Whether you want to share stories with others or you want to experience what others have shared, Wattpad is one of the most popular platforms to do so. Since its inception in 2006, this online platform has accumulated millions of users. But what if you wanted to try something new, something that gives you the same opportunities in a fresh look? Are there any Wattpad alternatives?
Well, that is precisely what we are going to be looking at today. After scouring the internet, we have come up with a list of the best alternative sites to Wattpad that are currently operating in 2023.
Inkitt
Inkitt is a German-developed online platform where people can read and write original stories. Writers acquire 100% copyright of their material. Readers can freely access any of these works and share feedback with the author and other members of the community. Inkitt features thousands of works spanning all genres.
Pros
- Inkitt is totally free to use. Readers can enjoy an ad-free experience.
- Writers retain full copyright ownership of their work.
- Books that perform well on this platform are chosen by Inkitt and published through various channels. So, you can get paid for your work and achieve professional experience.
- Hosts writing contests to inspire hopeful writers.
- It is available as a website as well as on both Android and iOS platforms.
Cons
There really is no negative to say about this platform as an alternative to Wattpad.
Popularity
Starting in 2013, Inkitt has garnered over 3 million users. It has over 1 million downloads from Playstore.
Potential
Similar to Sweek, another Wattpad alternative, Inkitt offers the full package to both readers and writers. It has the potential to be as successful as Wattpad in the future.
Pricing
Inkitt is completely free to use.
Penana
Penana is a social publication platform meant for aspiring writers. The platform hosts thousands of pieces of literature in the genre of fiction. There are original works as well as numerous fanfictions. You can craft your own stories here and experience other stories written by many talented writers.
This website allows you to choose from 3 different options when it comes to writing your own stories – story mode, contest mode, and blog mode.
Story mode is the basic setup that most people are familiar with. You write your stories and then share them with the community. Readers can send you feedback and you can respond to them for an engaging community experience. They can also leave likes and share the story with others.
In contest mode, you can turn other users into more active participants. You can choose a topic and start the contest. Naturally, this gains more engagement thanks to its uniqueness. And the blog mode allows you to build your personal blog.
Pros
Right off the bat, one of the things that immediately strikes you is the diverse catalog. There are several stories on practically every genre or topic. And you can write whichever topic you want to.
The unique feature of the contest mode is another big plus. This turns your readers, and indeed other users, into active participants in the writing process. This sort of engagement easily allows your story to get more limelight.
Another useful feature is the read time. Every chapter or issue of a story has its own reading time. This gives you an idea of how long it may take you to read through the entire story. This way, you can better manage your time and know exactly how much time you need to commit before starting.
Cons
The design of the platform is not the most eye-catching or dazzling as it can be. The website also has a companion app that you can use to access the platform with your phone. But once again, the user interface is not the smoothest. Also, though it has many stories to choose from, it still is far off from the massive library that Wattpad offers.
Potential
This site is relatively new. But it has already found a footing. The platform needs to be built from here. Regularly maintaining the site, and updating and upgrading it periodically to make it more user-friendly will no doubt help this Wattpad alternative to become more popular.
Popularity
The site has a decent following. A couple of stories, in particular, have garnered thousands of views on the platform. It has been especially popular among Asian readers.
Pricing
All the stories on Penana are completely free. So, add that to the list of positives.
Fanfiction.Net
If you have the slightest inkling of the concept of fanfiction, then you probably have heard of fanfiction.net. It is a site dedicated to hosting and sharing all sorts of fan-made literature on any series, tv shows, comic books, movies, and fictional characters. If you can think of a character or story, chances are you will find a fan fiction of it in this place.
Pros
The sheer diversity and amount of stories. Their entire catalog is conveniently divided into multiple, broad categories. From there, you can practically find fan fiction related to any fictional or non-fictional character and story.
The website is completely free. Meaning you can post your own stories and read other people’s works without any charge.
Fanfiction.net has a very active community. This accounts for a high rate of engagement and discussions about a particular story.
Cons
The actual design of the website is very plain and simple. So, it is not the most eye-catching place to read nor is it the smoothest to navigate.
Popularity
As of 2020, the site boasts over 12 million users. It hosts stories in more than 40 languages. Many of the stories published on this platform have even been picked up by reputed publication houses. The Fifty Shades of Gray franchise is a testament to this.
Potential
Despite already having a large following, the site seems to be only growing in popularity. As fan fiction becomes more and more mainstream, sites such as fanfiction.net will be in the collective consciousness.
Pricing
Fanfiction.net is totally free to use. You can also download the app for both android and iOS platforms to access this website using your phone.
Sweek
Sweek is an online platform for all manner of stories. Users can freely browse a rich catalog, write their own stories, and even publish them with the help of Sweek publishing house. Sweek hosts various writing competitions using certain word prompts, which can be just the spark one needs to light up their imagination.
