Read.cv was a sleek, designer-focused professional networking site launched in 2022 as a cleaner alternative to LinkedIn. It emphasized “show, don’t tell” portfolios with beautiful, minimalist profiles showcasing work, projects, and experiences. Popular among creatives, designers, developers, and tech professionals, Read.cv gained praise for its intuitive interface and visual appeal.
What Was Read.cv?
Read.cv provided simple, elegant one-page profiles where users could highlight projects, case studies, and professional stories without the noise of traditional networks. It featured a job board, activity feed, and community exploration.
For beginners, it was an easy way to create a personal site-like resume. Advanced users appreciated customization for branding and sharing with recruiters.
While no dedicated AI features existed (searches for “Read.cv AI” often confuse it with AI resume tools or ATS readability), its clean design made profiles highly readable.
The platform’s acquisition by Perplexity integrates its talent into AI search advancements.
Features of Read.cv
Read.cv prioritized simplicity and aesthetics.
Beautiful Profile Builder
Drag-and-drop sections for work, projects, about, and contact; visual-focused layouts.
Project Showcases
Rich media embeds, case studies, and timelines for “showing” work.
Job Board and Networking
Curated opportunities; follow users and explore feeds.
Privacy and Sharing
Custom domains, password protection, easy export/sharing.
Users loved the uncluttered experience compared to LinkedIn.
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What Happened to Read.cv? Latest Updates
In 2026, the Read.cv team joined Perplexity AI, leading to shutdown announcements. Profiles remain viewable (read-only), but editing, new accounts, and features are disabled.
No major 2025-2026 updates occurred due to the wind-down. The focus shifted to Perplexity’s ecosystem.
Real-World Use Cases
Read.cv excelled for:
- Designers/developers showcasing portfolios.
- Job seekers sharing clean links with recruiters.
- Freelancers building personal brands.
- Tech professionals networking visually.
Many credited it for landing roles through standout profiles.
Top Read.cv Alternatives in 2026
With Read.cv closing, popular alternatives include:
Hello.cv
Direct migration path; imports Read.cv profiles, similar minimalist design.
Bento.dev
Grid-based portfolios for devs/designers.
Peerlist.io
Professional network with profiles, feeds, jobs.
Vitaely.me
Turns LinkedIn into beautiful sites quickly.
Tini.bio / Zeke.so / Selframe (Framer template)
Customizable, ownership-focused options.
LinkedIn remains the broad network, but these offer Read.cv’s aesthetic.
FAQ:
What is Read.cv?
A minimalist professional networking platform for visual portfolios (now winding down).
Why is Read.cv shutting down?
The team joined Perplexity AI in 2025.
Can I still access my Read.cv profile?
Yes, in read-only mode; export if possible.
Does Read.cv have AI features?
No native AI; searches may refer to general AI resume tools.
What are the best Read.cv alternatives?
Hello.cv (migration), Bento, Peerlist, Vitaely.
Is Read.cv free?
It was freemium; now inaccessible for new users.
How to migrate from Read.cv?
Use Hello.cv or rebuild on alternatives like Framer/Selframe.