longread

Longread is a term used to describe long-form journalism and feature writing published in magazines, newspapers, and online publications. Longreads emphasize in-depth reporting, extended narrative, and thorough analysis, typically exceeding the length of standard news articles. While there is no fixed word count, longreads commonly run into a few thousand words and often incorporate broader context, source material, and storytelling techniques.

Common characteristics include extensive reporting, multiple interviews, careful sourcing, a coherent narrative arc, and a focus on nuance and detail. Many longreads also integrate multimedia elements such as photographs, charts, audio, video, or interactive graphics to enrich the reader's understanding.

Online platforms and traditional outlets alike publish longreads. Dedicated aggregators and websites curate long-form pieces, while magazines and newspapers feature longform features as centerpiece articles. Readers access longreads on desktop and mobile devices, frequently encountering them via newsletters, social media links, or digital subscriptions.

The rise of online publishing in the 2000s and 2010s contributed to the growth of longreads, with journalists and editors adopting longer formats for investigative reporting, literary journalism, and in-depth profiles. Critics note that longreads demand greater time and attention from readers and require substantial editorial resources, while supporters argue they offer depth and narrative engagement that shorter pieces cannot match.