Goodreads vs. The StoryGraph || Pros & Cons

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#goodreads
#thestorygraph

[@ohheyandi]

I really like that StoryGraph has a DNF function right out of the box, whereas with GoodReads you need to make a shelf. And I personally like the clean look of StoryGraph. However, I agree, GoodReads is definitely more social and a tad more user-friendly.

[@alliewithbooks]

I think for me with the DNF shelf option on Goodreads it’s not a deal breaker for me. But I can def see how StoryGraph having a real DNF button would be helpful. It’s so interesting seeing what different people want out of a bookish app!

[@rkgrkg]

Ooh! A DNF would be great! I think I tried to make a shelf for that on GR, but for some reason, it didn't work right or I did something wrong and gave up. Also, I like minimal aesthetics as well, totally personal preference, though. But yes, I do like connecting with other bookworms on GR.

[@violetmusings]

Just to let you know, you can import all of your goodreads data onto storygraph at any time! That way everything you’ve read or shelved will automatically transfer (including shelves u,ve created)! Best to do it when you sign up though 🥰

[@alliewithbooks]

I imported everything a couple of weeks ago, but I definitely should have mentioned that in my video! That’s super helpful info for anyone who’s new to StoryGraph 😊

[@kristink5816]

I also wish that good reads would let you leave a 1/2 star review👀 bc a lot of the times I feel like the books fall somewhere in between

[@alliewithbooks]

I totally agree!! It's not totally a huge hinderance for me since I'll just clarify the rating in my review, but still. Half stars would be really great!

[@veronikanedorostova6631]

I had no idea Goodreads was owned by Amazon... time to create a StoryGraph account!

[@alliewithbooks]

I really hope you do!!

[@CyndiSilva]

The moment I learned Goodreads was from Amazon, I dropped it. I still haven’t found a social media app specifically for books.

[@alliewithbooks]

Totally fair!!

[@lisannalaks4314]

Why is it bad that Goodreads is from amazon?

[@EllaMitsch123]

@@lisannalaks4314 Amazon is terrible for the environment, shipping out hundreds of thousands of packages HOURLY, the workers are paid a shocking wage (you may have heard the employees in the factories are not allowed toilet breaks, they have to urinate into bottles so as to not disrupt production) they are just a terrible company, a quick google search will tell you many more reasons as to why, that i can't fit in a youtube comment...

[@lisannalaks4314]

@@EllaMitsch123 wow, that is crazyyy.. Now i understand why many people do not like this company

[@oliviaplunkett4208]

I have been using Storygraphy for a while and love it for the recommendations and so many of the features, the issue is the fact it does lack that community aspect which I hope will be further developed as people make the switch.

[@alliewithbooks]

It’s gotten so much better since I posted this video 😊 they’ve done some great updates. And I totally agree, the recommendations are so good!

[@jessebosco346]

Have you submitted your cons for storygraph as requests to their support desk? They are SUPER responsive there and they really want feedback. I was using it during Beta and I submitted a TON of requests. Even things like adding page numbers or adding a specific content warning they were really receptive to. It's definitely worth sending them some info!

[@alliewithbooks]

Yes, I have! It’s really cool that they take critiques into consideration.

[@pucksandpaperbacks]

I like The Story Graph because you can add content warnings in your reviews and it really helps. I do wish you could add a comment while you're reading a book instead of just updating the number progress. But, I've been using it more than Goodreads. I've only been using Goodreads to add author's books bc Goodreads helps authors. But, I like that The Story Graph isn't like a social media app, Goodreads intimidates me sometimes.

[@alliewithbooks]

Yes, the content warnings are so helpful! I love that they're at the top right under the description and the reader can open them if they need them or keep them closed if they don't.

[@alenascholz5769]

Ohhhhh this was super informative bc I've also thought about switching!!

[@alliewithbooks]

Thank you!! StoryGraph is a super fun app to check out, I hope you like it!

[@Readitandeat]

I think this was a fair assessment of both platforms. I really enjoy storygraph because now I can update all the books I have in-progress down to the page count or percentage based on the audiobook. I do understand that the community portion is lacking but I believe the founder specifically did not want to make Storygraph into another social media platform. So maybe using the two together is the best combination for most. I personally like Storygraph a lot lot more.

[@alliewithbooks]

I definitely think using both in tandem is the best way for me to do it! It’s good to know what the founder’s intentions were, which makes the lack of socializing on the website make more sense.

[@sadakos-petal]

Umm can you pls tell me where do u listen to audiobook like do u use any website or app for it ??

[@rachelmerrie]

@@sadakos-petal I use Libby for mine.

[@thelostpiranha]

I really like your review of both the platforms. I just started using storygraph so I’ll continue using both for now. My biggest con for storygraph is that the aesthetic is very PowerPoint-y. I hope they change that over time because I think there’s definitely some potential in the platform

[@failedoctober]

I currently have both, and like you, I don’t prefer one or the other really. I think if I had to choose, it would be Goodreads simply bc everyone I follow on there that I constantly get ratings and recommendations from, and most of those people aren’t on StoryGraph for me to do that yet.

