If you enjoy writing about weird facts, eerie stories, or surprising bits of knowledge, Listverse might be worth checking out.
They publish top ten–style lists on strange and fascinating topics — and they pay $100 for every one they accept, as long as it’s original, well-written, and fun to read.
The kind of content that makes people say,
“I never knew that.”
In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know — from the kind of topics they’re looking for to how to submit your own list.
Let’s get started.
What is Listverse?
Listverse is a well-known website that publishes Top 10–style listicles covering bizarre, unexpected, or unsettling topics.
Think:
- Curious corners of history
- Creepy unsolved mysteries
- Widespread myths and misconceptions
- Strange-but-true scientific or cultural facts
They’ve been publishing since 2009 — and have built a loyal audience that loves weird knowledge, dark rabbit holes, and trivia that sticks with you.
The site was founded by Jamie Frater, who started it out of a passion for sharing fascinating, obscure, and bizarre facts.
If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through an article like “10 Historical Events with Bizarre Coincidences” or “10 Creepy Mysteries Science Can’t Explain” — there’s a good chance it came from Listverse.
What kind of content do they accept?
Listverse only accepts list-style articles —
each with a minimum of 10 items.
Their best-performing content tends to be:
- Strange or obscure
- Lightly unsettling or surprising
- Focused on history, science, myth, or culture — with a twist
Example topics include:
- Unsolved mysteries
- Lesser-known historical facts
- Creepy urban legends
- Misconceptions people still believe
- Weird facts about everyday life
But some themes hit harder than others.
Reader favorites include:
- Mysteries — the weirder or more obscure, the better. (Skip overdone stuff like Bigfoot or the Bermuda Triangle.)
- Secrets — hidden places, forbidden knowledge, strange codes.
- Facts and misconceptions — things people think they know… until you prove them wrong.
- Dark history — twisted events, disturbing figures, or morally questionable moments from the past.
- Lists with a twist — like “10 Ordinary Moms Who Changed the World” or “10 Memes That Are Centuries Old.”
Of course, they’re selective —
and there are a few hard no’s:
- Personal stories or opinions
- Self-help or motivational content
- Sports, gaming, or pop culture
- Recycled slideshows or YouTube content
Every submission must be original, written content.
No exceptions.
What are their writing guidelines?
Listverse keeps things pretty simple —
but they do expect you to follow their rules.
Here’s what they’re looking for:
- Your list should have at least 10 items. No more, no less.
- Total word count should land somewhere between 1,500 to 2,000 words, including the intro.
- Each entry should be 1–2 solid paragraphs with enough detail to make it interesting.
- Every fact needs a real source. No Wikipedia, Reddit threads, or random blog posts.
- Cite your sources properly (they explain how in Section 7 of their Author’s Guide).
- Proofread your work. Clear, polished writing always stands out.
Beyond the basics:
- Your English should be fluent and natural. They expect native-level writing that reads smoothly and confidently.
- Stick to factual content. Avoid personal takes or unverified claims — if it can’t be backed up, leave it out.
- Don’t rehash existing lists. They’re looking for fresh angles, not recycled ideas.
- Stay within their lane. They rarely accept lists about sports, tech, or self-help. Stick to odd, obscure, or offbeat topics.
- Make it interesting. The best lists surprise the reader or teach them something they didn’t expect.
The strongest submissions are easy to read, full of curious details, and just weird enough to keep people scrolling.
A little clever humor can help too —
just keep it subtle and natural.
Who can write for them?
To write for Listverse, you need to be located in one of these countries:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Ireland
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
You don’t need to be a professional writer —
but you do need:
- Fluent, native-level English
- A verified PayPal account (this is how they pay)
- A strong grasp of tone, structure, and sourcing
- An interest in strange or fascinating topics
If that sounds like you, you’re good to go.
How much do they pay?
Listverse pays a flat $100 for each list they accept.
Payments are made via PayPal within 30 days after approval —
no other payment methods are supported.
Note:
You do not get paid just for submitting.
You get paid if your piece is accepted and published.
Why should I write for them?
Listverse is a good option if you enjoy writing short-form content that’s unusual, intriguing, or just plain weird.
You don’t need to pitch an idea first, and you don’t need professional experience —
just clear, well-researched writing that fits their tone.
It’s a simple way to earn $100 from a single piece, whether you’re a new writer building experience or someone who enjoys exploring strange topics for fun.
There’s no pressure or ongoing commitment — you can submit once, or as often as you like.
How do I get started?
The process is straightforward:
- Write your list
- Submit it using their official submission form
- Wait for a response
If your list is accepted, you’ll get published — and paid.
If not, you’re welcome to try again with a fresh idea.
Ready to submit your list?
Head over to their website to get started.
Final thoughts
If you’re the kind of writer who enjoys strange facts, creepy history, or anything that makes people raise an eyebrow, Listverse is a fun way to get your work out there — and earn a little something for it.
It’s not a long-term gig or a publishing credit you’d send to a literary agent, but it’s flexible, beginner-friendly, and pays better than most sites offering “exposure.”
Writing for Listverse won’t make you rich —
but it’s a great way to sharpen your skills, explore topics you love, and get paid doing it.
If you’ve got a curious mind and a list idea already,
why not give it a shot?
Start a blog & earn a fulltime income
Freelance writing is a good way to monetize your writing skills — but blogging is even better.
With your own blog, you can write what you want, build a loyal readership, and earn from your writing in more ways than per-article gigs.
My beginner-friendly guide shows you exactly how to start your blog from scratch, step by step, and grow it into a fulltime income — on your terms, from home or wherever life takes you.
START A BLOG ➤Looking for more sites that pay you to write?
Here’s a curated list of sites that pay writers.
You’ll find magazines, websites, and platforms in all kinds of niches, from poetry, fiction, and greeting cards to travel, lifestyle, parenting, and more.
Each site includes everything you need to know — from the type of content they’re looking for, to how much they pay, to how to submit your work — so you can confidently land your next paid writing gig.
SEE THE FULL LIST ➤
