You open a comic app, tap a chapter, and the page jumps sideways like a book. Frustrating on a phone. Webtoon fixes that. It turns comics into one smooth vertical scroll, built for your thumb. This guide explains what webtoon is, how the English platform works, which series to try first, and how creators turn drawings into income.
What Is Webtoon?
A webtoon is a type of digital comic that can be scrolled.Every episode consists of a single, lengthy vertical strip. You swipe up, and the story unfolds panel by panel.
The word blends “web” and “cartoon.” It also names the biggest platform that publishes the format. Which one is intended depends on the context.
The format came from South Korea. Naver, the Korean tech company, launched its comic service there in 2004. In 2014, the English-language branch—often referred to as en webtoon—opened to Western viewers and is currently at the forefront of the world’s digital comics industry.
Webtoon vs Manga vs Western Comics: Quick Comparison
Readers often ask how this format differs from manga or print comics. The table below shows the main differences at a glance.
| Feature | Webtoon | Manga | Western Comics |
| Origin | South Korea | Japan | United States and Europe |
| Reading direction | Top to bottom, vertical scroll | Right to left, page turns | Left to right, page turns |
| Color | Full color, usually | Mostly black and white | Mostly full color |
| Best device | Smartphone | Print or tablet | Print or tablet |
| Release rhythm | Weekly episodes | Weekly or monthly chapters | Monthly issues |
| Episode length | 40 to 80 panels, one long strip | 18 to 20 pages | 20 to 24 pages |
| Typical cost | Free with optional paid early access | Paid volumes or subscriptions | Paid issues or subscriptions |
The biggest difference is pacing.The vacant space between panels is a timing technique used by creators. A long gap builds tension before a surprise appears.
How the En Webtoon Platform Works
En webtoon is the English-language home of the format, available on web, iOS and Android. You can read most series for free by following a release schedule.
Here is what you will see after signing up:
- Originals: Professionally produced series commissioned or signed by the platform.
- Canvas: An open section where any creator can publish their own series.
- Genres: Romance, fantasy, action, drama, thriller, comedy, slice of life and more.
- Daily schedule: Series update on a set weekday, so you always know when new episodes arrive.
- Comments and likes: Every episode has a reader discussion section.
Tap Subscribe on any series. You will get a notification each time a new episode drops.
Is Webtoon Free? Understanding Coins, Fast Pass and Daily Pass
Yes, most content costs nothing. The platform earns money through optional features rather than forcing a paywall on every episode.
Three features matter most:
- Coins: A virtual currency you buy to unlock paid content.
- Fast Pass: Spend coins to read upcoming episodes before the free release.
- Daily Pass: Unlock the next episode of selected series each day without coins.
You never need to pay to follow a story. Patience is the free option. Readers who are unable to wait a week are simply rewarded with Fast Pass.
Best Webtoon Series to Start With
Choosing a first series feels overwhelming when the catalog holds thousands of titles. These well-known examples cover the main genres:
- Tower of God by SIU: Fantasy adventure about a boy climbing a mysterious tower. It began on Naver in 2010 and inspired an anime in 2020.
- True Beauty by Yaongyi: Romance about makeup, insecurity and first love. A Korean TV drama adaptation followed in 2020.
- With a striking color scheme, Rachel Smythe is Lore Olympus is a contemporary adaptation of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone.
- unOrdinary by uru-chan: Superpower drama set in a school where status depends on ability.
- Sweet Home by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan: Horror about survivors trapped in an apartment building. Netflix adapted it in 2020.
Start with the genre you already enjoy in novels or TV. Read five episodes before you decide. Most series hook you by then.
Why Webtoon Became So Popular
Several forces pushed this format into the mainstream.
It fits the phone. Smartphones dominate how people read. A vertical strip matches the screen, so no zooming or page turning breaks the flow.
It lowers the barrier. Free access means a curious reader can try a story with zero risk.
It rewards binge reading. Creators end episodes on cliffhangers. You tap “next” before you notice the time.
It feeds film and TV. Studios now scout series as ready-made storyboards with built-in fan bases. Adaptations like Hellbound and True Beauty proved that webtoon stories travel across media.
How to Read Webtoon: A Simple Step-by-Step Start
New readers can start in under two minutes.
- Visit the English site or install the app.
- Browse by genre or open the Top section.
- Tap a series and read episode one.
- Subscribe to get update alerts.
- Use the comment section to join the community.
Tip: Turn on dark mode for night reading. It reduces eye strain on long sessions.
How to Create Your Own Webtoon
You do not need a studio. Many successful creators began with a tablet and free software.
Step 1: Build your story foundation. Write a one-sentence premise, three main characters and a rough season outline of 20 to 40 episodes.
Step 2: Learn the vertical format. Draw panels at a consistent width. The platform recommends a narrow canvas width suited to mobile screens, so check its current creator guidelines before you export files.
Step 3: Pick your tools. Clip Studio Paint, Procreate, Krita and Photoshop all work. Krita costs nothing.
Step 4: Publish on Canvas. Upload episodes on a fixed weekly schedule. Consistency matters more than speed.
Step 5: Grow an audience. Share panels on social media, reply to comments, and finish every season you start.
How Webtoon Creators Earn Money
Few creators rely solely on one source of income.
- Originals contracts: Selected series receive paid agreements from the platform.
- Canvas ad revenue: Eligible Canvas creators can earn a share of advertising income.
- Reader support: Fast Pass and coin purchases generate revenue for participating series.
- Merchandise: Prints, stickers and books sell well to loyal fans.
- Adaptation deals: Film, TV and game licenses can pay far more than the comic itself.
Be realistic. Most Canvas creators earn little at first. The size of the audience and a consistent release history increase revenue.
The Business Behind Webtoon
The platform’s parent company, Webtoon Entertainment, is a subsidiary of Naver. It listed on the Nasdaq in June 2024 under the ticker WBTN. Public filings describe the company’s reader numbers, revenue sources and creator programs in detail, which makes them a better source than third-party estimates.
That listing signaled something bigger. Vertical comics are now a recognized media business, not a niche hobby.
Webtoon Alternatives Worth Knowing
Other platforms also publish vertical comics. Each has a different focus.
| Platform | Focus | Notable Trait |
| Tapas | Webcomics and web novels | Strong indie creator community |
| Lezhin Comics | Mature and romance titles | Premium, pay-per-episode model |
| Manta | Romance and fantasy | Mobile-first reading |
| Kakao Webtoon (Korea) | Korean originals | Large domestic catalog |
Try two or three before settling. Your favorite series may live somewhere you have not looked yet.
Common Mistakes New Readers and Creators Make
Readers:
- Spending coins before sampling the free episodes.
- Ignoring the genre filters and giving up after one bad pick.
Creators:
- Launching without a finished story outline.
- Posting irregularly, which loses subscribers fast.
- Cramming too much dialogue into one panel.
Avoid these, and you are already ahead of most beginners.
Start Your Webtoon Journey Today
Pick one series from the list above and read its first three episodes tonight. If you draw, sketch a single episode of your own idea this weekend and post it to Canvas. Every popular creator started with episode one. Open the app and take yours.