The Top 10 U.S. Magazines by Circulation
Magazines in the United States date back to the middle of the 18th century, with the initial publication of Andrew Bradford’s American Magazine and, a few months later, Benjamin Franklin’s General Magazine. While neither of these publications lasted longer than a few months, the concept of regularly published periodicals was now part of the American experience. Today, illustrated magazines catering to virtually every demographic, niche and interest are published and distributed around the country.
Updated October 2019
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1. AARP The Magazine
AAPR The Magazine was established in 1958 and is distributed to every member of the AARP, making it the largest circulation magazine in the U.S (a distinction it has held since the 1980s). It is based in Washington, DC and distributed bi-monthly.
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2. AARP Bulletin
AARP Bulletin is known as “The Newspaper for 50-Plus America” and is distributed monthly, 10 times per year.
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3. Better Homes And Gardens
This interest magazine focused on homes, gardens, entertaining, cooking, gardening and crafts was founded in 1922 and is published monthly by Meredith Corp.
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4. Game Informer Magazine
Game Informer is a monthly video game magazine that has been in circulation since 1991. It’s published by game retailer GameStop.
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5. Good Housekeeping
The iconic women’s magazine is published by Hearst Magazines and dates back to 1885, and generally features articles on women’s interests, diet, health and other topics.
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6. Family Circle
Family Circle is a monthly home interest magazine published by Meredith Corp., and has existed since 1932 when it was initially distributed at supermarkets.
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7. People Magazine
People Magazine is also published by Meredith Corp. and appears weekly. It covers celebrity and human interest features.
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8. Woman’s Day
Woman’s Day is a women’s magazine, first published in 1931 by A&P supermarkets as a free recipe planner, that today is published by Hearst Corp. and covers topics from physical fitness to fashion.
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9. National Geographic
The official magazine of the National Geographic Society is well-known for its photography and coverage of science, world culture and geographic topics, which it has done since 1888.
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10. Time
Time is a weekly newsmagazine founded in 1931 and published weekly. It’s published by Time USA, LLC.
Magazine circulations and rankings are determined by Fullintel’s media intelligence analysts in combination with data supplied by LexisNexis.
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