The hottest Content creation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Bits In, Bits Out

The Intrinsic Perspective • 43156 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. LLMs are tools that boost efficiency and scale but mostly imitate human input; without detailed prompts and human scaffolding they produce shallow, imitative output.
  2. Instead of a sudden intelligence explosion, LLMs have contributed a glut of mediocre text—average book quality dropped while the very best works changed little.
  3. That pattern will likely spread to other fields like science and math: skilled users get modest gains, the world is buried in low-quality output, and human expertise remains essential rather than being replaced by autonomous superintelligence.

Introducing the Substack Recording Studio

Substack Blog • 1681 implied HN points • 12 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. A built-in Recording Studio lets you pre-record solo shows or conversations with up to two guests, generate clips and thumbnails automatically, and publish when you’re ready.
  2. You can add publication branding, share your screen (visual only for now), and edit automated thumbnails so each show can have its own look.
  3. These tools centralize recording, clipping, and publishing in one place and are available now, and creators using audio or video have recently grown revenue faster.

The age of SUPERCONTENT

The Sociology of Business • 957 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Content creation
  1. Brands are becoming content creators to engage a wider audience, not just their customers. They create fun and informative content to attract fans and observers.
  2. Today's successful content is often found in show business style, blending storytelling and entertainment across various platforms. This means brands are constantly producing engaging material that keeps their audience interested.
  3. Content is vital for a brand's success, often affecting how products are viewed and sold. Good content can help a brand stand out and become more discoverable, especially in a crowded market.

Substack Has Changed in the Last 30 Days

The Honest Broker • 84146 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. Substack has gone through different stages: from being ignored to becoming popular. It's now a respected platform among writers and readers.
  2. Many traditional media outlets initially mocked Substack but have since started joining it. This shows how quickly opinions can change in the media world.
  3. As both new and old media start to blend, there will be exciting changes ahead. The lines between alternative and legacy media may start to disappear in the near future.

How shortform video hacks our attention

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. Shortform video apps are carefully engineered — from swipe mechanics to instant loading — to remove choice and keep people watching, creating a new internet habit that captures attention.
  2. Individual creators can build durable, monetizable media by using simple formats and niche focus — examples include walking local-news clips, conversational podcasts, curated book boxes, and deep-dive newsletters.
  3. Emerging tools and trends like AI-assisted editing, prediction markets, and strategic use of shortform video are likely to reshape media production and give savvy creators and political actors a competitive edge.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

How Fireship became YouTube's favorite programmer

engineercodex • 635 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. Fireship's videos are short and fast-paced. This keeps viewers engaged and encourages them to watch more.
  2. He uses humor to make learning fun. His jokes and memes help explain complex topics in a way that's easy to understand.
  3. Fireship combines trending topics with timeless content. This strategy helps him attract a lot of views both right away and over time.

This is NOT my essay

Jeff Giesea • 279 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. Using AI tools can change how we think about writing and creation. When we use apps to help us, it makes the process different from traditional writing.
  2. The idea of an original creation is becoming less clear. With many voices and influences in AI, it’s hard to say who truly owns the work.
  3. Collaboration with technology might be the new way to create. Instead of being solo artists, we are now partners with our tools, reshaping what creating really means.

2.8k

Ali's Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Content creation
  1. YouTube videos can stay relevant for a long time, unlike posts on other social media that quickly disappear.
  2. Creating videos helps build trust with your audience and shows your true self, making you stand out.
  3. Vlogging can be challenging but rewarding, especially when you think about leaving a lasting mark for future generations.

When it comes to writing, LLMs have won

lcamtuf’s thing • 8978 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. Many writers notice that content from AI tools can feel similar because AI has a default style and uses common patterns, making it tricky to tell apart from human writing.
  2. To spot AI-generated text, look for unusual patterns in style or ask why the article was written. If it seems vague or has no specific point, it might be AI.
  3. People might not care about the
  4. effort behind writing anymore and see AI tools as a quick way to produce content, but it's important to ensure the writing still has a meaningful goal.

