What is the ‘Deeply read’ list?
For years, The Guardian has monitored how long readers engage with our journalism. While click counts provide insight into an article’s popularity, they don’t always reflect its depth or the time spent on it. To better measure quality, we developed a new approach that evaluates reader attention relative to content length. This method highlights stories that resonate more profoundly with audiences, even if they aren’t the most widely clicked.
Traditionally, platforms like The Guardian have displayed top-performing articles through “Most viewed” lists. However, these often prioritize mainstream topics over niche or thought-provoking pieces. The “Deeply read” list aims to address this by showcasing content that readers linger on, regardless of its subject matter. It appears on regional home pages, tailored to reflect the interests of local communities.
Our metric calculates attention time, comparing it to the article’s length. This allows for a broader range of stories—shorter or longer, varied in format—to be included. The result is a list that emphasizes both depth and diversity, offering readers a richer selection of journalism. We hope this shift brings greater variety and meaningful engagement to your experience.
Key Features of the List
Unlike conventional lists, “Deeply read” prioritizes reader retention over sheer volume. It considers how long an article holds a reader’s focus, adjusting for length to ensure fairness. This approach surfaces stories that may not dominate click metrics but are valued for their substance and impact.
By focusing on attention time, we can identify journalism that truly captures readers’ interest and holds their attention, even on less mainstream topics.
The list is designed to highlight the breadth of storytelling, from in-depth analyses to concise insights. It’s a tool to help readers discover content that aligns with their curiosity and depth of reading. We believe this evolution better serves the diverse needs of our audience.
