Introducing the New Obooko
Posted by George
Introducing The New Obooko: A Reading Platform For The Age Of Distraction
After a year of building, we are launching a completely rebuilt Obooko. Here is what is new and what is coming next.
What Obooko Means to Me
In my twenties, I read the Steve Jobs biography. By the last page, I had decided to change careers, go back to study, and start over in technology. It was a born-again moment. I have felt blessed ever since to build things that change people's lives. A book kicked all of this off for me.
That is why, when I had the opportunity to take over Obooko last year, I could not say no. Here was a platform that had quietly served readers for 15 years. Over 11 million downloads. 840,000 reader accounts. Doing exactly what I believe in: putting books in people's hands. No tricks. No paywalls. Just books.
But it needed a rebuild. And after a year of work, I am thrilled to share what we have built.
Watch The Two Minute Tour
A Modern Reading Experience
The old Obooko was built in 2010. It served readers well, but the web has changed. Devices have changed. Expectations have changed. The new Obooko is built for how people actually read today.
Read anywhere, on any device. Our new online reader works on your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. Start reading on the train, continue on your couch. Your progress syncs automatically.
Your library travels with you. Create a free account, save books you love, and access them from anywhere. No app to download. No files to manage. Just open your browser.
Download if you prefer. We still offer PDF, EPUB, and Kindle formats for every book. Read in our browser or on your favourite e-reader. Your choice, always.
Faster Discovery
Finding your next book should be a joy, not a chore.
- Browse thousands of titles across 30+ genres
- Personalised recommendations based on what you have read
- Cleaner interface, faster browsing, better search
No Lock-In, No Subscriptions
This has not changed and it never will. Every book on Obooko is free to read. We are funded by advertising, not your wallet. You will never hit a paywall or be asked to upgrade.
We do not believe any single company should dictate how readers access books. No proprietary formats. No device lock-in. Read however you prefer.
Why This Matters
The time people spend reading is declining. The time spent on entertainment apps is surging. Our brains are being rewired by platforms built to distract rather than enrich. Every notification, every infinite scroll, every algorithm optimised for engagement. They are all competing for the same attention that a book asks for.
Obooko is our small stand against that tide.
We are not competing with Amazon or Kindle. We are competing with TikTok. With Instagram. With the endless scroll. Our job is to make it as easy as possible to choose a book instead.
Fiat Libri. Let There Be Books.
What Is Coming Next: Revenue Sharing For Authors
This launch is a step change for readers. The next step is for authors.
We have always believed that authors deserve to be paid for their work, even when their books are free to read. That is the magic of the advertising model. Readers pay nothing, but the words still have value.
We are working on a proper revenue sharing system for authors. The idea: every read earns. No minimum thresholds. No complicated royalty calculations. Just a fair share of the advertising revenue your work generates.
It is not ready yet, but it is coming. When it launches, we want Obooko to be the place where authors can reach readers, build an audience, and actually get paid without asking readers for a cent.
If you are an author interested in being part of this, publish your work on Obooko and join us for the journey.
Try The New Obooko
The best way to understand what we have built is to use it.
Readers: Sign up free and start building your library. Browse the catalogue, save a few books, and try the new reader. Let us know what you think.
Authors: Publish your work on Obooko at no cost. Reach readers worldwide and stay tuned for revenue sharing.
Everyone: If you believe reading matters, tell a friend. We grow through word of mouth. People like you who share what they have discovered.
More readers. More authors. More books in more hands.
A huge thank you to Tony Stanton, who founded Obooko in 2010 and built something real over more than a decade. This rebuild would not exist without that foundation.
Let There Be Books.
—George
Have questions or feedback? Email us at info@obooko.com. We read everything.