Fintech Brain Food 🧠

Fintech Brain Food 🧠 analyzes and summarizes key fintech trends, focusing on the intersection of technology and finance. It covers topics like regulatory changes, the role of big tech in finance, cryptocurrency's impact, the evolution of payments and lending, and the significance of partnerships and data privacy in reshaping the financial landscape.

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Payments and Digital Wallets Banking and Fintech Partnerships Regulatory and Market Trends Financial Technology Innovations Artificial Intelligence in Fintech Open Banking Embedded Finance Lending and Credit Consumer Finance Trends

The hottest Substack posts of Fintech Brain Food 🧠

And their main takeaways

Why newsletter signups should always be your north star

723 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
💼 Business Media Entrepreneurship Finance Marketing Content creation
  1. Focus on growing newsletter signups as a key metric for success, as platforms can impact content creators' reach and livelihood unpredictably.
  2. Media entrepreneurs should be cautious of relying solely on tech platforms for distribution, as policies and algorithms can mistakenly impact their work.
  3. Entrepreneurs in media should consider covering niche news sites, video channels, podcasts, newsletters, and affiliate/ecommerce to succeed independently.

Sudden internet fame is warping teenagers' lives

324 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Media influence Cultural impact
  1. Teenagers can become famous on the internet very quickly. This sudden fame can change how they see themselves and how others treat them.
  2. Being famous online brings real-life challenges that these young people might not be ready to handle. It can affect their daily lives and relationships.
  3. Society needs to understand this new type of fame better. It's something that has never happened at this scale before, and it’s important to talk about its effects.

When hosting the world's most popular podcast is not enough

324 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Media industry Subscriber growth Digital Strategy Audience engagement
  1. Alex Cooper is not just about hosting a popular podcast; she wants to build a whole media empire. Her ambition shows that success goes beyond just one project.
  2. The Boston Globe has successfully increased its digital revenue by having both free and paywalled content. This approach helps attract a wider audience while also generating income.
  3. Bloomberg Media is trying to keep its subscribers happy by launching a Weekend Edition. This shows how important it is for media companies to find new ways to engage their audience and reduce churn.
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Facebook has become a punchline

299 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media AI Podcasts Media industry Digital Trends
  1. Facebook is now seen as a joke, filled with low-quality content that doesn't engage users seriously.
  2. Feminist blogs that were popular in the 2010s are largely gone now, leaving a gap in discussions about women's rights.
  3. Political campaigns increasingly use social media influencers to promote candidates, often without clear rules, which can mislead voters.

How to market a book in the age of TikTok

299 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
📚 Literature Book Marketing Publishing Publicity
  1. Authors can now connect directly with their readers through platforms like Substack and TikTok, making it easier to build an audience.
  2. The book market is very competitive since there are more books published each year, but there are also new opportunities like podcasts for authors to promote their work.
  3. Key strategies for selling books include choosing the right cover, working with influencers, and using targeted advertising, especially on Amazon.

The influencer holy grail

249 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💼 Business Media Marketing Influencers Investment Journalism
  1. Influencers want to create content that mixes cooking, fashion, and home decor. This mix attracts sponsors and gives a chance to sell lots of different products to followers.
  2. Local news is struggling, and a small yearly investment could help fix it. Just a bit of money could ensure every county in the US has a local news journalist.
  3. A newsletter called Sunday Long Read became popular by curating long-form articles. It shows how a focused idea can attract a loyal audience and even expand into new areas like podcasts.

The return of Office Hours

274 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Networking Content creation Subscription Models
  1. Office Hours were popular and let paid subscribers ask questions and share ideas with each other. Many enjoyed the experience of chatting, even more than hearing from guest speakers.
  2. The original format created a lot of pressure, making it hard to keep it going. The goal now is to make it more relaxed and simpler for everyone involved.
  3. The new plan is to hold Office Hours about twice a month, focusing on open discussions rather than just featured guests. This change aims to create a fun, networking-like atmosphere.