Pros
Perhaps its most notable feature is the way it allows you to monetize your work. Sweek can help you publish your work in both ebook and paperback forms. The number of prints will depend on the number of purchases made and you can get 60% of the total sale.
But the site itself is still free. You can browse any story or write without having to pay. In fact, even the cost of publishing your book is completely free.
Additionally, their website design and the user interface are very smooth. They have easy to follow step-by-step guides on various topics.
Cons
There really is no significant downside to using Sweek. Compared to Wattpad, the catalog of stories is not as diverse or rich. But that is the only spot where it falls short.
Popularity
Sweek is popular among both aspiring writers and people who simply write as a hobby. Thanks to their self-publication opportunities, they are a great choice for amateur writers looking to make the jump to the next level.
Potential
The potential with Sweek is massive. It can be the go-to choice for both professional and amateur writers.
Pricing
Sweek is completely free to use for both readers and writers. You can even publish your work free of charge.
Shorti
Shorti is a bit different from the previous entries. First of all, it is purely a mobile app, available both on Android and iOS platforms. Moreover, the app is dedicated to collecting and sharing short stories. Hence the name “Shorti”.
Pros
- Both writing and reading stories in this app are completely free.
- You can make a personalized cover for your title.
- You can attach videos and images.
- Easy and simple interface.
Cons
- The platform is limited to mobile phone users.
- Primarily a site for short stories. So, it does not have the same sprawling collection as Wattpad.
- You cannot write other forms of literature such as poems, novels, haiku, etc.
Popularity
The app launched in 2017 and has over a thousand downloads. So, it is still a very small platform.
Potential
Many people prefer the length of a short story over something like a novel. And if the app can find a following among such people, then the platform will grow dramatically in the future.
Pricing
Shorti is completely free of any charge.
Booksie
Booksie is another free-to-use online platform for both writers and readers. After registering to the site, you can post articles, books, short stories, poems, essays, and more. The site also hosts writing competitions to motivate aspiring writers.
Pros
- Booksie has an impressive collection. The titles are categorized into multiple genres.
- You can find or write any form of literature you want.
- Interact with your favorite writers.
Cons
- No means of monetizing your work.
- Not available on mobile platforms.
Popularity
The site boasts some heft numbers when it comes to popularity. It claims to have thousands of writers and millions of readers.
Pricing
As with most of the candidates on this list, Booksie is completely free to use.
Miraquill
Miraquill is a platform dedicated to hosting a creative writing community. People can write and share all sorts of literature from poems and novels to blogs and essays. It is available as a mobile app on both Android and iOS.
Pros
- Using the website or app to write and read literature is completely free.
- It features many built-in tools to help you write and publish your work.
- You can utilize stunning visual designs to make your work more alluring.
- Their Google Searchable feature allows you to increase your online reputation. People can directly search your stories by using Google. (Of course, you require at least 20 write-ups before this function becomes available to you.)
- Use the copyright feature to protect your original work.
Cons
- No feature for monetizing your work.
- You will need at least 20 write-ups before you can access the Google Searchable feature.
Popularity
Miraquill has garnered a moderate following. Across Android and iOS, the app has been downloaded over 500 thousand times.
Potential
Miraquill has terrific potential to become a great platform for creative writers.
Pricing
All aspects of Miraquill are completely free. There is no premium package or offers on this platform.
Shortly
Similar to Shorti, Shortly is another site catering to short and quick stories. When you enter the app, you have 3 options to choose from – 1 minute, 3 minutes, and 5 minutes. Choose the option based on how much time you have and the app will select appropriate stories. Once you finish a story, you can move on to the next one that has the same length.
Pros
- Ideal for people who like to read fast and on the go.
- Wonderful collection of short stories.
- The app is very sleek and easy to use.
- It is completely free.
Cons
- You can only read stories here. You do not have the option of writing anything.
- You cannot read other forms of literature such as poems, novels, dramas, etc.
Pricing
Shortly is entirely free. You can download the app and browse it without having to pay any money.
Movellas
Arguably the most popular genre of books on online platforms is the Young Adult genre or YA for short. And for fans of this particular type of literature, Movellas is an ideal Wattpad alternative.
Pros
- Thousands of ebooks you can view on any device and download them. Meaning you can enjoy your favorite books offline as well.
- The platform regularly hosts writing competitions.
- Offers writing advice to aspiring writers.
- It is free to use.
Cons
- Mainly geared towards young adults.
- You cannot monetize any of your work.
Popularity
The website has thousands of readers and views. So, it has a decent following.
Potential
Movellas recently launched mobile apps for their platform on both Android and iOS, which is good to know if that’s what to are looking for in Wattpad alternatives. So, it should help more people discover the site.
Book Breaks
Now we are looking at sites with a particular niche in mind. In the case of Book Breaks, it is the genre of romance fiction. Book Break is an app launched by the famous Canadian publishing house Harlequin. So, you know the material you are going to receive will be a cut above the rest.
Pros
- A diverse collection of quality romantic fiction.
- Available on all devices.
