What is the ‘Deeply read’ list?

What is the ‘Deeply read’ list?

The Guardian has long tracked how readers interact with our journalism, focusing not just on the number of clicks but also on the time they invest in each piece. While clicks provide a snapshot of a story’s reach, the duration readers spend engaging with content offers deeper insights into its impact. Traditional metrics like ‘Most viewed’ lists, used by many platforms, highlight popular articles based on clicks. However, these often overlook in-depth journalism that resonates with niche or less mainstream topics.

To address this, we introduced the ‘Deeply read’ list, which prioritizes articles that capture sustained reader attention. Unlike conventional lists, this one considers the time spent on each story rather than just its visibility. It appears on regional homepages, offering a curated view of content that aligns with the interests of local audiences. Not all items on the list are lengthy; we use a metric that balances engagement time against the piece’s length, ensuring diversity across subjects, formats, and styles.

This approach allows us to surface a broader range of stories that deserve recognition beyond mere popularity. By focusing on how long readers stay with an article, we aim to highlight work that fosters thoughtful engagement. The result is a more varied selection of journalism, reflecting both the depth and breadth of reader interaction.

We hope you enjoy the increased variety and depth of the pieces you find here.