Why hasn’t the mainstream media embraced paid podcasts?

573 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💼 Business Media Subscription Publishing Marketing Startups
  1. Paid podcasts have seen success with small networks and creators, but traditional media outlets have been hesitant to embrace them.
  2. Platforms like Patreon and tools from Apple and Spotify have made subscribing to paid podcasts easier, yet major publishers are still not fully exploring this opportunity.
  3. Some media companies like Slate and The Economist are finding success with paid podcasts and hard paywalls, showing potential for revenue growth in these areas.

Two quick questions for my paid subscribers

99 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media Communication Feedback Surveys Engagement
  1. It's important to get feedback from your audience to improve your content. Asking questions helps understand what people like or want more of.
  2. Checking in with subscribers can keep them engaged and show that you care about their opinions. This builds a stronger connection with your audience.
  3. Offering a way for paid subscribers to share their thoughts can provide valuable insights. It helps creators tailor their work to better meet the needs of their supporters.

Another cable news star goes the independent route

249 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Streaming Subscriptions Entrepreneurs
  1. More cable news stars are leaving traditional networks to start their own independent projects, like podcasts and video channels. This shows a trend toward building direct connections with audiences.
  2. Companies like CNN are facing challenges as they try to shift their focus from linear TV to digital platforms. They have a big advantage with a large news-gathering team, but changing the company culture will be tough.
  3. Media outlets are seeing a spike in subscriptions whenever notable political events happen, like elections. Publications are trying to leverage these moments, hoping for increased support similar to past trends.

Brands are really eager to sponsor live events

224 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Media Sponsorship Events Marketing Sports
  1. Brands are very interested in sponsoring live events. This means companies see value in connecting with people in person.
  2. The NFL is becoming a huge media player, making billions from TV rights and producing lots of its own content. They're seen as one of the most valuable media properties globally.
  3. B2B media is on the rise, especially after the pandemic, as more businesses are looking to connect in person through events and other platforms.

The valley of churn

873 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
💼 Business Media Subscription Networking Content Strategy
  1. In the media industry, success stories often overshadow struggles and failures
  2. Content creators face challenges like subscription churn and need to diversify revenue streams
  3. Connecting with other media operators and constantly evolving subscription strategies are crucial for business growth

Meta's just not that into you

499 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
💼 Business Media Publishing Social media Monetization Legislation
  1. Facebook is shifting away from news content, with recent actions including shutting down its news tab and restricting news links on its platforms like Instagram and Threads.
  2. Publishers have seen a decline in Facebook traffic over the years, as the platform has deprioritized news pages since the aftermath of the 2016 election.
  3. Many publishers blame Meta for not compensating them adequately, leading to lobbying efforts by publishers globally to force Meta to the bargaining table.

It wasn’t Vice’s business model that sank it

449 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💼 Business Media industry Advertising Venture Capital Revenue streams Startups
  1. High overhead costs and failure to control expenses can lead to the downfall of media companies, not just their business models.
  2. Diversifying revenue streams beyond advertising can be beneficial for media companies to sustain themselves.
  3. Establishing reasonable burn rates and controlling expenses are crucial for the long-term success of media companies.

One of the biggest mistakes newsletter writers make

798 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
💼 Business Marketing Monetization Entrepreneurship Sponsorship Advertising
  1. Newsletter writers should reintroduce themselves at the beginning of each newsletter to provide context for new subscribers.
  2. Content monetization is easier than ever, but building an audience is becoming more challenging for creators.
  3. To increase sponsorship revenue, consider strategies like recruiting sponsors from your own audience, joining ad exchanges, and hiring sales staff.

How to drive paid memberships without a paywall

424 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Media Marketing News Monetization
  1. Emphasize the local impact: Clearly communicate how local news is shrinking in your area to show readers what they may lose without support.
  2. Specify donation purposes: Avoid vague requests and explain how donations contribute to specific journalism projects or coverage areas.
  3. Implement pledge drives: Utilize public-radio-style pledge drives to create urgency and engage readers, ensuring they are consistently reminded of membership opportunities.

