If you are already familiar with the concept of Read Later apps, you know that these digital tools serve as invaluable aids in managing and organizing the ever-growing sea of online content. However, despite their potential to streamline our digital lives, many users still find themselves falling short of realizing the full benefits.

For those who do not know Read Later apps,  they are digital tools designed to help you save, categorize, and Read online content Later at your convenience. They serve as your personal content curator, allowing you to collect articles, blog posts, and more, and read them when it best suits your schedule. The icing on the cake is that these apps offer a clutter-free reading experience by stripping away unnecessary ads and distractions, allowing you to focus solely on the content. The Two popular apps in this category are Instapaper and Pocket. While both apps offer similar features, I personally prefer using Instapaper.

The success of these apps lies in splitting your monolithic task of online reading into two tasks: 1) scanning your inputs and saving articles for later reading, and 2) dedicating a focused time slot with minimal distractions to read the articles. You can utilize small time slots throughout your day to clear your inputs and reserve longer, uninterrupted periods for only reading.

But, similar to any other physical or digital tool in your daily routine, neglecting to utilize it systematically will likely result in it being relegated to a neglected corner, gathering dust. So, whether you’re an experienced user looking to optimize your approach or new to the world of Read Later apps, here are the actionable tips to ensure you get the most out of these digital companions.

Learn How to Use It

As with any other tool, understanding its features and capabilities will make it more useful and increase your motivation to use it. Here are some not to miss features that will enhance the utility of these tools, multi-fold:

  1. To ensure seamless access to your app, be sure to install it on all your mobile devices dedicated to reading. Additionally, if you use a desktop computer, don’t forget to add the Chrome browser extension. This way, you can save and access content effortlessly across all your devices.
  2. the app features a handy ‘Speak’ function, allowing you to listen to your saved articles if you prefer audio consumption.
  3. Don’t miss the weekly newsletter that contains the list of the most popular articles saved by app users for each day.

Create a Routine

This is the routine you should follow:

  1. While perusing various communication channels such as email and social media apps, remember to ‘Share’ or ‘Save’ any lengthy content you come across to your Read Later app.
  2. Integrate your Read Later app into your daily routine, whether it’s during your morning coffee, your lunch break, or before bedtime. Simply open the app, select an article of interest, and dive into your reading.
  3. For added convenience, consider placing the Read Later app icon on your mobile device’s home screen, adjacent to your other frequently used apps. This visual cue will serve as a reminder to read whenever you have a spare moment while scrolling through your mobile device during your free time. Read more here.

Stay Organized

This is what you should do to keep your app reader-friendly.

  1. Opt for a single, reliable Read Later app to avoid content fragmentation and streamline your reading experience. Consistency is key.
  2. Your chosen app should always display only unread or partially read content. Remove all read content from the app to maintain a clutter-free reading list.
  3. If you’d like to archive content for future reference, it’s preferable to bookmark the article in your browser rather than leave it in your Read Later app. This ensures a cleaner and more organized reading environment.

By implementing these strategies and integrating your Read Later app into your daily routine, you can make the most of this powerful tool for managing and consuming digital content efficiently. Enjoy your reading journey!

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(Originally published in Times of India on September 10, 2023)