National Geographic and Vogue cater to distinct audiences with different editorial focuses. National Geographic excels in geographic and scientific content with a commitment to environmental responsibility, while Vogue leads in fashion and lifestyle with a significant digital presence. Both magazines boast high-quality visuals and a long history of cultural influence, but their appeal lies in their specialized content.
| Attribute | National Geographic | Vogue |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Wealthy, educated, and liberal audience; 144 million consumers globally across print, digital, social, and linear television platforms. National Geographic Channel targets adults, teenagers, and young adults. | Women aged 16-34 with above-average incomes and education levels, millennials (25-40), women aged 20 to 60, and men. Includes "Succeeders" and "Aspirers". |
| Editorial Focus | Geography, history, nature, science, and world culture. Balanced view of physical and human geography. Outspoken on environmental issues. | Fashion and lifestyle, style news, haute couture fashion, beauty, culture, living, and runway. |
| Frequency of Publication | Monthly magazine. National Geographic Kids is released ten times a year. National Geographic History is published bi-monthly, six times a year. | 10 times per year with merged issues for January/February (Winter) and June/July (Summer). Initially a weekly newspaper, then a monthly magazine. |
| Subscription Cost | One-year subscription (12 issues) to National Geographic is $59.00 ($4.92 per issue). Newsstand price for 12 issues is $120.00. National Geographic History costs $95 for 6 issues (1 year). | One year can cost $19.99 or $29.95 (saving 28% off the cover price). Vogue Paris is $189.00. Digital subscriptions available for $19.99 per year. |
| Print Quality | Thick, square-bound, glossy format with a yellow rectangular border. Photography is a crucial element. | High-quality photography, sleek design, sophisticated visuals, glossy finish, full-color spreads. |
| Digital Accessibility | Available in traditional print and interactive online editions. Digital access includes access to nationalgeographic.com content and a full online archive. | Website, social media, video-sharing platforms. Over 86.3 million unique readers on its website every month. Uses Instagram Stories for news and the Instagram feed for showcasing the best in class. |
| Photography Style | Focuses on the subject with a strong use of color. Emphasizes capturing a 'punctuation point' that provides context and often showcases strong colors and geometry. | Meticulously crafted, bold posing, expressive eyes, dramatic lighting. Emphasizes a blend of sophistication and artistry. Shapes culture through images of actors, politicians, and writers. |
| Advertising Content | Advertisements are reviewed to ensure they are appropriate and accurate. Offers various advertising solutions, including custom content and multi-platform programs. | Caters to affluent individuals with high disposable income. Offers a less cluttered advertising environment compared to digital platforms. |
| Cultural Impact | American cultural icon known for disseminating geographic knowledge, cultural explorations, and popularizing science. Contributes to how readers perceive the world, its cultures, and landscapes. | Significantly impacts fashion, celebrity culture, and societal perceptions. Shapes societal values, emotions, and buying decisions. Influences how people dress, live, and socialize. |
| Longevity/Historical Significance | Founded in 1888, has a long history of documenting the world. Evolved from a scholarly journal to a popular magazine. | Founded in 1892, evolved from a society journal to a global authority on fashion and culture. Chronicled high society, social etiquette, and cultural pursuits. |
| Diversity and Inclusion Representation | Launched a diversity statement centered on the principle, 'Your Story Matters'. Appointed a Senior VP of Content, Diversity & Inclusion. | Efforts to promote diversity and inclusion by featuring models of various ethnic backgrounds, sizes, and ages. Has faced criticism for cultural appropriation and a lack of representation. |
| Environmental Responsibility (Printing Practices) | Piloting the use of 5% post-consumer recycled fiber in its magazines. Aims to balance using high percentages of recycled fiber with maintaining quality and minimizing environmental impact. | Not available |