Substack

News and views on subscription publishing from the Substack team.

The hottest Substack posts of Substack

And their main takeaways
2703 implied HN points 20 Jan 25
  1. Creators should have their own space on the internet rather than relying solely on social media. This gives them control over their content and audience.
  2. Platforms like Substack allow creators to own their work and generate direct income from subscribers. This is a more reliable income source than traditional ad revenue.
  3. Using platforms like Substack as a home base doesn't mean abandoning other social media. It allows creators to deepen connections with fans while still reaching new audiences.
1386 implied HN points 31 Jan 25
  1. It's important to stay consistent with your writing. Keep putting out content regularly and connect with your audience.
  2. Don't stress about how many readers you have at first. Focus on writing what you love, even if it feels like no one is listening.
  3. As your audience grows, you can start charging for your content. Adjust your paywall based on the quality and value you provide over time.
635 implied HN points 28 Jan 25
  1. Substack now offers translations in six new languages, making it easier for more people to read posts. This means readers can enjoy content in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Brazilian Portuguese.
  2. Live video previews are now part of the feed. This helps users discover and join livestreams that are open to everyone, making it easier to connect and engage.
  3. New community moderation tools allow admins to manage comments more effectively. Users can now ban commenters right from the app, helping maintain a positive discussion environment.
1523 implied HN points 17 Dec 24
  1. Substack is partnering with The Free Press to create better tools for media organizations. This will help them build advanced websites and support larger teams.
  2. The Free Press has a strong audience, with over 1 million subscribers, including many who pay. Substack aims to support similar publishers in the future.
  3. These new tools will make it easier for publishers to grow and connect with readers. Substack's app is already driving a lot of subscriptions for various publications.
747 implied HN points 03 Jan 25
  1. Wendy MacNaughton believes drawing connects us to our curiosity and creativity. She wants everyone to see how drawing can help us learn about ourselves and the world.
  2. Her '30 Days of Drawing' event creates a fun and supportive space for people to draw together. It helps participants let go of perfectionism and focus on enjoying the process.
  3. The community she has built emphasizes ongoing connection, where members motivate each other even after the drawing event ends. This sense of belonging is crucial for maintaining their creativity.
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1455 implied HN points 31 Oct 24
  1. The Substack app is growing quickly and is now the top way for creators to gain subscribers. This means more people are discovering and enjoying their work.
  2. The app combines features from social media with long-form content, making it easier for readers to connect with creators. Users can interact, share, and explore new voices all in one place.
  3. Creators have full ownership of their content and subscriber lists, which gives them more control. Unlike other platforms, the app focuses on meaningful connections between creators and their audience.
551 implied HN points 18 Dec 24
  1. Substack has introduced new ways to share quotes, making it easier for readers to customize and share their favorite parts of posts. This fresh look helps quotes stand out better.
  2. Publishers can now track how their Notes are performing with stats showing new subscribers, clicks, and shares. This can help creators understand what their audience likes.
  3. There are new text-to-speech voices available to enhance the listening experience for readers. Publishers can pick different voices for their posts, making listening more enjoyable.
1669 implied HN points 25 Jul 24
  1. The Substack app now has a new mobile editor that lets you write and publish posts directly from your phone. This makes it easier to reach your audience anytime and anywhere.
  2. You can create simple text and image posts, which is perfect for quick updates or sharing casual moments. The app saves your drafts automatically too.
  3. Currently, there are still some limitations, like not being able to edit published posts in the app. More features, like video posts and scheduling, are planned for the future.
497 implied HN points 29 Oct 24
  1. Substack has introduced a feature that allows free subscribers to see some chat replies, but only paid subscribers can read full threads. This is a way to encourage upgrades.
  2. There's a new invite button for chats, letting subscribers invite friends to join the conversation, which helps grow the community.
  3. The search feature is now better on mobile, and readers can find related notes easily, making it simpler to discover new content.
833 implied HN points 18 Sep 24
  1. Substack has added a live video feature that lets creators engage with their audience in real time. This means you can share news, behind-the-scenes moments, or host interactive sessions directly from the app.
