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World's 10 Most Circulated Newspapers

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The 10 Most‑Circulated Newspapers of the World – An In‑Depth Look

Published by Rediff on 2 September 2025, this slide‑show article ranks the globe’s biggest printed news outlets by daily circulation. Though digital subscriptions are surging, many of the world’s most‑read papers still enjoy enormous print footprints, a fact that underlines the enduring appeal of a physical newsprint.


1. Xinhua Daily – China’s flagship

Xinhua Daily tops the list with a staggering 24.4 million copies circulated each day. Launched in 1931, the paper is the official publication of the Chinese Communist Party and the State Council. Its reach is almost complete: every major city in mainland China receives at least one copy, and many households pick up a daily edition for the first time on a weekday. Xinhua’s editorial line is overtly pro‑government, but the paper has evolved to incorporate more feature stories, lifestyle content and investigative journalism to keep readers engaged.

Follow the link for Xinhua’s website and a short history on Wikipedia.


2. The Times of India – The king of the Indian market

With 23.7 million copies a day, The Times of India (TOI) is the single‑most‑read English newspaper in the world. First printed in 1838, the paper now publishes seven daily editions – from Mumbai to Kolkata – and has a pan‑Indian presence in cities like Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. While digital penetration is high, TOI’s massive distribution network ensures that a print copy reaches a broad segment of the population, especially in rural and semi‑urban areas.

The paper’s editorial stance has historically been centre‑left, but it increasingly balances political coverage with business, entertainment and technology columns.

Follow the link for TOI’s homepage and its Wikipedia entry.


3. People’s Daily – China’s policy voice

The People’s Daily follows closely with 21.4 million copies. Founded in 1948 as the official mouthpiece of the Communist Party, it continues to be the primary medium for policy announcements and party ideology. The paper is available in both Chinese and English, with a sizeable international readership that includes diplomatic circles and scholars worldwide.

Unlike Xinhua, People’s Daily places a stronger emphasis on in‑depth political analysis, though recent years have seen an uptick in social‑issue stories to appeal to a broader audience.

Follow the link for People’s Daily’s website and Wikipedia article.


4. Yomiuri Shimbun – Japan’s daily giant

Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun circulates 18.2 million copies daily, making it the world’s third‑largest newspaper. Established in 1897, Yomiuri has a liberal‑leaning editorial line and is known for its expansive coverage of domestic politics, business and cultural affairs. Its wide distribution network ensures that almost every household in Japan receives a copy, often at a very low cost.

Yomiuri has been at the forefront of embracing digital platforms, offering a highly‑used e‑edition app that has over 4 million downloads.

Follow the link for Yomiuri Shimbun’s homepage and Wikipedia entry.


5. The Asahi Shimbun – Japan’s alternative voice

While smaller than its Yomiuri rival, The Asahi Shimbun still manages 10.3 million copies a day. Founded in 1879, Asahi is recognized for its investigative journalism and more progressive editorial stance. The paper publishes primarily in Japanese, with an English‑language sister publication, The Asahi Shimbun Online, that reaches an international audience.

Asahi has also been a pioneer in digital journalism in Japan, offering a comprehensive online portal that combines news, multimedia, and interactive features.

Follow the link for Asahi Shimbun’s website and Wikipedia page.


6. The New York Times – The “Paper of the World”

The New York Times (NYT) maintains a daily print circulation of 6.4 million copies, a remarkable figure for a paper in the age of instant news. Founded in 1851, the NYT has earned a reputation for in‑depth investigative reporting, cultural coverage and a broad international perspective. The paper’s print edition remains popular among academic libraries, newsrooms and discerning readers who value a curated print experience.

The NYT’s digital subscription model is among the most successful in the industry, with over 10 million paid‑digital users worldwide.

Follow the link for the NYT’s official website and its Wikipedia entry.


7. The Washington Post – The American news powerhouse

With 3.9 million copies a day, the Washington Post is the largest U.S. daily by print circulation. Since its founding in 1877, the Post has been synonymous with political reporting and investigative journalism, especially in the realm of U.S. politics. The paper’s coverage of Washington, D.C. and national policy makes it a go‑to source for policymakers, lobbyists and journalists alike.

In recent years, the Post has focused on expanding its digital presence, offering a premium subscription model that includes both print and digital content.

Follow the link for the Washington Post’s website and its Wikipedia article.


8. The Guardian – Britain’s pan‑linguistic paper

The Guardian, with 3.2 million copies daily, is renowned for its global outlook and commitment to liberal values. Founded in 1821, the paper originally published in Manchester and later became the Manchester Guardian. The Guardian has embraced a free‑online model for its website, yet its print edition remains a staple in British households.

The Guardian is particularly noted for its environmental coverage, arts criticism and investigative journalism, earning it international acclaim.

Follow the link for the Guardian’s homepage and Wikipedia page.


9. The Daily Mail – UK’s sensationalist staple

The Daily Mail circulates 2.8 million copies and is one of the world’s most‑read broadsheets. Its sensationalist tone and populist stance have earned it a dedicated readership across the United Kingdom. Founded in 1896, the paper covers a wide range of topics, from politics to celebrity gossip, and has a large digital presence through the MailOnline portal.

Despite a decline in print sales over the past decade, the Mail’s digital readership continues to grow, bolstered by a strong social‑media strategy.

Follow the link for the Daily Mail’s website and Wikipedia entry.


10. The Financial Times – The global business daily

Finishing the top‑10 list is the Financial Times (FT), which circulates 2.5 million copies each day. Launched in 1888, the FT is the world’s leading source for financial news, offering comprehensive coverage of global markets, economics, and corporate affairs. Its print edition remains highly respected among business professionals and policymakers, while its digital platform, including a highly‑valued subscription model, caters to a worldwide audience.

The FT’s emphasis on data‑driven journalism and investigative pieces has earned it multiple awards, reinforcing its status as a leading voice in business reporting.

Follow the link for the FT’s homepage and Wikipedia article.


Key Takeaways

  1. Print remains king in China and India. The top two slots in the list belong to China’s Xinhua and India’s Times of India, reflecting the massive populations and the still‑strong culture of print reading in these markets.
  2. Digital is reshaping circulation. While the numbers above reflect print sales, many of these newspapers have seen significant growth in digital subscriptions and online readership, especially in North America and Western Europe.
  3. Political context matters. Papers that serve as official mouthpieces (Xinhua, People’s Daily) enjoy guaranteed distribution, whereas independent voices (NYT, Guardian, FT) rely on a combination of quality journalism and marketing to attract readers.
  4. Regional dominance is evident. Japan’s Yomiuri and Asahi together occupy the fourth and fifth positions, underscoring Japan’s robust print market.
  5. Longevity is a competitive advantage. Most of the top ten papers have histories spanning over a century, indicating that established institutions still dominate the industry.

How to Read the Original Slide Show

The Rediff article presents each newspaper as a separate slide, complete with a photograph of the front page, a concise profile, and the daily circulation figure. Clicking on a slide leads to a sub‑page with more detailed statistics, a brief history, and links to the newspaper’s official website. For readers wanting deeper insight, each sub‑page includes a link to the newspaper’s Wikipedia article, where additional context such as ownership, editorial policy, and notable controversies can be found.


In summary, the world’s most‑circulated newspapers are a fascinating cross‑section of political, cultural, and commercial media. From the state‑backed giants of China and Japan to the investigative stalwarts of the United States and the United Kingdom, these daily editions continue to shape public discourse, even as the industry navigates the challenges of a digital‑first era.


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