Why some book fans are leaving Amazon-owned Goodreads in wake of the U.S. election
Book lovers are in for a treat as a new app called The StoryGraph is gaining popularity as an “Amazon-free alternative” to Goodreads. With the recent surge in users ditching Goodreads for The StoryGraph, it seems like a new era is on the horizon for book tracking and reviewing platforms.
The StoryGraph, founded by CEO Nadia Odunayo and chief AI officer Rob Frelow, saw a massive increase in subscribers following the U.S. election. In just one day, the app gained nearly 25,000 new users, ten times more than its usual rate. By the end of the week, The StoryGraph had surpassed three million registered users and even briefly claimed the top spot on the U.S. App Store chart for free iPhone book apps.
The sudden surge in popularity can be attributed to several viral social media posts, with many BookTok users making the switch from Goodreads to The StoryGraph as a small act of resistance in the current political climate. The sense of community and support for a Black-owned business like The StoryGraph has resonated with many users, leading to a mass exodus from Goodreads.
The connection between the U.S. election outcome and the shift in user preferences is evident in the history of Goodreads, which was acquired by Amazon in 2013. With Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos at the helm, the platform faced scrutiny for its ties to the retail giant. Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, stirred controversy by refraining from endorsing a presidential candidate, leading to a significant drop in subscriptions and backlash from journalists.
Similarly, Elon Musk’s X platform saw a surge in users after the election, with many former X users flocking to its competitor Bluesky due to Musk’s political affiliations. The trend of users seeking alternatives to platforms associated with certain political figures reflects a broader movement towards supporting businesses that align with individual values and beliefs.
As The StoryGraph continues to climb the ranks in the book app market, its appeal as a community-driven, Amazon-free platform is evident. Whether users are drawn to its features, its Black-owned status, or simply a desire for change, The StoryGraph’s rise signals a shift in the way readers engage with books online. With Goodreads still holding its ground as a top contender, the competition between the two platforms is sure to intensify in the coming months.
