What Features Should You Look For in Apps Like Wattpad?

Wattpad has long been a popular platform for readers and writers alike, offering a space for aspiring authors to share their stories and for readers to discover new voices. However, with a growing number of alternatives available, readers and writers may wonder: what features should you look for in apps like Wattpad?

Whether you’re an author looking to publish your next big story or a reader searching for the best platform to dive into, understanding the core features of these apps can help you make an informed decision. This guide explores the essential features to consider when choosing apps like Wattpad.

User-Friendly Interface

Simplicity and Ease of Navigation

One of the most important features of an app is its user interface (UI). A good UI ensures that users can easily navigate the platform, whether they are writers uploading content or readers exploring stories.

For Writers: A seamless uploading process is key. Look for apps that allow you to write, edit, and publish directly from the app or via a web interface. Writers should be able to format their content with ease, including chapter division, title creation, and content organization.
For Readers: Readers need a simple way to find and follow stories they like. A well-designed app will offer easy-to-use navigation menus, genre filters, and intuitive search features. Bookmarks, a table of contents, and a smooth reading experience without technical glitches are also essential.

Story Discovery and Customization

Finding the Right Content

For readers, the ability to easily discover new stories is crucial. Apps like Wattpad excel in offering recommendations based on your preferences, but there are even more advanced features to consider.

Recommendation Engine: Many platforms use algorithms to suggest stories based on your reading history. Look for apps that offer an intelligent recommendation system that learns from your tastes and introduces you to new genres or authors you might like.
Genre Filters: The best platforms allow you to filter stories by genre, making it easier to explore content that suits your interests. Whether you prefer romance, fantasy, horror, or mystery, you should be able to easily dive into these categories.
Search and Tags: Look for platforms that support robust search functionality. The use of tags like "romantic comedy," "young adult," or "sci-fi thriller" helps you pinpoint stories quickly. Some apps even let users filter by story length, update frequency, or popularity.

Community Engagement and Feedback

Building a Writing and Reading Community

An active community is one of the most appealing aspects of platforms like Wattpad. It’s where readers and writers interact, offer feedback, and build relationships. When evaluating alternatives, ensure that the platform supports community engagement.

Comments and Reviews: A well-organized comment section allows readers to share their thoughts and feedback. For writers, this is a great way to connect with your audience and get constructive criticism. Look for apps that enable replies to comments so the conversation can continue.
Likes, Votes, and Rankings: Many platforms incorporate voting systems, which help stories gain visibility. Readers can vote for their favorite stories, and high-ranking stories often appear on the homepage or in recommended lists. This feature benefits both readers (by pointing them toward popular stories) and writers (by offering exposure).
Forums and Social Media Integration: Some apps have built-in forums or discussion boards where users can chat about specific genres or stories. Social media integration is also a plus, as it allows writers to share their work across platforms like Facebook or Instagram.

Monetization Options for Writers

Earning Money from Your Writing

If you’re an aspiring author hoping to make a career out of writing, monetization options are essential. While Wattpad offers limited earning opportunities through its program, many other apps have features that allow writers to make money.

Revenue Sharing: Some platforms offer a revenue-sharing model where authors can earn money from ads, premium memberships, or direct reader donations. For example, platforms like Inkitt or Tapas allow authors to generate income based on reader engagement or by offering paid chapters.
Crowdfunding Support: Many apps offer integrations with platforms like Patreon, allowing readers to support authors directly. Writers can set up memberships or exclusive content for their most dedicated readers, creating a steady stream of income.
Self-Publishing and Print Options: Some apps give authors the option to self-publish their work as eBooks or physical books. This feature is valuable for writers looking to expand their readership and increase their revenue potential.

Quality of Reading Experience

Seamless and Engaging Story Consumption

A great reading experience is critical for readers to enjoy and return to an app. The quality of the reading interface plays a major role in this.

Customizable Font and Theme Options: Look for apps that allow you to adjust the font size, style, and background color to suit your preferences. Whether you’re reading in a dark room or in bright sunlight, these options will help ensure your reading comfort.
Offline Reading: Some apps allow users to download stories for offline reading, which is a great feature for readers who want to enjoy content on the go without worrying about data usage.
Progress Tracking: Apps like Wattpad allow you to track your reading progress, showing how many chapters you’ve read and when the next chapter is released. This is especially useful for serialized stories.

Content Moderation and Quality Control

Ensuring Safe and High-Quality Content

An effective content moderation system is essential for maintaining a safe and high-quality environment for both readers and writers. Since user-generated content is often the norm, look for apps that have strong editorial policies.

Content Guidelines: Reputable platforms have clear content guidelines that ensure stories adhere to specific quality standards. Apps should also have reporting tools so that inappropriate content can be flagged and removed.
Editing and Proofreading Tools: Writers may appreciate platforms that offer built-in grammar checks, spell checks, or even automatic formatting tools. While these features can’t replace professional editing, they are helpful for improving the overall quality of stories before they go public.

Customization for Authors and Readers

Tailoring the Experience to Your Needs

Customization features allow both writers and readers to personalize their experience on the app, making it feel more personal and engaging.

Reader Profiles: Readers should be able to set up profiles that display their reading preferences, badges, or rankings. This is a way to interact with the community, track your reading history, and gain recommendations.
Author Dashboards: Writers benefit from dashboards that track important metrics, like views, votes, comments, and earnings. The more detailed and intuitive the dashboard, the better a writer can understand their audience and improve their work.
Bookmarked Content: Both readers and writers should have the option to save favorite stories, follow authors, or create personalized reading lists. These features ensure that users can easily return to content they enjoy.

Cross-Platform Accessibility

Reading and Writing Across Devices

A truly great app is one that can be used across devices without losing functionality. Whether you’re reading on your phone, tablet, or computer, consistency is key.

Multi-Device Syncing: Look for apps that allow you to sync your account and reading progress across all devices. This makes it easy to pick up where you left off, no matter what device you’re using.
Mobile-Friendly: Since many readers access stories via mobile, the app should be optimized for small screens. Writers should also have the ability to publish and edit content easily from mobile devices.

Conclusion

Choosing the right app for reading and writing involves considering various features that improve both the creation and consumption of stories. As you explore apps like Wattpad, keep in mind the user interface, community engagement, monetization options, reading experience, and content moderation tools. These elements will not only enhance your experience but also help you discover or share quality stories. Discover essential features in apps like Wattpad with the help of a top on-demand app development company. Find out how to create engaging and user-friendly platforms.

In 2025, with so many alternatives to Wattpad, the platform you choose should suit your personal preferences, whether you’re looking for a space to create, connect, or explore new narratives. By focusing on these essential features, you can ensure that your experience as a writer or reader is rewarding and enjoyable.