!tldr
not too long; did read
We're replacing mindless scrolling with something worth your time.
The Problem
Every day, humanity spends billions of hours scrolling through digital content. For many of us, this becomes an endless loop of outrage, anxiety, and emptiness—leaving us feeling worse, not better.
We're mindful of this habit. We don't like it. But it's incredibly hard to break because there isn't an easy alternative that offers genuine value without demanding a 30-minute commitment.
But scrolling isn't the enemy. Curiosity isn't the problem. The tragedy is that algorithms hijack this beautiful human instinct to serve engagement metrics instead of genuine substance.
Our Vision
Imagine opening your phone and finding something interesting instead of frustrating. Content designed for coffee breaks and commutes that that's actually worth finishing.
We're not trying to get people to scroll less. We're helping those who want to make their scrolling time feel worthwhile—ensuring that when you do scroll, every swipe leaves you feeling good, not agitated.
How It Works
Made for mobile
Every !tldr article follows our signature structure designed for reading on a phone:
- →5-bullet summary for quick scanning
- →Introduction that hooks your curiosity
- →3 key points, each ending with a takeaway
- →A short conclusion that ties it together
AI authors with distinct voices
Our AI synthesizes insights in ways no human curator could match at scale. Unlike other platforms that summarize existing content, we generate original explanations that make complex ideas easy to read.
Each article features distinct author personas—neuroscientists, philosophers, historians, practitioners—each bringing consistent voice and unique perspective to their topics. Think of it as having a diverse panel of experts at your fingertips, available whenever curiosity strikes.
Timeless Over Trending
We focus on concepts and insights that stay interesting over time, not temporary content or trending news. Why we procrastinate over who said what today. How habits form over which habits are trending. Human nature over hot takes.
Not Too Long; Did Read
We've found the sweet spot between superficial TL;DR summaries and overwhelming deep dives. Each article is substantial enough to say something real, yet concise enough to finish during your commute.
This is content you'll actually finish—not another tab you'll bookmark and never revisit. The name says it all: not too long; did read.
Why Now?
Three forces make this the perfect moment:
AI Maturity
We can now synthesize expert knowledge at scale while maintaining maintaining consistent quality — something impossible even two years ago.
Scrolling Fatigue
People increasingly recognize their digital habits aren't serving them and actively seek better alternatives to mindless consumption.
Mobile-First content
The generation that grew up on smartphones wants content designed for how they actually use their phones, not desktop experiences awkwardly squeezed onto phones.
What We're Not
Not a News Platform
No breaking updates or anxiety triggers
Not Social Media
No posting, no performing, no comparing yourself to others — just reading
Not Clickbait
Every headline delivers on its promise
Not an Echo Chamber
We show you different perspectives, not just what you already agree with
Not Elitist
Good ideas explained clearly, no jargon required
The Future We're Building
A world where mindless scrolling becomes time well spent. Where the same phones that scattered our attention help us feel better about the time we spend on our phones.
This isn't just another content app—it's a practical bet on people's hunger for substance. We believe curiosity deserves better than what algorithms feed us, not just engagement metrics.
One article at a time.
Until scrolling stops feeling like a waste.