The hottest Content Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

The diminishing returns of commodity news content

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
📰 News Journalism Media Digital Content Trends
  1. News content that simply repeats information is losing its value. Outlets need to focus more on original reporting and deep analysis to stay relevant.
  2. Many successful YouTube journalists started at Vox, where they learned to tell stories creatively through video. Their experience helps them connect better with online audiences.
  3. Artists have mixed feelings about AI. Some feel it steals their work, but others see it as a helpful tool to create faster and tackle misinformation quickly.

The Substack app is now the most powerful growth machine for creators

Substack • 1455 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Apps Growth Media Social Content
  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.

Should you become a B2B Creator?

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 2 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
💼 Business Marketing Content B2B Entrepreneurship Branding
  1. You don't need to create a lot of content to attract clients. Focus on quality and building trust instead.
  2. Big businesses in the B2B space are looking for creators with authority and a clear message, not just huge audiences.
  3. Creating content strategically can open up partnerships and opportunities for revenue while still serving your clients well.
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It's the best time to subscribe to Disaffected

Disaffected Newsletter • 459 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎙 Podcasts Subscription Support Content Community Engagement
  1. The subscription price for Disaffected has been lowered from $10 to $7 a month to help more people afford it. It's important to have your support at a price that works for you.
  2. Paid subscribers get special benefits like access to exclusive essays, the ability to comment, and join the Disaffected Discord chat.
  3. You can also support Disaffected with one-time donations if you don't want to commit to a subscription. Any amount helps and is greatly appreciated.

Why HBO's YouTube windowing strategy didn't work

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 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.

The Summary Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1387 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Technology AI Media Information Content
  1. AI-driven summaries are becoming more prevalent, affecting how we consume information.
  2. Tech-enabled summarization tools can be helpful due to the abundance of content, but they may strip away depth and context.
  3. Relying too much on AI for distilling information raises questions about the loss of individual interpretation and meaning-making.

Write it, then read it aloud

Substack • 995 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
🎙 Podcasts Audio Narration Writers Content Media
  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.

There Are Now High-Quality Video Versions Of My Articles For People Who Prefer Video Format

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 544 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Video Content Social media Audio Platforms
  1. Caitlin Johnstone now offers high-quality video versions of her articles for those who prefer video format.
  2. The videos feature subtitles, a reading of the articles by her husband Tim, relevant screenshots, and occasional light-hearted moments.
  3. Caitlin Johnstone also provides audio versions of her articles on platforms like Soundcloud, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms.

Unexpected possibilities

Meaningness • 239 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Community Content Updates AI Books
  1. The author is exploring new ways to interact with readers, seeking feedback to be more useful and considering the balance between writing and engaging with the community.
  2. Using a platform's features like 'Notes' to share quarter-baked ideas and encourage reader interaction, but facing challenges like visibility for subscribers.
  3. The author is contemplating the frequency of informal multi-topic update posts, seeking feedback on whether readers find them interesting or view them as clutter.

Sonic reducer

Internal exile • 32 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎶 Music AI Punk Legacy Content Streaming
  1. Using AI to recreate the voices of dead musicians, like Stiv Bators, raises ethical questions. It can feel disrespectful to the original artists and their contributions.
  2. Many people may quickly consume AI-generated content without paying much attention. This could lead to a culture where everything feels like a gimmick and not worth careful listening.
  3. There's a concern that the rise of AI content might numb viewers and listeners, making us less engaged and critical about what we consume. It creates a flood of 'whatever' content that lacks meaning.

The Youtube Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1628 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🕹 Technology Platforms Content Algorithm Media
  1. The evolution of platforms can be a cycle: starting with user focus, then prioritizing business interests, and finally turning inward for maximum value.
  2. YouTube stands out as a platform that has maintained quality over the years despite criticism.
  3. YouTube offers a diverse range of content that appeals to various interests and preferences, making it a beloved platform for many users.