[@alliewithbooks]

Yeah, I think they work really well together! And you're totally right, a lot of people aren't on StoryGraph yet, so it's hard to find people to follow to create more of a community. I hope more people join!

[@user-th4ml7ns3b]

StoryGraph now has an app🥳

[@alliewithbooks]

I know I’m so excited about it!! I downloaded it immediately 😊

[@petra1995]

I'm trying to get back into being a bookworm like I was 10-15 years ago, and I didn't have Goodreads, so today I made a Storygraph account. I can't get stuck on Goodreads if I never join!

[@alliewithbooks]

That’s so awesome!! StoryGraph is really awesome and I’ve found it to be so helpful with both recommending books and reading stats. I hope you love it!!

[@petra1995]

@@alliewithbooks I hope they do add more of a social media aspect! At least now you can see who you follow, compared to when you made the video

[@petra1995]

@@alliewithbooks Ok so apparently they don't want it to become a social media platform, which is fair, buuut I still think it could be a little bit more interactive

[@ericneff9908]

Extremely helpful. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@michelles852]

Whaaaaat? Ive not heard of storygraph. You've out me on something new

[@alliewithbooks]

I'm so glad you finally know about it now!! Have fun exploring 😊

[@zephyr2427]

I love the way you speak/love your lipstick too! so nice to watch this channel. so clear and charming.

[@alliewithbooks]

Thank you so much!!

[@Jessica-wt2sm]

This was a really well executed video! I appreciated how you highlighted pros and cons for both instead of pushing one platform over the other, which seems to be the case for most videos on this topic. I agree with you on all of the points you made! I've also been using Goodreads since high school so it's difficult to switch platforms after almost a decade of cataloguing. I know StoryGraph allows you to import your Goodreads data but I've heard it doesn't do it seamlessly, especially if you've read lesser known books that aren't in their database yet. However, I am thinking of making a StoryGraph just for all the extra features and how they analyze your reading habits. You can really tell it was made by a book lover for other book lovers! The downside is that because it's so new, StoryGraph still has a long way to go imo. I'm personally not a fan of the interface either. Too much white so it's really harsh on the eyes and not dark-mode friendly. I don't really care for the recommendations feature as I have enough books on my TBR list as it is lol. But overall, I'm excited to see where StoryGraph will go and it's cool to see Goodreads gain some competition. It's been overdue! What I will say is that I read an article featuring the creator of StoryGraph and she emphasizes how the website was never meant to be an alternative to Goodreads but more of a companion. After watching your video, I understand what you mean when you say that the websites have different purposes. It makes sense why you enjoy using them in tandem. Goodreads seems better for general tracking and having a sense of community. StoryGraph feels more inclined for avid readers who want to learn more about their reading habits and interests. Overall, a great video highlighting the benefits of both! I think I will probably end up doing the same as you where I'm mainly active on Goodreads but have StoryGraph for all the graphs and charts. Thanks for such an informative outlook!

[@ReadingIsLife1908]

Have never heard of StoryGraph. Will have to check it out. Thanks!!!

[@alliewithbooks]

Definitely give it a look! 😊

[@watchp0int]

I just keep forgetting that I have a Storygraph account so I don't update it forever. I also have so many shelves meticulously organized on Goodreads and I just didn't find that as useful on Storygraph. I would also love to see an easier way to find a specific edition of a book that I'm reading on Storygraph. I think Storygraph could be great, but I think it has a way to go before it has the things I use GR for.

[@alliewithbooks]

Yeah, the shelving system on StoryGraph didn’t impress me. Even though I was able to import my shelves from goodreads, when they got to StoryGraph a lot of them were messed up and I haven’t gotten around to fixing them. It’ll be interesting to see how StoryGraph improves over the next few months.

[@rkgrkg]

Very nice comparison! I'm considering SG, so this helped a lot without me having to make an account yet.

[@alliewithbooks]

Thank you!! I’m glad that it helped 😊

[@claraboschi8237]

Just found your chanel and definately gonna follow you!! Love your pro and cons!!

[@alliewithbooks]

Aww thank you so much!!

[@heyimsasa]

i agree with all your points about storygraph. i really hope it becomes more visually striking and that it becomes more social media-like. i like having a bunch of people on my friends list to keep up with and i'd like a more updated look. also i just don't want to support goodreads because they're owned by amazon and everything is so outdated. the search function is awful, especially with non-white/translated works. need it to be better. loved this video so i'm subbing to you now and following on twitter! ☺️ thank you for a fantastic video!

[@alliewithbooks]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this video!! I really hope that StoryGraph adds some more community oriented elements, because I feel like I would love it even more that way. It will be interesting to watch it progress!

[@wyldreads2109]

I fully planned on switching over to SG but like you said, the websites definitely have different features and I’m sooo in the habit of using goodreads exclusively that I keep forgetting to use SG 🤦🏻‍♀️ thank you for compiling a list because I definitely feel the same way about them

[@alliewithbooks]

I’m totally a creature of habit so change like this is tough for me. I definitely don’t check SG as much, but it is really growing on me! I think as it improves I’ll use it even more 😊

[@mridhu21]

Just getting started with BR and love this video!

