Wikimedia Apps/Team/25th Birthday Reading Challenge
 | This page in a nutshell: The Mobile Apps team is planning to create a short-term, experimental reading challenge as part of Wikipedia’s 25th birthday celebrations. The challenge encourages readers to open and read at least one article per day, building a streak toward completing a 25-day reading goal. |
Background
To celebrate a quarter century of Wikipedia, a special 25th birthday mascot, Baby Globe, was introduced. Readers first met Baby Globe as part of a short term campaign feature called “Birthday mode”, where readers on the Wikipedia website saw Baby Globe’s surprise appearance on some articles.
This page covers another short term, celebratory and experimental feature: a 25th birthday reading challenge for mobile app users starring Baby Globe.
Many readers open the Wikipedia app when they need information, but fewer develop a habit of returning regularly. Research from previous experiments, including Year in Review and Activity Tab experiments, suggests that users enjoy seeing insights about their own activity and progress on Wikipedia.
The Reading Challenge is designed to encourage a simple daily habit: reading one Wikipedia article each day. By introducing a streak counter, visible progress tracking, and light rewards, the feature aims to motivate readers to return to the app consistently.
This concept is inspired by reading challenges often run by libraries and schools, where participants complete daily reading goals over a set period of time.
How does the feature work?
Joining the challenge
When users open the app during the challenge period, they will see an announcement inviting them to participate. Logged-in users can join immediately. Logged-out users will be asked to log in or create an account so their progress can be tracked.
Readers can join the challenge between and .
Daily reading
Participants build their streak by opening at least one Wikipedia article per day. The goal is to read on 25 consecutive days during the challenge period.
Tracking progress
Users can monitor their streak through the Reading Challenge widget. The widget will show the number of days completed and whether the user has read an article on the current day.
Maintaining streaks
If a participant misses a day, their streak ends. If the challenge period is still ongoing, they can start a new streak.
Completion
Participants who reach 25 reading days in a row will automatically receive a reward. Participants who do not complete the challenge will still be able to see their best streak and overall progress.
Designs
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In app announcement -
Add widget -
Opt into challenge -
Streak ongoing -
Streak broken -
Completed challenge
FAQ
How do I install the Widget?
- On Android Devices, long-press on your home screen until a menu pops up. Tap on Widgets, and then search for "Wikipedia". Tap on the Wikipedia App, and then long-press on the Reading Challenge widget to drag it onto your home screen.
- On iOS Devices, long-press on your home screen until a menu appears at the top. Tap Edit > Add widget. Search for "Wikipedia" and then tap on the App. Swipe through widgets until you see the Reading Challenge and then tap "Add Widget".
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How do I join the challenge?
- Follow the instructions above for installing a widget, and then tap "Join challenge" on the widget. Then tap "Join challenge again" in the app again.
Can I still use the app without joining the challenge?
Yes. Participation is optional and does not affect normal use of the Wikipedia app.
Do I need an account to participate?
Yes, an account is required so the app can track your reading streak.
What counts as a reading day?
Opening any Wikipedia article in the app counts as a reading day.
What happens if I miss a day?
If a day is missed, the streak ends. If it's still before the end date of , you may restart a streak.
What are the prizes?
The prize is a 15% discount to the Wikipedia Store. There may also be a challenge completion badge available within Activity.
How can I access the prizes?
Once you have reached 25 days, tap on the widget to open the prizes screen.
How long will I be able to access the prizes?
The prizes will be available until the end of July. If you apply the badge within Activity, it will remain available after the challenge concludes.