REPOST: I Will Remove All My Content From Spotify if They Continue to Platform "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney

I Might Be Wrong • 13 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎶 Music Artists Content Platforms Censorship Criticism
  1. The author expresses strong dislike for Paul McCartney's song 'Wonderful Christmastime', claiming it's a terrible piece of music. They feel it negatively impacts their enjoyment of the holiday season.
  2. They argue that by continuing to include this song, Spotify is being complicit in promoting bad music. The author believes a choice must be made between their content and the song.
  3. Despite loving The Beatles, the author finds it disappointing that McCartney created such a song. They hope to disassociate themselves from 'Wonderful Christmastime' out of personal conviction.

Kolrami and Social Media.

The Good Life • 235 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Creativity Algorithm Internet Content
  1. Playing for fun and balance, not just to win, can be a powerful strategy.
  2. Consider using social media platforms in a way that goes against the typical approach, focusing on genuine enjoyment rather than audience growth.
  3. By being authentic and unconcerned with building an audience, it's possible to navigate social media algorithms in a more fulfilling manner.

Introducing a new front page for Substack

Substack Blog • 724 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Apps User Experience Innovation Content Feedback
  1. The new Home experience on the Substack app aims to boost growth for writers and offer readers a universe of great writing.
  2. The reading queue in the app helps readers keep up with their favorite subscriptions and never miss new content.
  3. The explore feed and inbox features are designed to enhance discoverability and customization for users within the Substack ecosystem.

Gaining 2,200+ visitors on our first week launching an AI tool

Pen, Paper & Pizza • 59 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
💼 Business Startup AI Marketing Content Launch
  1. Successful launch focusing on a niche: Centered efforts on AI, digital marketing, and aiding small businesses/startups. Stayed true to their target audience in every decision.
  2. Strategic approach to product development: Coordinated frontend and backend work, utilized various APIs for research, and leveraged Product Hunt for initial exposure.
  3. Engagement and growth tactics: Leveraged existing platforms like Indie Hackers, Reddit, and LinkedIn to connect with the audience. Received 2,200+ visitors, 60+ users, and initiated 26 free trials in the first week.

Now live for all: Substack Notes

Substack Blog • 748 HN points • 11 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Product Network Content Subscription Mobile Apps
  1. Substack Notes is a new space for sharing short-form content and connecting with other writers and readers on the Substack platform.
  2. Notes can help writers grow their audience and revenue by sharing links, images, quick thoughts, and snippets from Substack posts.
  3. Writers can use Notes to recommend others' work, share commentary and inspiration, 'restack' a quote, and provide a behind-the-scenes look into their content.

Help Technically get better next year

Technically • 10 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Surveys Knowledge Learning Content
  1. Technically wants to improve in 2025, and they need feedback from users to do that.
  2. They have two surveys: one to help organize their learning materials and another to find out what AI topics users want to learn about.
  3. Participating in the surveys is quick and easy, and it will help make Technically more valuable for everyone next year.

Data-Driven Ideas

Addition • 137 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🕹 Technology AI Research Ideas Content Tool
  1. AI models like ChatGPT can turn research into creative outputs quickly.
  2. Using AI for research and idea generation can help brands stay relevant in fast-paced environments.
  3. By leveraging LLMs for research, teams can create high-quality content and insights efficiently.

Getting the most out of your organic traffic each month

42 Slash • 117 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
💼 Business Marketing SEO Content Audience Growth Business impact
  1. Optimizing landing pages and testing alternative messaging can help improve conversion rates.
  2. Organic traffic presents a significant opportunity to drive leads, pipeline, and revenue.
  3. Utilize strategies like additional resources, retargeting, building your audience, surveys/feedback, and alternative CTAs to maximize the value of organic traffic.

Dealing with AI fatigue

Artificial Ignorance • 121 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Tools Content Future
  1. Living in the post-ChatGPT era led to a surge in AI news and development, creating a sense of fatigue among researchers and enthusiasts.
  2. Curate relevant and insightful sources to stay informed about AI without feeling overwhelmed by the constant influx of information.
  3. Experiment with new AI tools and technologies, but also know when to step back and not get caught up in trying to keep up with every single update and trend.

Tech troubles

Disaffected Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 24 Oct 22
🎙 Podcasts Production Tech Support Content Community
  1. Tech issues can happen unexpectedly and cause delays in plans. It's important to stay patient during these times.
  2. Communication about problems is key; letting people know what's going on can help maintain support.
  3. Working on fixing problems shows commitment and can lead to better outcomes in the future.