  2. When you go live, your subscribers will get automatic notifications, making it easy for them to join. You can even limit access to only paid subscribers if you want to create exclusive content.
  3. Collaborating with other creators during live videos can help expand your audience. You can invite someone else to stream with you, which is a great way to share different perspectives and increase engagement.
1191 implied HN points 12 Aug 24
  1. Creators using platforms like Patreon are facing new costs because of Apple's requirement for in-app purchase systems and their associated fees. This change might lead creators to either raise prices for subscribers or absorb the costs themselves.
  2. Apple's in-app purchase system is very effective for making payments easy and safe, but it also puts a financial strain on creators who use these platforms for their work.
  3. The rise of the creator economy is shifting the dynamic between creators and platforms, as creators are seeking more control over their relationships and earnings. There's an opportunity for creators and platforms to innovate and work together for better solutions.
923 implied HN points 05 Sep 24
  1. Substack has launched a new U.S. election tab that collects the latest news and discussions from various politics publishers. This helps readers stay updated on hot topics easily.
  2. The new tab features a wide range of perspectives from well-known voices and helps readers discover smaller publishers. It's designed to connect people with diverse political views and insights.
  3. The election tab is part of a broader platform update that encourages collaboration among creators and aims to make it easier for readers to find content that matters to them.
605 implied HN points 20 Sep 24
  1. The Substack mobile editor is now available for Android, allowing writers to publish posts from anywhere. This lets users share their ideas whenever inspiration strikes, whether they're on the move or relaxing at home.
  2. Since launching the mobile editor, many creators are posting from unexpected places, which adds a fun and personal touch to their writing. They have shared personal stories and insights while being in unique locations.
  3. The app aims to keep improving its features and matching the web editor's capabilities. This means users can look forward to more tools and options to enhance their writing experience on mobile.
446 implied HN points 11 Oct 24
  1. Live video is a great way to connect with subscribers in real time. You can share special moments or hold conversations to reach more people.
  2. Promote your live sessions ahead of time to build excitement, and after the session, share highlights on social media to engage a wider audience.
  3. Consistency is key. The more often you go live, the better chance you have to grow your audience and strengthen your relationship with subscribers.
1289 implied HN points 23 May 24
  1. The rise of independent creators is changing how we think about online content. Unlike before, creators can now build direct relationships with their audiences and earn money without relying on advertising.
  2. Aggregation theory explains how big platforms control the flow of information and can limit creators. However, new models like Substack empower creators by giving them ownership of their content and audience.
  3. The future will likely see more creators moving away from traditional platforms. They'll use these big platforms for exposure while focusing on their own channels, where they can maintain control and earn more.
432 implied HN points 24 Sep 24
  1. Substack now offers live video features, allowing creators to host events and engage directly with subscribers. This could help users connect better with their audience and share real-time updates.
  2. Publishers can edit images directly from the post editor, making it easier to manage visuals. This update simplifies the process of adding or modifying images in posts.
  3. Category tabs have been introduced to help readers find relevant content easily. This makes it simpler for subscribers to explore topics they are interested in.
485 implied HN points 09 Sep 24
  1. Live chats can help you engage with your subscribers in real time. It's a fun way to discuss current events and share opinions together.
  2. Many publications with active chats see faster growth. Using chat tools can boost your revenue compared to those who don't.
  3. Setting up a live chat is easy. Just promote it beforehand, share your insights during the event, and thank everyone afterward.
620 implied HN points 15 Aug 24
  1. Publishing on Substack is now much simpler, making it easier to create posts and gain subscribers without any complicated setup.
  2. You can now use Substack's mobile app to write and edit posts directly from your phone, which is great for staying connected while on the go.
  3. Finding specific topics in Substack Notes is easier now, as they added a search filter to help you explore more content across the platform.
733 implied HN points 24 Jul 24
  1. Moving to Substack helped Bob earn more money than he did at his old newspaper job. He feels like he's getting a raise every day.
  2. Bob enjoys a closer connection with his audience now. Readers reach out to him with messages and comments, making it more personal.
  3. He believes that Substack is a great place for writers who want to share their honest opinions without the constraints of traditional media.
