The most popular U.S. magazines
Magazines are a form of print media that offer readers a variety of content, such as news, entertainment, lifestyle, sports, hobbies, and more. Magazines can appeal to different audiences based on their interests, preferences, and demographics. In this essay, I will explore some of the most popular magazines in the United States based on different criteria, such as circulation, genre, and revenue.
Circulation
Circulation is a measure of how many copies of a magazine are distributed or sold to readers. It can indicate how widely read and influential a magazine is. According to Statista12, the leading consumer magazine in the US by circulation in 2022 was AARP The Magazine, with 22.8 million copies per issue. AARP The Magazine is a bi-monthly publication that targets people aged 50 and older, offering them information and advice on health, finance, travel, and lifestyle.
The second most circulated magazine was AARP Bulletin, with 22.53 million copies per issue. AARP Bulletin is a monthly newsletter that covers news and issues affecting older Americans, such as Social Security, Medicare, consumer protection, and politics.
Genre
Genre is a category or type of magazine that reflects its main theme or content. Magazines can belong to different genres depending on their focus and target audience. Some common genres are entertainment, news & politics, lifestyle & culture, sports & recreation, science & technology, and health & wellness.
According to YouGov Ratings3, some of the most popular magazines by genre in America are:
- Entertainment: People, with 98% awareness among US adults and 54% popularity
- News & Politics: Time, with 95% awareness among US adults and 54% popularity
- Lifestyle & Culture: Better Homes & Gardens, with 91% awareness among US adults and 54% popularity
- Sports & Recreation: Sports Illustrated, with 95% awareness among US adults and 53% popularity
- Science & Technology: National Geographic, with 95% awareness among US adults and 70% popularity
- Health & Wellness: Men’s Health, with 83% awareness among US adults and 49% popularity
Revenue
Revenue is a measure of how much money a magazine makes from its sales, subscriptions, advertising, and other sources. It can indicate how profitable and successful a magazine is. According to TheRichest4, some of the best selling magazines by revenue in America are:
- People: $1 billion
- Better Homes & Gardens: $750 million
- National Geographic: $600 million
- Sports Illustrated: $560 million
- Good Housekeeping: $500 million
- Cosmopolitan: $400 million
- Reader’s Digest: $350 million
- Time: $300 million
Conclusion
In conclusion, magazines are a diverse and popular form of media that offer readers various types of content. Some of the most popular magazines in America can be ranked by different criteria, such as circulation, genre, and revenue. However, popularity is not always objective or consistent, as it may depend on factors such as personal taste, cultural trends, market conditions, and data sources. Therefore, it may be more useful to consider what kind of magazines suit your needs and interests best.
What do you think about these magazines? Do you have any favorites? Do you agree or disagree with these rankings? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! 😊
