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Users often ask us to create a mobile app and wonder why we haven't done so already. We've spotlighted this before and even included it in our FAQs, but it comes up often enough that we wanted to provide an updated explanation of why we don't have – and don't plan to make – an app.
Third-Party Apps
There is no official AO3 app. If you have come across or are using an app that looks like AO3, it is not official and is not owned by the OTW. These apps are made by third parties and are normally just specialized web browsers that change the way AO3 looks when you access it.
These apps may have ads or request payment from users, neither of which AO3 will ever do. AO3 does not allow ads and will always be free to use. Anyone charging you for access to AO3 in any way – whether by forcing you to view ads, pay to access works, or subscribe to enable additional features – is violating the AO3 Terms of Service.
As these third-party apps aren't controlled by us, if you log in to AO3 on these apps, the apps' developers may gain access to your username and password. You're trusting both that the developer is not malicious and that they have taken all proper precautions to keep your login information safe. If your login information is exposed to someone with malicious intent, they could log into your account to post Terms of Service-violating content, delete your works, change your account's credentials so you can't log in, or even delete your account.
App Store Restrictions
If we did develop an official app, it is unlikely we could distribute it via the Apple App or Google Play stores. Both have rules against "objectionable" or sexual content which would require us to go against AO3's policy of maximum inclusiveness of fanwork content.
Apple's App Store developer guidelines state that "apps should not include content that is offensive, insensitive, upsetting, intended to disgust, in exceptionally poor taste, or just plain creepy", while Google's content standards "don't allow apps that contain or promote sexual content or profanity, including pornography, or any content or services intended to be sexually gratifying". While both app stores give slightly more leeway for user-generated content, they still only permit "incidental" sexual content and warn that apps that heavily feature, actively promote, or have a reputation for sexual content are subject to removal. Both app stores also generally require app makers to prescreen or remove "objectionable" content promptly when it is reported.
To have an app in either app store would require us to dramatically change what content we allow on AO3, which we are unwilling to do.
While it's possible to distribute apps outside of the Apple App or Google Play stores, it's a much more complicated process with a much smaller audience. We prefer to focus our efforts on improving the site itself, which benefits all of our users – regardless of which devices they use to access AO3.
App Alternatives
When people reach out asking about an AO3 app, they usually have a specific functionality they would like out of an app. Many quality-of-life features often associated with apps (such as mobile layouts, saving your spot when you tab away, etc.) don't actually require an app.
This means our developers could implement some of these app-like features as part of their normal efforts to improve the site, without devoting additional time to make a separate app. Incrementally adding app-like feature options to the existing site is much more feasible for us than creating a standalone app.
In fact, some of these functions are already available. We've collected some of the most common requests and their existing solutions below.
Customize AO3
If you want to change how AO3 looks, for example by changing the colors or making it more mobile friendly, you can create a site skin. Skins allow anyone to change the way AO3 displays for them. There are several publicly available skins which can be accessed via the footer at the bottom of every page, including Reversi which is AO3's default "dark mode".
If you don't like any of our default skins, you can also make your own. Check out our Skins and Archive Interface FAQ or Site Skin video tutorial for more information.
If you don't want to make your own site skin from scratch, you can find a number of users sharing their own custom skins under the AO3 Site Skin tag.
Homescreen Shortcut
If you want easier access to AO3 from your device's homescreen, you can add a shortcut to make AO3 appear alongside your other apps. Follow these instructions for iOS or Android devices.
Read Offline
If you want to access works offline, you can download works from AO3 directly onto your mobile device. We offer a variety of download formats to fit a range of programs and devices. For help downloading works, check out our Downloading Fanworks FAQ.
Remember Where You Left Off
If you frequently have trouble remembering where you were in a fic, you can use the notes section of a private bookmark to keep track of the chapter or paragraph you stopped at. Or, if you download a work to read offline, many e-reader apps will save your spot automatically.
Listen to Fics
If you want to listen to fics instead of reading them, there are a few options. You can check out the Podfic tag to find audio created by other users.
If there isn't a podfic for the story you are looking for, you can use Text-to-Speech (TTS) software to listen to a fic. Most mobile devices will have some form of TTS built in for accessibility purposes if you search through the settings. Some desktop browsers also have a built-in TTS function, often as part of a "reading mode". There are many solutions depending on your specific use case, but here are some how-to articles to get you started:
- Have your iPhone read the screen aloud
- Android: Use Select to Speak
- How to use Reader View in Firefox
- Use Reading mode in Chrome (Desktop)
- Have your Mac speak text that's on the screen
- Use Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge
If you have further questions about AO3 site functionality or about a specific "AO3 app", contact Support for assistance. They handle technical support, requests for new site features, and reports about unofficial AO3 apps.
The Organization for Transformative Works is the non-profit parent organization of multiple projects including Archive of Our Own, Fanlore, Open Doors, OTW Legal Advocacy, and Transformative Works and Cultures. We are a fan-run, donor-supported organization staffed by volunteers. Find out more about us on our website.