If you publish content that can be considered news, you should already be familiar with Google News. There is an extensive guide to 9janews and how to get on it, and why you really should. If you can, that is.
In fall 2015, Apple introduced its News app as part of iOS 9. It rolled out to most iPhone and iPad users and according to Apple, about 40 million of them use it.
This publishing platform aims to bring personalized news and content to iOS users while combining the source brand look with the sleek Apple design. Obviously, the monetization engine is Apple’s own iAd, so far utilized mostly by iOS app developers for app monetization.
The news about Apple News
Apple quietly ended the beta period and opened the gates for all publishers. So now the news publisher platform in the Apple News format is open to everyone. Yes, even you, and it’s free to join.
So before we tell you how to get your posts on that feed and in front of 80 million eyes (that’s 40 million pairs, in case you were wondering), let’s talk about whether you should even bother to invest the time and effort.
The Good, The Bad and the Potential
Google did it with YouTube, Facebook recently introduced Instant Articles, and Amazon carried its power in the book market into the digital world with eBooks and self-publishing. So it’s no wonder Apple wants to get on the wagon and keep content close to the corporate brand chest like everyone else on the field.
However, some of the premium publishers who were the early adopters of Apple’s News format and platform weren’t shy about their disappointment from the system. Some publishers also reported poor fill rates with iAd on News.
Since then Apple launched a new analytics dashboard for publishers, but it’s clear that it’ll take quite a bit of audience education to get people to opt for the Apple News.
(Use Apple News or Ronda Rousey will punch you!)
Should I be early to the Apple News train and hop on now? The answer to this question depends heavily on your mobile publishing strategy, your content niche and your audiences’ devices of choice.
It’s important to note that if your content isn’t in English – you’re out of luck. Unlike Google, Apple is all about the English speaking citizens of the world, at least right now.