Guardian has relaunched its mobile app to enhance personalization and visual content, emphasizing the role of podcasts in its “mobile-first” approach.
A new tab for podcasts makes it easier for users to discover and listen to episodes using the in-app player. Additionally, listeners can use the Speech feature to enjoy articles audibly.
This overhaul acknowledges that mobile devices are now crucial for news organizations, with about 75% of Guardian’s daily digital audience accessing content through their phones. The app currently has over 1 million active users each day.
The features aim to strengthen connections with readers as reliance on AI chatbots increases.
Recently, The Times also updated its mobile app. Reflecting the digital age’s influence, commercial broadcaster LBC has introduced a new app meant to serve as a “one-stop destination for breaking news, expert analysis, and reliable opinions.”
The redesigned Guardian app showcases its diverse journalism, featuring a hub for popular puzzles, which helps drive viewer engagement, and offers a “not overwhelming” homepage layout.
It also illustrates evolving journalism trends through a carefully curated selection of photographs, videos, and other visual content.
As mobile distribution of journalism becomes a priority for media companies, app users show greater loyalty and engagement. For Guardian, app users generate 15 times more average page views than web visitors.
New homepage designs have been announced for all five Guardian editions in the UK, US, Australia, Europe, and Internationally.
Katharine Viner, the editor-in-chief of Guardian News & Media, noted that the digital updates are more visual and modern, enabling ongoing innovation and a broader reach for Guardian journalism.
Alex Breuer, the Executive Creative Director of Guardian Media Group, emphasized their efforts to maximize their business potential. With the app and homepage redesign, they focused on highlighting the speed, depth, and variety of their journalism.
“We’ve created a more dynamic layout and experience, helping users stay updated on unique and independent news stories,” he added.
This app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices.
