Interactive storytelling tools and techniques in digital magazines
Interactive storytelling is changing the way we share ideas. Unlike traditional printed magazines, digital magazines can do much more, such as showing animations, linking to other websites, or allowing readers to explore image galleries.
In this article, you’ll learn what interactive storytelling is and how you can use it in your business. We’ll also show you how Publuu can help you create content that grabs attention and keeps your audience coming back.
What is interactive storytelling?
Interactive storytelling is a way of engaging readers by letting them take part in the story. Instead of simply reading, they can click, explore, and make choices as they go, turning a simple article into an experience.
Instead of following a straight line, the story changes based on what the reader chooses. Think of video games — they’re a great example, often featuring multiple endings or solutions. But this idea works in any digital publication as well, letting the reader see things through the eyes of the hero. It helps your content feel more alive and memorable.
Why is interactive storytelling important?
These days, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to capture and hold an audience’s attention — people are distracted by constant social media noise. You only have a few seconds to grab their interest.
Interactive stories help by making the experience personal. They let your potential customers feel like they’re part of the action. This is especially useful in business because stories help sell. Add a few interactive features, and suddenly your product or idea feels more real to the reader.
That’s why digital magazines are taking advantage of this approach — to stand out in a competitive market and build stronger relationships with their audiences. A 2023 Reuters Institute study found that interactive articles hold a reader’s attention 40% longer than traditional content.
Benefits of interactive storytelling
✓ Greater engagement
Interactive elements — such as videos, clickable infographics, or animations — make readers more engaged. They actively participate and follow the story in their minds. As a result, they are more likely to explore, share the content on social media, and remember it in the future.
✓ Personalized experiences
Branching narratives (such as Choose Your Own Adventure-style stories) allow users to pick their own reading path. This makes them feel in control and keeps them interested for longer.
✓ Data and analytics
Interactive content makes it possible to collect information about user behavior. Platforms like Publuu offer robust analytics, showing which pages are viewed most often and how users interact with clickable elements like buttons, links, or embedded media. This helps you improve future content based on real data.
✓ Brand differentiation
Interactive storytelling makes your publication unique. By adding elements, such as photo galleries, videos, or sound, you can clearly stand out from the competition and strengthen your brand identity.
Best interactive storytelling tools
1. Publuu
Publuu is the best tool for creating interactive flipbooks — digital publications that resemble traditional magazines and are accessible on all devices, without any coding skills required. You can turn any story into an interactive magazines with videos, photo galleries, and links to external content. Check the example below to see how it works in practice:
MAKE YOUR OWNAdvantages:
- Works seamlessly on smartphones and computers thanks to HTML5 technology.
- Allows you to add videos, audios, photo galleries, and links using clickable hotspots.
- Built-in analytics tools track views and clicks.
- Lets you create catalogs with active products, special offers, and wish lists.
- Search function makes it easy to navigate large documents.
2. Ceros
Ceros is a platform for creative teams to design interactive content without programming — ideal for reports, presentations and content marketing.
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3. Shorthand
Shorthand is a tool for companies and editors who want to publish modern articles, reports or digital magazines with a high level of visual engagement.
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3. Adobe Express
Adobe Express is a simple platform for creating graphics, short videos and web pages. It is user-friendly for people with no design experience.
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4. Twine
Twine is a free open source tool for creating branching stories, such as visual novels or simple games.
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5. ThingLink
ThingLink allows you to create interactive 360° images, videos and content by adding active points (tags) with information, links and multimedia.
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Interactive storytelling techniques
Branched narratives
This method gives readers choices that lead to different story paths. Think of Choose Your Own Adventure books — where you decide whether the main character goes to China or India, and your choice changes how the tale continues. Video games like Fallout use the same idea — your decisions shape the game’s world and ending.
In an interactive magazine, you can use links to achieve a similar effect. For example, when a character reaches a crossroads, the reader can click a link to choose the next step — maybe even jumping to another Publuu flipbook. The key is to give readers the sense that they are shaping the story.
👉 Check out how to create interactive magazine in our Knowlegde Base
User-driven actions
This technique uses interactive elements like clickable images, puzzles, or short animations. For example, a kids’s magazine might include a puzzle that, once solved, reveals the next part of the story. These actions keep readers involved and curious about what comes next.
Feedback and rewards
People love to feel a sense of progress. In games, players unlock powers or items. In digital magazines or eBooks, you can offer users small rewards – such as extra tips, hidden facts, or discounts — when they interact with your content. This makes learning or reading more fun and meaningful.
Gamification
Gamification means using game-like features — points, badges, or leaderboards — to keep the audience engaged. For example, you could give a reader a certificate after they complete a quiz at the end of a chapter. These small rewards motivate users to keep going.
Storytelling in the environment
This approach lets readers explore their surroundings as part of the story. For instance, with Publuu, you can hide QR codes around your city. Scanning one might take someone to a digital story about a nearby landmark. It’s a creative way to connect real places with digital content.
Take a look here 👉 How to create a QR code
Interactive storytelling examples
Interactive digital magazines or eBooks
These publications go beyond plain text. Using platforms like Publuu, you can add sounds, videos, and clickable hotspots. For example, if a story character sees a bear, the reader can click on the image to hear the bear growl!
Interactive fiction
These are text-based games where players make choices that change the story. They’re similar to digital choose-your-path stories and are still popular today.
Video games
Many games mix storytelling with player choices. A game like
Interactive web documents
These are websites or videos with clickable elements e.g. images, quizzes, or animations. They make reading online more engaging and hands-on.
Immersive experiences
These are real-world setups— such as escape rooms or exhibitions — where people become part of the narrative. Instead of just watching, they explore, touch, and experience the story as it unfolds around them.
Interactive storytelling FAQ
What is another name for visual storytelling?
Visual storytelling is also called immersive or multimedia storytelling.
What to consider when choosing interactive storytelling tools?
- Audience — Readers familiar with technology may prefer AR/VR experiences.
- Budget — Open-source tools such as Twine are suitable for small teams.
- Integration — Ensure compatibility with your website or publishing platform.
What are the types of storytelling?
- Linear — Traditional, straight-line narratives (e.g., articles).
- Non-linear — Stories with multiple paths or outcomes.
- Transmedia — Stories told across multiple platforms (e.g., video, social media, print).
How to make storytelling interactive?
- Add clickable links and hotspots.
- Include quizzes or decision points.
- Use videos, sound, and animation.
Conclusion on interactive storytelling
Interactive storytelling is a great way to transform static content into engaging journeys. By using digital tools like Publuu, you can create publications that not only inform but also let your readers imagine themselves are the heroes of the story. Check out the tools, experiment with storytelling techniques — and show us what you create!
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