[All] Complete Guide to English Fanfic Sites! AO3, FFN, Wattpad, Tumblr

Wondering where to read English fanfiction? AO3, FanFiction.net , Wattpad, and Tumblr. We've compiled the features and differences of leading English-speaking fanfiction sites. Check out our recommendations for your tastes.

1. Is there a separate English fanfic site?

In Korea, fan fiction is often found on personal blogs or through post-type platforms, but in the English-speaking world, a fan fiction-only platform culture has been established for a long time.
It's not just a space to post articles; it's a structure that takes archiving, search, tags, and accessibility into account, so it might feel quite new when you first encounter it.

The four most frequently mentioned English fanfic sites are AO3, FFN, Wattpad, and Tumblr.

2. AO3 (Archive of Our Own) – The most free and extensive fanfiction archive

AO3 is a site that cannot be left out when talking about English-speaking fanfiction.

 

characteristic
- The number of fan fictions is overwhelmingly large.
- The tag-based search system is very sophisticated.
- Segmented into coupling, mood, and warning tags
- Almost no restrictions on expression, such as adult content, AU, RPF, etc.
- All works can be downloaded (PDF, EPUB, etc.)

In particular, the biggest difference from Korean fanfic culture is 'Official download function' and 'atmosphere tolerant of secondary creation'.

The quality of the writing is generally high, so if you want to read English fanfiction properly, many people start on AO3.

3. FFN ( FanFiction.net ) – The oldest traditional fan fiction site

FFN is one of the oldest English-language fanfiction sites.

 

merit
- Lots of old works and classic fanfics
- In certain fandoms, it's still FFN-centric
- Easy to access due to its simple structure

disadvantage
- There are many content restrictions, including sexual expressions and profanity.
- The tag system is weak, making searching difficult.
- The writing format is relatively conservative.

 

These days, it's common to see new releases on AO3 and old classics on FFN.

4. Wattpad – A story-focused, light-reading platform

Wattpad is a platform where fanfiction and original novels are posted together.

 

characteristic
- Mobile-friendly UI
- Quick comments and responses
- Easy access for fanfic beginners
- Lots of romance, school stories, and first-person narratives

disadvantage
- There is a large difference in the quality of the work.
- Tag and filter functions are weaker than AO3

 

It's a good read for those who are new to English fanfiction.

5. Tumblr – A space for fanfiction, fan art, and fan logs.

Tumblr isn't a dedicated fanfiction site, but it's a very active fandom platform.

 

characteristic
- Short fanfic, setting pieces, dribbling
- Active communication between writers and readers
- Many articles focus on emotions

disadvantage
- Systematic search is difficult
- Inconvenient to find long fan fiction

 

It's perfect for when you want to enjoy the sensibility of a fanboy rather than a refined novel.

 

6. Is there any other place to read fanfiction?

 

Recently, you can see fan fiction works of various genres on Fanplus Fanfic.

 

As a platform that provides translations in various languages, it is also suitable for global readers.

 

Q&A

Q. Can I still read AO3 fanfics even if I don't speak English well?
A. It is relatively easy because the tags and summaries are well done, but for long stories, it is often necessary to use a translator.

 

Q. Isn't AO3 fanfiction illegal?
A. AO3 is a non-profit archive and is culturally widely accepted in the English-speaking world.

 

Q. Do I have to choose between FFN and AO3?
A. No. Each fandom has different strong platforms, so it's common to see both platforms together.

 

Q. What is the biggest difference between Korean fan fiction and other fan fiction?
A. The biggest differences are in the acceptance of downloads, audiobook culture, tag-centered search, and recognition of secondary creation.

 

 

Go check out the top 5 real-time popular fan fictions!

 

Taming a Mad Dog

 

aka: Superpowered Killing Game 

 

The time I owe you 

 

Because of you, who can't sleep well

 

Broadcasting club full of love

 

 

Want to see more diverse fanfics?

 

🔥 Real-time best works

🥳 Recommended works

💓 Honest work

⭐ New release