listicles

Listicles are articles or posts that present information in the form of a list, typically using numbered items or bullets. Each item contains a brief description or explanation, and the list is usually introduced by a short lead and closed with a concluding paragraph. The format emphasizes scannability and quick consumption, making it popular for online media, blogs, and social media.

The term is a portmanteau of "list" and "article" and became widely used in the 2000s as digital journalism and content marketing grew. The exact origin of the word is unclear, but the format gained traction with evergreen and timely topics alike, from how-to guides to roundups of products, ideas, or facts.

Common formats include "Top 10 lists", "X ways to do Y", "Best of Z", and "Five things to know about W". Lists may be purely enumerated, or items may include brief subheadings, descriptions, images, or links. Some listicles are interactive, allowing readers to click to expand items.

They are praised for readability, shareability, and SEO friendliness. They are criticized for encouraging superficial coverage, filler content, or misleading headlines. To maintain quality, editors often pair lists with contextual introductions, rely on reliable sources, balance coverage, and provide clear criteria for inclusion.

This format remains a staple of online publishing, particularly for audience engagement and quick-reference resources, though it is complemented by longer-form and more deeply sourced articles in many outlets.