The Economist - News, Podcasts

What it does

The Economist app serves as the digital gateway to the publication's renowned global analysis. It provides users with full access to weekly editions, daily briefings, and a back catalog of articles covering politics, business, science, and technology. Beyond text, the app transforms into an audio platform, offering narrated versions of every story and a dedicated section for podcasts.

Where it shines

The app's strength lies in its multi-format content delivery. At 02:56, the user seamlessly transitions an article into an audio experience with a single tap, using a persistent player that allows for multitasking. The app also expands beyond pure news consumption with engaging features like the mini crossword puzzle seen at 04:32. This variety makes the experience feel rich and justifies the premium subscription.

UX highlights

Dual Paywall: A clever toggle at 00:18 allows users to switch between a 'Full digital access' plan and a cheaper 'Podcasts' plan, catering to different needs without a cluttered interface.
Persistent Audio Player: The sticky audio player at the bottom (02:57) lets users listen to articles while browsing other sections, a great feature for multitasking.
Customizable Reading: Users can easily adjust text size (02:10) and switch between light and dark modes (02:22) for a comfortable reading experience.
Interactive Content: The integration of a mini crossword (04:32) and other quizzes provides an engaging alternative to reading.
Saved Articles: A dedicated 'Saved' section (08:13) allows users to easily bookmark content for later, a crucial feature for a content-heavy app.
Clear Navigation: The app uses a standard bottom tab bar for navigating between the main feed, weekly editions, podcasts, and saved articles, making it intuitive to explore.

Monetization & growth

The Economist employs a hard paywall immediately after a privacy screen (00:12). The paywall itself is well-structured, offering two clear plans (Annual and Monthly) and highlighting key benefits. It smartly presents two different value propositions via a toggle for 'Full digital access' versus 'Podcasts' only. The annual plan is pre-selected and shows a 'SAVE 16%' tag to encourage a longer commitment. After subscribing, the user is required to create an account, linking the paid access to a registered user profile.

Who it’s for

The app is designed for intellectually curious individuals who want deep, analytical perspectives on global affairs, rather than breaking news headlines. Its target audience includes professionals, academics, and students who value trusted, long-form journalism. The extensive audio features also make it ideal for busy people who prefer to listen to content during commutes or other activities.

Notes & opportunities

The onboarding flow is very direct, forcing a subscription decision before the user can sample any content. While this likely works for a brand with strong recognition like The Economist, it could be a significant barrier for lesser-known apps. Providing a limited number of free articles or a more extensive preview of the app's features before hitting the paywall could be an area for testing to capture users who are not yet ready to commit.