Wattpad has found a new way to push the envelope in the world of fan-submitted literature. The publishing platform and content studio has launched an app called Tap, on which short stories are displayed as text message threads.
Many of Wattpad’s biggest fans are teenagers, and Tap will present stories to that audience through a medium they know well. The “threads” of each Tap entry unfold one at a time, and the available stories span a number of genres, from thrillers to romances. A limited number of options are available to users who download the app for free, while those who pay $7.99 per month can access exclusive content.
Beyond Tap, Wattpad has also recently ventured into the world of production. Through pacts with companies like NBCUniversal and Crypt TV, it has worked on screen adaptations of its users’ stories.
TechCrunch notes that Tap isn’t the only purveyor of so-called “chat stories.” Another app, Hooked, features a similar offering. Given Wattpad’s well-established brand, however, look for Tap to catch on — it is current available from both the iTunes and Google Play stores.
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