2020 because of the pandemic and has continued during 2021. But there is also a parallel trend emerging – an increased interest for wellness and outdoor activities.
“Although people are turning their homes into places where they can recharge, enjoy food and escape reality, it is actually the readership of the Running, Cycling & Fitness magazines that increased the most. Maybe it is the ultimate mix of activities that appeal to the crowd. After all, there is no better feeling than to eat a bowl of pasta in front of your favorite series after you have had a proper workout”, says Chris Couchman, head of content at Readly.
Categories where reading has increased the most during 2021 across all markets:
1) Running, Cycling & Fitness (32%)
2) Home & Renovation (30%)
3) TV film & Cinema (26%)
4) Cars & Motoring (26%)
5) Travel & Regional (25%)
Top 10 categories in Australia during 2021:
1) Celebrity & entertainment – 304% increase
2) Home & Renovation – 200% increase
3) Interior Design & Architecture – 168% increase
4) Craft & DIY – 160% increase
5) Food & Drink – 156% increase
6) Lifestyle – 150% increase
7) Health & Wellness- 130% increase
8) Fashion & Beauty – 115% increase
9) Cars & Motoring – 107% increase
10) Tech – 74% increase
Cooking is the new indoor entertainment
The number of bookmarked pages in magazines has increased by 46% during the year, and most of these are cooking recipes. By taking a closer look at the pages with most bookmarks it seems that there is an urge for comfort food such as one-pots and pans. Some examples of the most bookmarked recipes:
• In the UK: One-pot prawn & lentil curry
• In Germany: Potato Farmer Pan
• In Australia: One-pan greek lemon chicken & rice
“Maybe the pandemic has caused us to crave hearty and cosy meals that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Readers have definitely found comfort in these recipes and cooking has strengthened its position as the number one indoor entertainment”, says Couchman.
Readly’s content portfolio has continued to grow rapidly over the last few years reaching 6,300 magazine titles during 2021, with a catalogue totalling around 210,000 magazine issues from 11 markets. Readership of foreign titles represent a fifth of all read issues where US magazine Rolling Stone’s issue with Dua Lipa got the biggest global audience.
AU reader snapshot
• 74% of all titles read by AU users are foreign titles
• 26% of all titles read by AU users are back issues
• The most read category among Aussies is Celebrity & Entertainment.