14 DAY TRIAL // Scribd is taking the final step towards moving to a HTML5 based document reader. Introduced last year, it is now becoming available as an embeddable tool. What's more, all documents embedded around the web will be upgraded to the new HTML5 reader.
"Today, we are announcing the roll-out of HTML5 code for all websites that currently display Scribd content in Flash. The new embedded reader will still allow you to read the content, navigate to the content on Scribd and print it," Scribd's Mariko Fritz-Krockow wrote.
"Now, you will also be able to share the content on Scribd, Facebook and Twitter directly from the embed. Unlike Flash, HTML5 is supported by most mobile devices, such as iPhones, iPads and Android smartphones. This means that you will be able to read more Scribd embeds through your mobile devices," he explained.
Last year, Scribd introduced a new HTML5-based document reader to replace its Flash-based one. The move would ensure that the documents shared on Scribd would be available to all users, regardless of the device and operating system they ran.
It also meant that the heavy and slow Flash reader was gone, replaced by a standards-based one. But such a major shift can't happen in one go. While Scribd can control what happens on its own site, changing a reader that would affect millions of documents embedded on millions of websites takes preparation.
Scribd believes its technology is ready. Starting now, all new documents embedded will use the HTML5 reader. In the coming weeks, all existing embeds will also be upgraded, and the Flash reader replaced with the HTML5 one.
The introduction of the HTML5 reader proved auspicious for Scribd as user engagement grew greatly afterwards. Several months ago, Scribd revealed that users spent three times as much on the site with the new reader than with the older Flash-based one.