FT hits 1 million digital subscribers

The Financial Times now has 1 million paying digital subscribers, an all-time high, the publisher disclosed Tuesday.

It reached 1 million total subscribers, including print customers, in 2019.

More than half of FT subscribers are based outside the UK, illustrating the publication’s global reach. In recent years the FT has invested in expanding its readership in the U.S. in particular, which now accounts for more than 20% of its subscriber numbers.

The FT first introduced a paywall in 2002. It pioneered a ‘metered’ access model in 2007 before moving in 2015 to paid trials as its primary model. Digital journalism revenues are now equal to all of its other revenue streams combined, while the FT’s iconic pink newspaper continues to be profitable. The FT Weekend publication has seen circulation increase by double digits in the past two years.

“The FT is unique in delivering scoops, deep analysis, investigations, commentary and culture, all from a truly global perspective, said editor Roula Khalaf in a statement. “Through the pandemic and beyond readers relied on us for trusted coverage and insight – and we have responded with ever more engaging formats like visual storytelling, film and data journalism.”

Having established a substantial, professional customer base, the publisher plans to expand its readership with new products and formats. It will shortly release an app that targets non-business readers, available initially on iOS.