[@alliewithbooks]

That’s awesome!! Thank you 😊

[@AthynVixen]

I tried Storygraph in beta when everyone started to rave about it but TBH it was not for me. I lost all my previous years content because the import just did NOT work, a LOT of books weren't listed and TBH tho I am a total bookworm, I really don't give a hoot about stats and box ticking and didn't need it pointing out what moods and genres I read as I am already well aware of that and my tastes by now. I feel like it's promoted a lot on its stats , graphs and pie charts and I was never into that at school never mind now. Hats off to someone for creating an alternative though I will be sticking with Goodreads as a log.There's also zero community feel on Storygraph and I really don't care for recommendations on either site. If there was a way to remove or avoid this on Storygraph, it would appeal more

[@alliewithbooks]

That’s totally fair!! I still really love goodreads and I find that I use it significantly more than StoryGraph. Still, I do like supporting it because it is nice that there is a growing alternative.

[@bonnieliedtka9148]

I need to find out what I prefer to read overall. But I like goodreads because of reviews and to see who are your friends and who you follow. Thank you very good information on book graph if it were an app I probably would try it.

[@alliewithbooks]

Totally understandable!! I still think goodreads is a good option.

[@mizzycutenezz]

Very informative. Sounds like storygraph is more suited to me, so I'll go try it

[@alliewithbooks]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy StoryGraph 😊

[@beefsoup1775]

I use both, but I prefer goodreads just because I'm so used to it and I don't like Storygraph that much except for the stats.

[@jessicamccormick9313]

In goodreads now you scan the book and it pops up! I just wish it included audiobooks

[@alliewithbooks]

Yes, I’ve been using the scanning feature forever! It comes in handy when I’m shopping for books in person.

[@Kenough_in_Wonderland]

I just found out about storygraph, I know I'm a tad bit late to the game.. 😅 However, I much prefer it, especially the fact that it isn't really a social platform is a huge pro for me lol

[@AissataAmadou]

a big reason why I continue to use goodreads is because I've been using it for soo long. I hate the interface with a burning passion though.

[@alliewithbooks]

Yeah, that's kind of the same with me. Like even though the interface sucks, at least I know it pretty well and know what to expect.

[@BenjaminHare]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. What's the beef with Amazon?

[@tawallah77]

Like you I hoped Storygraph would be much better than Goodreads. And it is in some ways. But my issue is that I am into some great groups on GR so I am not as willing to completely switch over. Secondly, I do like my own way of reviews and the structure on Storygraph isn’t very conducive to the longer reviews I prefer. But I’m going to work on that over the next few months. And give it a proper go. But for now I’m between the two apps feeling that neither are perfect

[@alliewithbooks]

Yeah, I definitely prefer longer form reviews as well. Both apps aren’t totally perfect for what I want, but they are kind of nice to use in tandem 😊

[@estherliu01]

They have an app now but you have to download from the website

[@alliewithbooks]

The StoryGraph doesn’t have an app, but you can make a shortcut for your home screen that behaves similarly to an app.

[@JayGTheAwkwardBookworm]

I’m just too lazy to switch officially 😂

[@alliewithbooks]

Haha I feel that!!

[@LilyEvans1996]

Has anyone made playlists for the books they read?

[@alliewithbooks]

Like a music playlist? I make a few on spotify lol my account is alliewithbooks 😊

[@ohmyjoshhhhhhh]

notes app >>>

[@mildtotemperate]

Good video!

[@AlylovesDP]

why isn't storygragh adding my reading challenge correctly?

[@anyonymswede]

The cons is that you can not list books in Swedish.Also you can not list If you have borrowed it in library.

[@LilyEvans1996]

Do you think Instagram has an interesting interface?

[@alliewithbooks]

No. I think it used to, but with the emphasis on buying stuff and reels, it feels cluttered. Twitter is pretty good, which is probably why I spend most of my time there.

[@hoshinojavi]

what's the problem of goodreads being from amazon? sorry i really don't know anything about amazon more than you can buy things there 😭

[@alliewithbooks]

It’s okay! Amazon conducts bad business practices and treats their workers poorly. Some people choose to boycott their products bc of that, which is totally fair. They also would rather not support Jeff Bezos, as well.

[@kristink5816]

Can we be friends on goodreads??

[@alliewithbooks]

Of course! I always accept friend requests on Goodreads!

[@_gnocchi]

the biggest pro for storygraph is that it was founded by a black woman

[@tamarleahh.2150]

I dislike that people can just bash books they've never read on Goodreads. And Goodreads doesn't do anything to help authors about that.

[@tribouletr]

Ironic that the very fact that Goodreads is owned by Amazon should mean we do t deal with its other cons. They're big enough to have those fixed..... but alas

[@alliewithbooks]

That’s assuming Amazon cares at all about fixing any of their websites including Amazon itself lmao hint: they don’t care and I’m not telling you to care either 😁

[@ThuggyMacho]

Storygraph is far better