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How to Create an App Like Wattpad for Readers & Writers?

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Everything we do is taking on the digital format, even reading and writing. eBooks and eBook apps have hence grown popular for the convenience they offer. You could carry a book or a couple maybe while you were on the move, but today you have the power to carry an entire library with you on a smartphone, tablet, or an eReader!

Revenue in the eBooks segment is expected to reach USD16.08 billion by 2027. This number projection has a lot to do with the evolution of technology that has made reading more convenient for the millennials than it was for the boomers. eBook apps can be a rich resource for enthusiastic readers, where they can browse through millions of titles before choosing the next one they want to read.

Whether you are an avid reader or not, you must realize the opportunity eBook apps similar to Wattpad present. There was a time when creating an app might sound a little outlandish because of the money, time, and skill requirements involved. Now, with Appy Pie’s no-code app builder, it is possible to create an app similar to Wattpad without emptying the bank.

What is Wattpad, and how does it work?

Wattpad is an online social reading platform that is unique in encouraging all app users to contribute or write, blurring the lines between readers and writers. The stories or content on the reading app have a wide range of topics, from public and meaningful events to local events of lesser significance.
More than 94 million people use the platform every month to read and share stories. The popularity of this reading and writing platform is brought in by the collaborative and interactive nature of the app. The social aspect of the app makes it further unique.

Must-have features to make apps similar to Wattpad

Wattpad enjoys a massive active audience that is highly engaged and keeps coming back for more content all the time. While the content on the platform is partially responsible for this massive success, there is more to the story.

The features in reading apps like Wattpad are specifically responsible for its popularity. If you plan to make an app similar to Wattpad, make sure to include the following features in it.

1. Tagging in content

   Content creators or writers on the platform can add tags to their stories which work quite like hashtags on Twitter. Readers can use these tags to look for the type of content they want to read or draw inspiration from. Content tags can also convey to the readers whether the content is appropriate for them. Readers can also block certain tags as per their preference to avoid coming across a particular type of content.

2. Rate and review

   The platform is great for consuming great quality content, but what separates the good from the bad? Ratings and reviews are great for readers to interact with the content and let people know what they think about it. When content has ample ratings, good or bad, it is easier for the readers to choose what they should read and what they should steer clear of.

3. Reading list

   Readers can create reading lists and add the content they like to them. These reading lists are displayed publicly on the user profiles. These reading lists can become a point of conversation between fellow app users.

4. Notifications

   Readers can follow stories or authors on the platform to receive notifications on their mobile devices or email address whenever there is an update. Readers can actually read the stories as they develop instead of waiting for the entire work to be completed.

5. eBook reader

   Add the eBook reader feature so that app users can read the stories within the app and not have to download yet another app to read the eBooks they find on your eBook app like Wattpad.

6. Social media integration

   Integrate social media into your eBook app so that the app users can easily share their content with others through their social media profiles without leaving the app.

7. Payment

   Add multiple payment methods and gateways to your reading app. This feature will let your app users pay for individual eBooks or buy the subscription as per their interest and your revenue model.

How to create an app like Wattpad?

As you reach this point in the blog, you already know all about Wattpad, how it works, and the features you must add to make reading and writing platforms like Wattpad. It is time to address yet another critical question – how to create reading apps like Wattpad.

As a small business owner or entrepreneur, it can seem intimidating to create an app from scratch. Traditionally, app development requires writing copious amounts of code, spending months on the project, and spending a fortune. Naturally, not everyone can afford it.

Appy Pie, with a mission to democratize technology, has come up with a no-code platform that makes cutting-edge technology affordable and accessible. You do not need coding knowledge or months of hard work and thousands of dollars to make an app now!

1. Enter the name of your app

   Give your app a name, then choose the appropriate app category, design theme, and layout.

2. Add features

   Look at the list above and add the features to your app using the convenient drag-and-drop interface on the platform. Edit the app to your specific requirements.

3. Test your app and go live!

   Test the app on real devices and eliminate any bugs or kinks you may encounter. Now your app is ready to go live on app stores of your choice.