tabloid

Tabloid is a term that refers to both a newspaper format and a style of journalism. As a format, a tabloid denotes a compact newspaper roughly half the size of a broadsheet, commonly about 11 by 17 inches (approximately 28 by 43 cm). The term originated from tablet-sized sheets and became popular in the early 20th century as a practical, affordable format for mass readership. Many newspapers are printed in tabloid size, including general-interest and middle-market titles, though some use marketing terms like “compact” or “mini” for branding purposes.

As a style, tabloid journalism describes reporting that emphasizes brevity, bold visual presentation, and coverage of crime, celebrities, scandals, and human-interest stories. This approach is often associated with sensationalism or gossip, yet some tabloid papers also publish serious investigative reporting. The distinction between tabloid format and tabloid journalism is not absolute; a publication can be tabloid-sized and maintain rigorous reporting, while some traditional broadsheets may adopt more sensational content.

Regional usage varies. In the United States, tabloids include papers such as the New York Post and the National Enquirer, while in the United Kingdom, papers like The Sun and the Daily Mail are commonly described as tabloid or mid-market, with some titles branding themselves as compact after redesigns. The tabloid format has influenced newspaper design and reporting styles around the world and remains a widely used format for daily and weekly publications.