SkimNews vs the Skimm
SkimNews vs the Skimm — two daily newsletters, two different editorial models.
The Skimm is a general-audience daily briefing written in a conversational tone. SkimNews is a curated 30-second read distilled from 100+ trusted sources, attributed line by line, with one editor on the masthead. This page compares the two on format, frequency, attribution, and accountability.
Format
The Skimm runs a longer-form daily newsletter with a fixed set of sections (Skimm’s top story, a quote of the day, a recommended read, and so on). SkimNews runs a 30-second card feed: each card carries a headline, three bullets, a why-it-matters line, the original publisher, and a link to the source. SkimNews is built for skim-reading; The Skimm is built for a sit-down read.
Attribution
SkimNews names the original publisher on every card and links to the source article. The Skimm paraphrases across sources and lists them on a separate line. Both models are legitimate; readers who care about per-story attribution will prefer SkimNews.
Accountability
SkimNews has one editor (Kapil Samant, Editor-in-Chief) on the masthead, with a public corrections log. The Skimm has a larger editorial team. The accountability model is different in each case; both can be made to work.
Sponsored content
The Skimm runs sponsored placement and partner content. SkimNews does not run sponsored placement, affiliate links, or native ads inside the editorial feed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between SkimNews and the Skimm?
The Skimm is a daily newsletter aimed at a general audience with a conversational tone and a wide remit. SkimNews is a curated 30-second read distilled from 100+ trusted sources, attributed to the original publisher on every card, and organised into seven beats. SkimNews does not run sponsored placement or listicles.
How does attribution differ between the two?
SkimNews names the original publisher on every card and links directly to the source article. The Skimm paraphrases and aggregates, and credits the source on a separate ‘Sources’ line at the bottom of each email.
Does SkimNews run sponsored content like the Skimm does?
No. SkimNews does not run native advertising, sponsored placement, or affiliate links inside summaries. The full editorial policy is on the /editorial-policy page.
Who is accountable for the editorial line at SkimNews?
One editor — Kapil Samant, Editor-in-Chief — owns every story and every correction. There is no committee, no team, and no investor pressure shaping the editorial line.
Is SkimNews free?
Yes. The web app, the morning brief, the RSS feed, and the Telegram channel are all free.
Written by Kapil Samant, Editor-in-Chief of SkimNews. About SkimNews · Source list · Editorial policy.