Time Out magazine rebrands and goes all-digital during COVID-19

Listings magazine Time Out has become Time In and will focus on activities that can be done at home during the lockdown period

Spotted: It is believed that roughly one-third of the world’s population is in lockdown. With restaurants, theatres, museums and concert venues all largely closed, international events listings magazine Time Out needed a rethink. So, the publisher has decided to temporarily rebrand as Time In.

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The magazine has shifted its focus to listing gigs, theatre productions and art exhibitions that are available for readers to stream online. It is also working to promote local businesses by showcasing initiatives to help these businesses and workers survive the shutdown. 

With fewer people out and about, and the reluctance by many to handle physical magazines and newspapers, Time Out has also stopped printing the magazines and will be publishing an e-version instead. This will feature ideas for keeping entertained indoors, such as listing the best takeaways and best movies on Netflix, and where to find virtual museum tours, virtual pub quizzes and plays streaming for free.

Time Out joins a large number of businesses who are working to remain relevant during the pandemic. Some, like Mercedes, are retooling to deliver medical equipment, while others are developing new ways of doing business, such as one grocer creating a dedicated delivery service for seniors.