What is Long-Form Journalism? Understanding the Art of Deep Reporting

Long-form journalism is storytelling at its most immersive. Learn what makes it work, how to structure a compelling narrative, and why it still thrives in a fast-paced media world.

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Some stories can’t be told in 500 words. They need space to unravel, to explore every angle, to pull readers so deep into a subject that they forget what time it is. That’s long-form journalism.

It’s the 5,000-word investigation that exposes corruption, the immersive feature that makes you feel like you were there, the profile so gripping you suddenly care deeply about a stranger’s life. Publications like The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, and Harper’s have built their reputations on these stories—proving that even in the age of doomscrolling and bite-sized content, people still crave in-depth reporting.

If you’ve ever found yourself obsessively reading a deep dive on a topic you didn’t even know you cared about, that’s the magic of long-form journalism. And trust us—there’s an art to getting it right.

How to research and write long-form journalism

A long article doesn’t automatically make for great long-form journalism. The best pieces go beyond word count—they dig deeper, reveal hidden truths, and keep readers hooked from start to finish. Here’s how to get it right.

• Finding the right story: Not every topic works for long form. The best pieces reveal something new, challenge assumptions, or take readers somewhere they’ve never been. Whether it’s an exposé on Hollywood power dynamics, an investigation into consumerism in America, or a deep dive into mental health in high schools, a strong long-form feature needs a compelling reason to exist.

• Conducting deep research: Great long-form writing is built on solid reporting. That means interviews, public records, historical context, and digging into sources most people overlook. Outlets like The Atlantic, The Economist, and ProPublica set the standard for investigative depth, ensuring every claim is backed by rigorous fact-checking.

• Structuring a long-form piece: A great long-form story unfolds like a novel. Some use narrative journalism, pulling readers into real-life events with vivid storytelling. Others integrate multimedia elements like interactive timelines or video to enhance engagement.

• Maintaining engagement: A long piece only works if people actually finish reading it. Podcasts and platforms like Medium, and The Atavist have changed the game, offering new ways to deliver in-depth storytelling beyond traditional print.

• Revising and fact-checking: Long form gives writers room to explore, but that also means more room for error. Avoiding misinformation, bias, and factual mistakes is crucial—outlets like ProPublica have some of the most rigorous investigative standards in journalism for a reason.

Done well, long-form journalism opens up the world—from politics in Washington to factory towns in China, war reporting in Ukraine, and culture shifts in California. It proves that some stories are too important to be rushed.

Characteristics of great long-form journalism

Not all long-form articles are created equal. The best ones pull readers in, hold their attention, and leave them thinking long after they’ve finished. What separates great long-form journalism from a story that just happens to be long?

• In-depth research: The most compelling long-form pieces aren’t rushed; they take months, sometimes years, to develop. Investigations from The Washington Post, Politico, and Texas Monthly often uncover details that would have otherwise remained buried.

• Narrative storytelling: The best long-form pieces read like a great novel while remaining entirely factual. By using techniques from fiction—scene-setting, character development, tension-building—writers make true stories feel immersive and unforgettable.

• Multimedia and interactive functionality: Long form isn’t limited to text anymore. Outlets like The Guardian and Wired experiment with video, graphics, and interactive elements to bring stories to life. A well-placed visual or data visualization can enhance complexity without overwhelming the reader.

• Longer length and complexity: Most long-form articles range from 2,000 to 10,000+ words, balancing depth with readability. A strong piece can cover Trump-era politics, the impact of social media in India, or a deeply personal “my life” narrative—but it needs to keep readers engaged, no matter the length.

Great long-form journalism isn’t just about writing more words—it’s about telling a bigger, richer, more important story.

Where to publish long-form journalism

A great long-form piece deserves a great home. Whether you’re writing investigative journalism, narrative nonfiction, or deep-dive cultural analysis, the right publication can make or break your story’s reach and impact.

• Legacy media outlets: The heavyweights of long-form journalism, including The New York Times, Esquire, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, and Los Angeles Times, have long been known for in-depth, high-impact features.

• Digital-first platforms: Sites like Longreads, The Atavist, ProPublica, Mother Jones, and Medium have reshaped long-form storytelling for the digital age, proving that readers still crave deep, well-researched pieces online.

• Niche publications: If your feature focuses on a specific industry, consider outlets that specialize. Texas Monthly excels at regional deep dives, ESPN is the go-to for sports features, and Wired blends technology with culture for immersive storytelling.

• Independent journalism: Many top-tier publications commission long-form freelance work, including Politico, The Guardian, Harper’s, and The New York Times Magazine. These outlets are highly competitive, but a strong pitch can land you a major byline.

Finding the right market can be overwhelming, but we’ve made it easier. Check out our free list of 200+ publications that pay $1 per word—many of which actively seek long-form journalism. If you’re serious about publishing high-quality, high-paying features, this list is a must-have. Grab it here.

The challenges and future of long-form journalism

Long-form journalism isn’t going anywhere—but how it’s funded, consumed, and delivered is constantly evolving. With shrinking newsroom budgets and an audience trained by social media to scroll endlessly, the challenge isn’t just writing great longform pieces—it’s making sure they reach (and hold) readers.

• Funding and sustainability: Investigative projects and deep-dive reporting take time and money. Many longform outlets rely on subscriptions, grants, and crowdfunding to support their work. Without funding models like The New York Times’ paywall or nonprofit-backed journalism like ProPublica, longform would struggle to survive.

• Balancing quality with reader engagement: The demand for thoughtful, well-researched journalism is still strong—but keeping readers engaged is another battle. Can longform writing hold its ground in a world of 15-second videos and 280-character hot takes?

• The role of digital storytelling: Platforms like The Atavist, The New York Times, and Wired have reinvented longform by integrating interactive graphics, videos, and immersive multimedia elements. These innovations help complex stories feel more dynamic and engaging for a digital audience.

• The growing popularity of podcasts: Longform isn’t limited to the page. True crime podcasts, deep-dive political analysis, and investigative audio series have proven that storytelling thrives in audio form. Outlets like ESPN, The Washington Post, and independent podcast producers are bringing long-form stories to new audiences—one episode at a time.

While the landscape of long-form journalism is shifting, one thing remains clear: audiences still crave deep, meaningful stories. The challenge is adapting to new platforms and finding sustainable ways to keep long-form alive.

Why long-form journalism still matters

Long-form journalism cuts through the noise. It’s the deep reporting that exposes corruption, challenges power, and tells the stories that actually matter.

Outlets like ProPublica, The Guardian, and The Atavist prove that people still want thoughtful, well-researched journalism. But finding the right publications—especially the ones that pay well—can be tough.

That’s why we put together a free list of 200+ publications that pay $1 per word, including many that actively commission long-form journalism.

Want to pitch smarter? Start here by downloading the list.