My Wishlist for 12 Substack Enhancements

The Honest Broker • 18484 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. Substack raised $100 million to improve tools and support for writers. This means they want to help creators gain new opportunities.
  2. Ideas for enhancements include creating platforms for music, video, and film, which would help independent creators gain more visibility and connect with audiences.
  3. Substack should provide more customization options for creators, like better layouts and fonts, and functions like embedding images in comments to enhance user experience.

Being a Writer in the Age of the Influencer

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 5284 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
📚 Literature Content creation
  1. Writers today need to build a personal brand on social media to reach their audience effectively. Simply writing isn't enough; they must engage and connect with people online.
  2. Content creation is key for writers, but it shouldn't be just ads. Sharing interesting and entertaining posts helps build a loyal following and creates interest in their actual work.
  3. The landscape for writers has changed, with many preferring video and audio over reading. To succeed, writers have to adapt and become more versatile by using different media.

Can AI's Sameness Problem Be Solved? This Founder Thinks So.

Big Technology • 4878 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. AI-generated content often looks and sounds the same, which is a problem for creativity. The issue isn't with the technology itself, but how people use it.
  2. To create unique content, it's important to think carefully about your vision and provide references before using AI tools. Just pushing a button won't yield great results.
  3. Success with AI tools takes practice and iteration. Great content often comes from trying many different ideas and refining them over time.

Hey, thanks friends!

Disaffected Newsletter • 2238 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🎙 Podcasts Content creation
  1. The creator is thankful for their subscribers and the support they provide. It's great to have people interested in the work.
  2. Having subscribers helps with finances, especially after transitioning to freelancing. It means a lot to get paid for their content.
  3. New essays will be coming soon, despite a busy week with work and shows. The creator wants to keep engaging with their audience.

Now live: Substack Notes

read • 25570 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. Notes is a new space for short-form posts and conversations on Substack.
  2. Both writers and readers can share links, images, and quick thoughts on Notes.
  3. Notes is a long-term project that will evolve based on feedback from users.

You Shouldn't Start a Newsletter in 2024

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 3776 implied HN points • 24 May 24
💼 Business Content creation
  1. You don't need a big following to start a newsletter. You can grow your email list right from the beginning, and it's more valuable than just chasing followers.
  2. You can write about broad topics and narrow down later. Starting vague is okay, and you can figure out your niche as you go along.
  3. Having a small, engaged audience can be more profitable than a large one. Even with just a few subscribers, you can still earn good money if they truly care about your content.

The Fastest Way to Make Money with Your Newsletter in 2024 📧

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1878 implied HN points • 06 Jul 24
💼 Business Content creation
  1. Short newsletters are becoming more popular. People prefer quick reads over long articles.
  2. Atomic newsletters focus on one idea and are usually around 250 words. This makes it easier to create content and determine what your audience likes.
  3. To make money from newsletters, use methods like affiliate links or sponsorships. This can help you earn income without much extra effort.

Substack Anniversary

Castalia • 2018 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
📚 Literature Content creation
  1. Starting a Substack can be a great decision for writers. It offers a chance to connect with a community and share their work without the typical constraints of traditional publishing.
  2. The challenges of internet writing include keeping readers engaged and dealing with financial uncertainties. Writers should focus on expressing their true thoughts rather than just chasing popularity.
  3. Substack represents a shift in how content can be shared, allowing more freedom for writers. It's seen as a positive alternative to other social media platforms, encouraging meaningful and longer-form writing.

How to Humanize Your AI Writing in 10 Steps

The Algorithmic Bridge • 594 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. Use a short sequence of targeted edits—fix punchline em dashes, cut unnecessary juxtapositions and triads, replace abstractions with concrete sensory details, add a bit of conflict or oddness, remove forced callbacks, and stop overexplaining—to make AI prose feel human.
  2. Add the human moves AI can’t reliably do: bring subtle taste, irony, precise subtext, and surprising specific choices; those touches usually require your judgment to lift the writing beyond competent AI output.
  3. Work iteratively with targeted prompts—either step-by-step or an all-in-one prompt—check changelogs, and revise by eye; this yields big gains but not instant mastery, so trust your judgment and keep polishing.

The Brands Propping Up Right Wing YouTube

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2328 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Content creation
  1. