Top 6 Best Wattpad Alternatives
For the longest time, Wattpad was the place where romance readers and writers naturally found each other. Stories were easy to access, and communities felt authentic.
Today, many longtime users feel that their experience with Wattpad has changed. It became crowded with paywalls, locked chapters, and endless ads. One user shared that they miss the days when they could read unlimited chapters without ads or subscriptions and download countless stories for offline reading.
Writers feel this shift, too. One user pointed out that newcomers get swallowed up by the big players. For many creators, reaching readers now feels harder than ever.
If Wattpad no longer works, where should writers and readers go next?
Here are some of the best Wattpad alternatives, along with what users genuinely like and dislike about each one.
1. Archive of Our Own (AO3)
Archive of Our Own (AO3) is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, Wattpad alternatives today. It is a nonprofit website where people post and read fanfiction and other fan-created works. It was created by fans, for fans, and is run by the Organization for Transformative Works (OTW). Writers upload stories based on books, movies, anime, games, celebrities, or original characters, and readers can browse by fandom, tags, relationships, ratings, and themes.
Pros:
AO3 users often praise it for its openness and creator-friendliness. One user mentioned that it allows original works for older audiences, supports chapter-by-chapter posting, and has a strong tagging system that helps readers find exactly what they want. Another major plus is that the site has no ads and takes data privacy more seriously than other platforms.
As one user put it, "Ao3 as a nonprofit archive doesn't have ads, algorithms, or collect data on you to sell. The site is designed to intentionally collect as little data as possible(only what's required for the site to run) for the privacy of its users."
Cons:
Despite being the most popular Wattpad alternative, AO3's interface is a common complaint. One user said the site feels like stepping back into 2014 and can be uncomfortable to browse for long periods. Others note that, because it is volunteer-run, updates and moderation can take a while.
Overall, AO3 works best for people who enjoy free fanfiction and community-driven spaces.
2. Quotev
Quotev is another Wattpad alternative for user-generated stories, quizzes, and polls, primarily aimed at teens and young adults. It's like Wattpad where you can find a vast selection of stories and at the same time a quiz site, but with a strong teen/YA vibe.
Pros:
Because the platform is smaller, many users say it is easier to get noticed without already having a large following. One user shared that getting reads on Quotev feels more natural compared to Wattpad. Others also mentioned that building close-knit communities on Quotev felt easier than on larger platforms.
Some readers prefer Quotev's story discovery to Wattpad's, especially in how content is displayed and suggested.
Cons:
Quotev tries to do many things at once. In addition to stories, it also hosts quizzes, polls, and roleplay. Several Reddit users said this makes it harder to filter through content. Others mentioned that the site feels less active than it was in its peak years.
3. Inkitt
Inkitt is an online publishing platform and book discovery app where writers can share their stories and readers can discover new books, often with a focus on up-and-coming authors. Unlike Quotev, Inkitt is more professional and book-focused, aimed at serious writers and readers rather than teen social interaction, making it a strong alternative to Wattpad.
Pros:
Reddit users commonly describe Inkitt as more focused on literary or long-form writing, which appeals to authors looking to move beyond casual posting.
Cons:
Technical issues are a frequent complaint. One user reported that both the app and the website crash frequently, making the platform frustrating to use. For some, this outweighs its potential benefits.
4. Royal Road
Royal Road is another Wattpad alternative for ongoing stories released chapter by chapter. It's extremely popular in the fantasy, litRPG, and sci-fi genres, attracting both writers looking to serialize their work and readers who binge web novels.
Pros:
Many users praise the community for being active. Writers recommend posting consistently and building a backlog of chapters, noting that readers tend to show up once a story gains momentum. Live feedback and community interaction are often mentioned as its strengths.
Cons:
Royal Road is very genre-specific. Several users say that if you are not writing fantasy or sci-fi stories, gaining traction can be difficult. Others mention that criticism can sometimes be harsh and that moderation around reviews can feel inconsistent.
5. Tapas
Tapas.io is an online platform for webcomics, novels, and short stories, designed for creators to publish and monetize their work and for readers to discover bite-sized content. Think of it as a mix of Wattpad, webcomic apps, and a micro-story platform.
Pros:
With over a million active readers, Tapas still offers reach that smaller platforms cannot. This makes it appealing to creators who want exposure, making it a strong alternative to Wattpad.
Cons:
Pricing is the most common concern. Many Reddit users feel that unlocking chapters becomes expensive very quickly. Creators also mention that visibility for new accounts is poor and that notifications often feel more like ads than genuine engagement.
6. Smitten Stories
Smitten Stories is another great Wattpad alternative, but with a modern twist. It's a site where you can read bite-sized, AI-assisted romance stories from different creators. And instead of scrolling endlessly to find the perfect story to read or waiting for updates from your favorite authors, you can choose to generate a smut story instantly that matches the exact romance you're craving. Perfect for those moments when you have an ideal story idea in mind but can't quite put it into words.
Pros:
Users frequently mention that the interface feels clean and modern. It is simple to navigate and does not feel cluttered or outdated.
Cons:
Smitten Stories is a newer platform, so its community is still growing. While you may not find a vast selection of stories to read, you can easily create your own.
Smitten Stories: A Modern Wattpad Alternative
For readers and writers who feel pushed out by ads and paywalls on platforms like Wattpad, Smitten offers a more personal, modern alternative. Instead of chasing trends or algorithms, users can create stories tailored to their own preferences. Whether you are experimenting with ideas, writing romantic or adult-themed fiction, or building a niche audience, the platform encourages creative freedom.
Smitten lets you create your own Author's Page, giving you the freedom to publish one-shot smut stories or multi-chapter stories. It's the perfect platform to explore your imagination, enjoy personalized romance stories, and share your creations with fellow romance readers.
Craft your own erotic stories here and start building your Author's Page.