What is a feature article and how do you write one?

Whether you’re profiling a trailblazer or uncovering a hot-button issue, a well-crafted feature article goes beyond the “what” to answer the “why” and “how.” In this guide, we’ll break down what a feature article is and offer our expert tips on writing a feature story that gets noticed.

What is a feature article?

Rather than simply reporting facts like a news story, a feature article is an in-depth, non-fiction piece that gets into the real details of a topic. 

Features have more of a narrative structure with vivid descriptions, emotive language and a creative tone. Found in magazines, newspapers and online publications, feature articles can come in many forms, including:

• Human interest stories: Focus on a compelling personal story that tugs at the heartstrings.
• Profiles: Explore the life, career and personality of a notable individual.
• Investigative features: Dive deep into an issue, uncovering facts, impacts and consequences.
• Trend stories: Explore emerging trends in culture, business or lifestyle.
• How-to features: Provide step-by-step guidance on achieving something.
• Travel features: Highlight a destination, its attractions and unique experiences.
• Science or technology features: Break down complex topics for general readers while highlighting their impact.
• Opinion pieces: Offer a personal perspective or commentary on a topic.

Because they explore a topic in more depth, feature articles can range anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 words (or even more!).

How to write a feature story

A feature story is so much more than your average news report, so forget the usual inverted pyramid structure:  this is your chance to weave a story that truly connects with your readers. To help you get started, here are some of our best tips for writing an engaging feature article.

1. Do your research first

A good feature article is nothing without research, so make sure you've finished this first. It might sound obvious, but even if you have one interview left to do, it can make the whole writing process that much trickier — no one wants to be shoehorning information in at the last minute. 

To make this process as quick and painless as possible, use transcription software to transcribe speech, audio and video and extract your notes. Once all your interviews are transcribed, work through them to find those standout moments that will shape your story. With our Story Builder, you can pull key moments directly from your transcripts and then reorder and edit them like any other doc.

This is also where you'll find the angle of your feature article. Try to pick out the most interesting angle rather than the most important. Think about who you're writing for. What interests them? What questions might they have about the topic? Look for your story's emotional or personal connection to find a fresh perspective. Remember, a good angle will help you pitch your story to an editor too.

2. Open with a captivating headline

It's the first thing readers will see, so your feature story needs to have a captivating headline that instantly grabs your readers' attention and sparks their curiosity. Keep it sharp, specific and intriguing. Use action words, puns or provocative statements to entice readers. For example:

Storm Chasers: Behind the Scenes with the Daredevils Who Forecast Danger

 Need a helping hand to get started? Take a look at our list of the best writing tools for journalists.

3. Follow with a strong lede

The lede is your chance to hook readers immediately. Start with a shocking fact, an intriguing anecdote, a thought-provoking question or a vivid description. The goal is to draw the reader into the story and set the tone. For instance:

"Beneath the swirling clouds and the roar of an approaching storm, a group of fearless individuals race toward the heart of the raging tempest. Meet the storm chasers — daredevils who don’t just predict the weather, they plunge headfirst into its most dangerous extremes to uncover nature’s raw power."

There's no need to make this too long. One or two sentences are enough. It can sometimes help to write this last, once you've got the bulk of your story down, so you know the best way to introduce it.

4. Get into the main body

While the lede is where you set the scene, the main body is where you really get down to it. This is the meat of your feature article, where you dive deeper, adding layers of detail with interviews and analysis. You might opt to divide it into sections for readability, but these sections need to lead into each other to avoid disrupting the flow.

The main body of your feature story might include: 

• Interviews and quotes: Include insights from key figures or experts. 
• Data and evidence: Add stats, research, expert insights or real-world examples that back up your story. You might also include infographics or photos to illustrate your evidence.
• Descriptive details: Paint a clear picture for readers using sensory language. Remember, show, don't tell. Describe what's happening with vivid details rather than simply stating facts. Let readers draw their own conclusions.
• Focus on human interest: Emphasize emotional or relatable elements to connect with readers.
• Conflict and resolution: Showcase tension, challenges or debates and how they’re resolved.

5. Finish with a memorable conclusion

The conclusion should tie everything together and leave readers with something to think about. This might include a memorable final thought, quote, call to action or a reflection on the broader implications of the story. Make sure your story lingers long after they've finished reading.

Finally, don't forget to sign off with a byline that does you justice — you can take a look at our tips on how to write a byline for this.

Whether you're diving into a human-interest piece or unpacking a complex issue, the key to a great feature article is grabbing readers and keeping them hooked. With these tips, you can craft compelling stories that captivate from start to finish. 

This is where transcription software like Trint can make your life easier. By turning hours of audio into searchable, editable transcripts, Trint saves you time and helps you focus on what matters — writing a story that truly stands out. Try our 7-day free trial today to get access to our Advanced Plan with no credit card required.

‍