658 implied HN points 26 Jun 24
  1. Substack now has a feature that shows writers detailed statistics about their posts. This helps creators see how well their posts are doing and where new subscribers are coming from.
  2. There is a new Discussion tab that makes it easier for writers to engage with comments and interactions on their posts. This way, they can manage conversations in one place without searching through notifications.
  3. The Substack app is driving a lot of new subscriptions. The app helps users discover content and connects writers to their audience more effectively.
546 implied HN points 11 Jul 24
  1. Using Notes on Substack helps you connect with new readers by sharing short posts, images, and videos. Posting frequently can really boost your subscriber count.
  2. Start with a welcome video to introduce yourself and what you offer. This gives potential subscribers a clear idea of what to expect.
  3. Engage with other creators in the Substack community. Sharing your ideas and discoveries can build connections and grow your audience.
995 implied HN points 03 Apr 24
  1. Using voiceovers can help writers connect better with their readers. It makes the content feel more personal and engaging.
  2. Writers who add audio or video to their posts tend to grow their audience and income faster. This shows how important diverse content is.
  3. Voiceovers can also provide bonus material for subscribers. This adds value to the content and encourages people to support the creator.
516 implied HN points 11 Jul 24
  1. Posting three or more thoughtful notes can lead to 50% more subscribers when launching your Substack. It's a powerful way to connect ideas and people.
  2. Notes can be used to experiment with content and get quick feedback from your audience. This helps you develop ideas that your subscribers will like.
  3. Sharing personal stories and engaging with your community through Notes helps build trust and a stronger relationship with your readers.
1072 implied HN points 28 Feb 24
  1. Substack now offers direct messaging, allowing users to have one-to-one private conversations with other writers and readers in the network.
  2. Direct messages on Substack can be used to build subscriber loyalty, connect with fellow writers for collaboration, and cultivate reader community by engaging directly with the audience.
  3. DMs are a new feature that can enhance relationships within the Substack community, providing opportunities for more personal and meaningful interactions between users.
702 implied HN points 16 Apr 24
  1. Substack Notes has grown significantly over the past year, attracting many new subscriptions for writers. This shows how important online conversations are for discovering and sharing content.
  2. Writers can now share their notes outside of Substack by embedding them on other websites. This helps their work reach a bigger audience and gain more recognition.
  3. Substack is focused on empowering creators by giving them control over their content and revenue. Unlike traditional social media, most money earned goes directly to the writers.
501 implied HN points 05 Jun 24
  1. Substack now allows users to send video messages directly to their subscribers. This makes it easier for creators to connect and share their thoughts in a personal way.
  2. Videos can be paywalled, meaning only paying subscribers can view them, which helps creators monetize their content more effectively.
  3. The video feature in Substack Chat creates a private space for discussions, allowing subscribers to engage closely with creators without getting lost in social media feeds.
549 implied HN points 22 May 24
  1. Taking breaks is important for creativity. Many writers find that the best ideas come when they're relaxed and not working.
  2. Readers often support writers in taking time off. When writers communicate their need for a break, subscribers usually understand and appreciate the honesty.
  3. Some writers plan ahead by scheduling guest posts or using past content during their time off. This helps maintain a connection with their audience while they recharge.
454 implied HN points 18 Jun 24
  1. Substack now has a video clipper tool that helps you create short, shareable video clips from your content. This can help attract more viewers and subscribers on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
  2. Automatic transcription and captioning features make it easier for creators to share their work and improve accessibility. This saves time and allows writers to focus more on their content.
  3. A new support chatbot is available for quick answers and assistance. It can also connect you with a human support agent if needed, making it easier to get help on Substack.
897 implied HN points 22 Feb 24
  1. Recommendations feature on Substack drives significant subscriber growth, with 50% of new subscriptions and 25% of new paid subscriptions coming from it.
  2. Substack is enhancing the Recommendations feature to allow writers to curate scenes for readers, expanding the reach and enabling a peer-to-peer system of trusted endorsements.
