Reed

FAQ

How Reed works, where the news comes from, and where your money goes.

How does Reed choose which sources to include?

We curate sources based on editorial quality, original reporting, and diversity of perspective. We include a mix of wire services (Reuters, AP), public media (NPR, BBC), specialist publications (Quanta, Ars Technica), and long-form outlets (The Atlantic, Aeon). For local news, we prioritize nonprofit and independent outlets that serve their communities directly.

Are all articles free to read?

Many articles on Reed are from freely accessible publishers. Some publishers (like Bloomberg and Wired) have paywalls — Reed will eventually negotiate access on your behalf in real-time. For now, paywalled articles link you to the publisher's site.

How does the wallet work?

You top up your Reed wallet with any amount ($5, $10, $20, $50). As you read articles from paid publishers, small amounts are deducted from your balance — but only after you've actually read the article (75%+ scroll depth). If you click and bounce, you're never charged. Free articles cost nothing.

Where does my money go?

Directly to the publishers you read. Each publisher sets their own pricing, and your payment goes to them after a small platform fee. The more you read a publisher, the more they earn from you.

Can I add my local city?

We currently support local news for San Francisco, New York, Austin, Denver, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Select your city from the dropdown in the reader to add local sources to your feed. More cities are coming.

Why don't I see articles I've already read?

Reed automatically removes articles you've clicked on from your feed. If you come back after 5+ minutes, previously shown articles are also refreshed so you always see new content.

How is Reed different from Apple News or Google News?

Apple News uses a flat subscription with a pool model — publishers get pennies from a shared pot. Google News sends you to paywalled sites you can't read. Reed pays publishers directly for each article you read, at a price they set. You pay for what you actually consume, and publishers earn based on the value they create.

Can I suggest a news source?

Yes! We're always looking for quality sources. Email us at hello@reedreader.com with the publication name and why you'd like to see it on Reed.

Our Sources

National & International

Ars TechnicaTech

In-depth technology news and analysis

The VergeTech

Technology, science, art, and culture

WiredTech

Technology and its impact on culture and the economy

TechCrunchTech

Startup and technology news

ReutersNews

International wire service, factual reporting

NPRNews

National public radio news coverage

BBC NewsNews

Global news from the British Broadcasting Corporation

Associated PressNews

Independent wire service, foundational reporting

BloombergBusiness

Business, finance, and markets coverage

Harvard Business ReviewBusiness

Management, leadership, and business strategy

Quanta MagazineScience

Mathematics, physics, biology, and computer science

The AtlanticIdeas

Long-form journalism on politics, culture, and ideas

AeonIdeas

Essays on philosophy, science, and the human condition

LongreadsIdeas

Curated long-form nonfiction and storytelling

Al JazeeraWorld

International news with global south perspective

The GuardianWorld

UK-based international journalism, free to access

Local News

San Francisco

The Oaklandside

Nonprofit news covering Oakland communities

Mission Local

San Francisco neighborhood journalism

Berkeleyside

Independent East Bay local news

New York

NY Post

New York City tabloid covering metro news

Gothamist

WNYC-backed NYC news and culture

The City NYC

Nonprofit investigative journalism for New York

amNY

Free daily covering transit, lifestyle, and city news

Austin

Austin Monitor

City government and policy coverage

Texas Tribune

Nonprofit covering Texas politics and policy

Denver

Colorado Sun

Nonprofit Colorado journalism

Denverite

CPR News-backed Denver community coverage

Westword

Denver alternative weekly — news, arts, culture

Chicago

Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago metro news, free since 2022

Block Club Chicago

Nonprofit neighborhood news

Chicago Reader

Alternative weekly — arts, culture, politics

Los Angeles

LA Times

Southern California's paper of record

Knock LA

Nonprofit investigative journalism for LA