Has TikTok improved its revenue share for creators?

199 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💼 Business Media Social media Content creation Revenue Models Digital marketing
  1. TikTok has raised its revenue share for creators, allowing them to earn more money for their popular videos. This is a big improvement compared to past payment models where payouts were very low.
  2. Many creators and entrepreneurs are finding success by selling products related to their content, showing that building a brand can lead to financial opportunities beyond just ad revenue.
  3. Platforms like Google Discover are helping publishers counteract declines in traffic from traditional search, showing the changing landscape of content distribution and discovery.

Why HBO's YouTube windowing strategy didn't work

124 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
💼 Business Media Technology Subscription Marketing Content
  1. HBO's attempt to delay posting John Oliver clips on YouTube didn't help boost views on their streaming service Max. They found that audiences are happy to wait for free content.
  2. Investing in original reporting is key for media outlets as AI grows. Those that focus on unique content will likely thrive, even as AI potentially takes some traffic.
  3. There is increasing competition in the book industry as alternatives to Amazon emerge, with readers and authors seeking more choices and less dependence on a single platform.

How the KC Sports Network is building a regional media empire

149 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Media Advertising Podcasts Broadcasting Sponsorship
  1. The KC Sports Network produces 10 different shows covering sports in Kansas City. This variety helps attract a wide audience.
  2. They make money through local and national advertisers, showing that regional networks can be financially sustainable.
  3. BJ Kissel left his job with the Kansas City Chiefs to pursue this venture, highlighting the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship in sports media.

How Lon Seidman used his tech YouTube channel to build a huge affiliate business

149 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
💼 Business Media Business YouTube Product Reviews E-commerce
  1. Lon Seidman focuses on reviewing everyday gadgets that are not glamorous but sell a lot. This smart choice helps him reach a wide audience.
  2. He uses his YouTube channel to drive affiliate sales, earning money when viewers buy products through his links.
  3. Lon is also exploring decentralized platforms to share his content, which may help him connect with more viewers.

Traditional media outlets are under-monetizing their YouTube channels

274 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing Monetization Advertising Media Entrepreneurship
  1. Traditional media outlets are not fully utilizing the monetization potential of their YouTube channels, missing out on significant revenue opportunities.
  2. Newsletter advertising has experienced growth despite challenges faced by the larger advertising industry, with brands noting higher engagement and return on investment.
  3. John Oliver's YouTube channel for Last Week Tonight showcases high engagement with fewer videos compared to other late night shows, yet HBO is not directly monetizing it, highlighting a missed opportunity for revenue.

The media isn't getting its election bump

224 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💼 Business Media Entrepreneurship Content creation Publishing Podcasting
  1. The media did not experience the usual election year audience boost due to low competition in the primaries, potentially affecting their revenue opportunities.
  2. Entrepreneurs in niche media areas like news sites, podcasts, and newsletters are being sought for coverage and interviews by the newsletter author.
  3. Empowering Cloud, a media company focused on Microsoft cloud products, was founded by Tom Arbuthnot to educate audiences and provide content within a community platform.

Advertisers won’t be guilted into funding news

224 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
💼 Business Advertising Media News Activism Monetization
  1. Advertisers won't easily fund news due to activist campaigns pressuring them to choose where ads appear.
  2. The use of keyword blocklists by advertising agencies has made it difficult to monetize hard news through advertising alone.
  3. Organizations are urging brands to support trusted news sites to ensure journalism is adequately funded, but the path forward is challenging.

More local news outlets should lean into crowdsourcing

224 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
  1. Local news outlets should focus on crowdsourcing news from their communities to stay relevant and engage their audience
  2. Small local news startups are emerging to fill the gaps left by traditional media outlets, focusing on hyper-local coverage and lean operations
  3. Successful local news outlets are often locally owned, hyper-focused on community news, and operate with lean resources