- User-friendly interface that allows you to easily search your favorite books.
- You can search for stories based on how much time you have to read.
- Filter the book according to your mood.
Cons
- It is strictly a read-only app.
- You are limited to just romance fiction.
Popularity
Thanks to its link with a well-established publishing house, Book Break has garnered a substantial following. It has over 10 thousand downloads in Google Playstore.
Potential
As ebooks and online reading start to become more and more common, Book Breaks will become the go-to for Harlequin fans.
Pricing
The Book Breaks app is completely free to download and browse.
Scary Chat Stories
As the name suggests, this platform is geared toward lovers of the horror genre. But unlike a standard book format, the stories are in the form of a chat. The stories are short, quick, and engaging. Scary Chat Stories also utilizes pictures to create a more immersive experience.
Pros
- The format is unique and engaging.
- The stories are short and quick. Perfect for a quick read on the go.
- The app is free to use.
- Horror fans will be particularly delighted using this platform.
Cons
- The app has ads in the free version.
- No web platform.
- You cannot publish your own original work.
Popularity
The app has a huge number of followers. It has over 1 million downloads on Google Playstore. The app is very popular among horror fanatics.
Pricing
You can freely download and use the app. But the free version has advertisements. For an ad-free experience, you can get a premium package for $9.99.
NovelCat
NovelCat is a free online platform with hundreds of stories in over 20 genres. It has a particular penchant for romance stories. It is available as a website as well as a mobile app.
Pros
- Writers can monetize their work through the Writers Benefits program.
- Readers can still enjoy the platform for free. They can also send gifts to authors if they find their work interesting.
- The mobile app allows you to customize your viewing experience.
Cons
- The monetizing opportunity is not as lucrative as it is on other sites.
- Contains add.
Popularity
Since its release in 2019, the app has gained over 5 million downloads. This is a lot of following achieved in a very fast time.
Pricing
NovelCat is free of any charges and does not offer any premium packages.
Medium
Medium is a platform dedicated to giving aspiring, amateur writers a start and a taste of the professional scene. It allows people to write about basically any topic and get paid for it. It is especially popular for sharing thin pieces and articles.
Pros
- You can monetize your work.
- The site helps you to easily write and publish your work.
- You can incorporate images to make your work more appealing.
- It is available on both Android and iOS platforms.
Cons
- Using the site is not free.
- Its fiction collection is limited.
Popularity
Medium is popular among writers starting their careers in writing.
Pricing
Unlike most other sites in this list, Medium is not free. You have to become a member to gain unlimited access to the site. The initial fee is $5 per month. A part of this revenue goes to the authors. So, you are at least supporting your favorite writers while reading their work.
Tap by Wattpad
Tap is a mobile app owned and developed by Wattpad. But it offers a new experience from the main site. Here, all the stories are in the format of a chat section, which brings a uniquely immersive quality to the whole thing.
Pros
- It is totally free to use.
- It is available on both Android and iOS platforms.
- Gives a fun new twist to the classic Wattpad flavor.
Cons
- You are limited to a particular style of storytelling.
Pricing
Tap is completely free to download and use.
Commaful
Commaful is a writing and reading platform with an emphasis on visual storytelling. It features an entire picture book format where readers can tap on pictures to progress through the stories.
Pros
- It is free to use.
- It has a unique way of presenting stories.
Cons
- Does not have any mobile app version.
- You cannot monetize your work.
Pricing
Commaful is completely free to use and explore.
Wrapping Up
I listed 14 Wattpad Alternatives that you can find online. And since there were many pieces of information, I created a table that sums everything up. Here are the listed alternatives, their availability, pricing and monetization potential.
| Platform | Availability | Pricing | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inkitt | Website, mobile app | Free | Possible |
| Penana | Website, mobile app | Free | None |
| Fanfiction.net | Website, mobile app | Free | None |
| Sweek | Website, mobile app | Free | Possible |
| Shorti | Mobile app (only) | Free | None |
| Booksie | Website (only) | Free | None |
| Miraquill | Website, mobile app | Free | None |
| Shortly | Mobile app (only) | Free | None |
| Movellas | Website (only) | Free | None |
| Book Breaks | Website, mobile app | Free | None |
| Scary Chat Stories | Mobile app | Free and premium version | None |
| NovelCat | Website, mobile app | Free | Possible |
| Medium | Website, mobile app | $5/month | Possible |
| Tap | Mobile app | Free | None |
| Commaful | Website, iOS | Free | None |
Conclusion: What App is Better Than Wattpad?
In terms of quality and the number of features and tools offered, Inkitt and Sweek are two of the best alternatives to Wattpad. Other than being a great platform for readers and writers alike, they also provide aspiring writers the opportunity to publish their works as genuine books.
To conclude, writing and sharing stories is one of the oldest means of human communication. It is an intrinsic desire that has found new channels to express itself. As long as this is the case, platforms such as Wattpad and its alternatives will remain in demand.