  3. Writers can customize and recommend more publications and profiles to readers, fostering a symbiotic media ecosystem and helping each other grow their audiences on Substack.
319 implied HN points 29 Jul 24
  1. Substack now allows users to embed prediction markets from Polymarket in their posts. This can make articles more engaging by providing real-time data on trending topics.
  2. The new feature is launching just in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics, letting writers easily add betting odds on various events. This could enhance the coverage of the Olympics on Substack.
  3. Polymarket is also starting a news site on Substack called 'The Oracle,' which will give insights and analyses based on active prediction markets. This aims to help readers understand global events better.
360 implied HN points 04 Jul 24
  1. The Substack app now has a feature to show important stats for posts, helping creators see where their new subscribers come from.
  2. There's a new video clipper tool to help users create short video clips easily from their content.
  3. Substack is offering a masterclass specifically for video creators, providing them with valuable insights and skills.
701 implied HN points 14 Mar 24
  1. The Substack Bulletin shares news, resources, and opportunities for publishers, offering collaboration tools and customization tips for Substack websites.
  2. Recent updates include direct messaging capabilities for publishers, an upgraded recommendations network leading to increased subscriptions, and advanced layout options for showcasing content.
  3. The community section highlights writer meetups, milestones, and press features, encouraging interaction and sharing within the Substack community.
593 implied HN points 10 Apr 24
  1. Substack has introduced new themes and search options to help creators customize their publications. This means writers can make their sites look different and more engaging.
  2. Improved search features allow readers to find specific content quickly. Now, they can easily search for topics or authors across all posts.
  3. The Bulwark, a successful Substack publication, moved its entire site to Substack to take advantage of these new features and saw a significant increase in subscribers and revenue.
765 implied HN points 16 Feb 24
  1. Substack is making efforts to ease the lives of writers by introducing a Writer Success team, chatbot, and tools to support them.
  2. The new Writer Success team is focused on technical support, educational resources, and supporting the writer community for a better experience.
  3. Substack's chatbot taps into years of knowledge to provide writers instant help, addressing common issues and connecting them with support.
510 implied HN points 09 Apr 24
  1. Podcasters are moving away from ads and focusing on building direct relationships with their audience. This change helps them become more financially stable and allows for better content creation.
  2. Substack provides tools that help podcasters manage their shows better, combining newsletters, payments, and community interactions in one place. This integration makes it easier for creators to connect with their fans.
  3. Using subscription models and customizable paywalls, podcasters can control their growth and offer flexible content to both free and paid listeners. This strategy leads to increased engagement and potentially higher subscriptions.
551 implied HN points 20 Mar 24
  1. Substack is helping writers globally connect and create a supportive community. It's important for creators to find others who understand their journey.
  2. A new world map on Substack makes it easier for people to discover popular writings from different countries. This tool helps writers reach a wider audience.
  3. Substack is introducing various payment methods and masterclasses to support writers in new regions, allowing them to earn in local currencies and learn how to succeed on the platform.
451 implied HN points 18 Apr 24
  1. Substack has added new features like posting videos directly in Notes, making it easier for creators to share content.
  2. They've improved the search function on the platform, allowing users to find posts faster and more easily.
  3. Podcasters can now distribute their episodes to Spotify, helping them reach a wider audience and potentially make more money.
409 implied HN points 02 May 24
  1. Using chat features on Substack helps writers attract more subscribers. When creators use chat, they often see 10% more subscribers at launch.
  2. Paywalled chat conversations can significantly boost paid subscriptions. Writers who have these chats are growing their revenue twice as fast as those without.
  3. Regular chat participation keeps subscribers engaged. Creators with ongoing chats are 12% more likely to retain their paid readers.
449 implied HN points 11 Apr 24
  1. Podcasters on Substack are making over $100 million a year, and this number has doubled recently. This means more people are choosing Substack to share their audio and video shows.
  2. Substack now allows podcasters to share their episodes on Spotify, helping them reach more listeners. It's a great way to grow their audience and earn money.
  3. Creators on Substack can customize their shows with features like transcripts, clip sharing, and mobile-friendly videos. These tools make it easier for them to connect with fans and produce quality content.