What you need to know

With print circulation continuing its decline, magazine publishers are exploring ways of monetising their still powerful brands by diversifying their platform options. Alongside their centrepiece print and digital editions, publishers are focusing on the opportunities presented by apps, websites, e-commerce, events, data-gathering and advertising technology.

Digital magazines, while still only making up a small section of the market, are on the rise, with the current affairs sector leading the charge. As more publishers improve their digital magazines, adapting their digital editions specifically for each device, this trend is set to increase.

While the market is still clearly still going through transition, there are reasons for optimism. Despite print declines, there is still a core audience of invested readers that truly enjoy the print experience. Furthermore younger generations appear to have strong relationships with magazine titles and brands, which is very encouraging for the market as it develops.

Covered in this report

This report covers the full spectrum of consumer magazine segments including interest-specific, women’s glossy monthly, women’s weekly, women’s general interest, celebrity, news and current affairs, free, men’s monthly lifestyle and men’s weekly lifestyle.

The scope of this report covers both print and digital magazines. Digital magazines can be purchased and read through a subscription management service such as Apple Newsstand, Google Play Newsstand and Kindle Magazines through dedicated title-specific apps or through a web browser.

Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen’s Printer for Scotland.

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