How to Write Changelogs Your Users Will Actually Read

Changelogs are more than just lists of product updates. They’re powerful communication tools that keep your users engaged and informed. Users often overlook changelogs that are unclear, overly technical, or difficult to access. Writing changelogs effectively involves creating clear, concise, and relevant updates that your users genuinely want to read.

Make Your Changelogs Easy to Find

Changelogs should be easy for your users to access. Consider placing them directly within your app using widgets or notifications. A prominent “What’s New” link in your app’s main navigation or dashboard helps users quickly discover recent updates. Visibility encourages regular engagement.

Use Clear and Human-Friendly Language

Your users appreciate updates written in simple, everyday language. Instead of writing “Improved API token authentication logic,” you could say, “Logging in just got smoother and quicker.” Always focus on how the update benefits your users. Write the way you would speak directly to them in person.

Emphasize User Benefits

Your changelog should highlight how updates improve the user experience. Users care more about the outcomes than the technical details. For example:

• “Dashboard now loads faster, saving you valuable time.”
• “You can now export your data easily in CSV format.”

Explaining the impact clearly makes users more likely to value and use the new features.

Keep It Short and Organized

Respect your users’ time by keeping updates brief. Use bullet points or short paragraphs, and break your changelog into clear sections like “New,” “Improved,” and “Fixed.” This structured approach helps users quickly scan the information.

Example:

New

• Added integration with Google Calendar for easy scheduling.

Improved

• Faster upload speeds for images.

Fixed

• Resolved an issue causing app crashes on login.

Stay Consistent with Your Brand Voice

Your changelog is part of your product’s personality. Match your brand’s existing voice, whether it’s casual and friendly or formal and professional. Consistency helps build trust and familiarity among your users.

Encourage Immediate Action

After introducing a new feature, include a clear call-to-action like:

• “Try it now”
• “Check it out here”

A well-placed call-to-action encourages users to engage immediately with new improvements.

Enhance Clarity with Visuals

Images, GIFs, or short videos make changelogs visually appealing and easier to understand. Showing users exactly how a feature works increases their interest and likelihood of adoption.

Link to Extra Information

Include links to detailed documentation, blogs, or tutorials for users who want deeper insights. For instance:

• “Learn more in our guide here.”
• “Detailed instructions can be found in this support article.”

This approach caters to both casual users and those needing more detailed information.

Regular Updates Increase Trust

Keep your changelog updated frequently. Regular updates reassure users that your product is actively improving. Set a consistent schedule (weekly, monthly) so users know when to expect new information.

Tailor Your Changelog for Your Audience

Different users have different expectations. For business products (B2B), changelogs can offer more details relevant to workflow or administrative tasks. For consumer products (B2C), keep updates brief, straightforward, and focused on the immediate user benefits.

Write for Non-Technical Readers First

Start your updates with simple explanations everyone can understand. Provide technical details later or via a separate link. For example:

• “Uploads are faster now! (Technical details here)”

This method keeps non-technical users engaged while still informing those interested in technical specifics.

Choose the Right Delivery Channels

Use multiple channels like in-app notifications, emails, dedicated changelog pages, or social media to reach your users effectively. Adapt the content slightly for each channel, always linking back to a central place for complete information.

Real-World Examples of Great Changelogs

Companies like Slack, Canva, and GitHub offer excellent examples:

• Slack uses conversational language to make updates enjoyable.
• Canva clearly explains updates with helpful links to tutorials.
• GitHub provides structured, detailed notes catering to technical audiences.

Encourage User Interaction

Make your changelog interactive. Allow emoji reactions, comments, or feedback links to encourage users to express their opinions. Interaction helps build a sense of community and provides valuable insights.

Measure and Improve

Track user engagement with your changelog. Monitor clicks, views, and reactions to learn what resonates with your users. Use this data to continually refine how you write and deliver updates.

Final Thoughts

By applying these practical strategies, you turn your changelog into a useful, engaging resource your users actually want to read. Writing clearly, highlighting user benefits, and making changelogs easy to access creates a better user experience and strengthens your relationship with your audience.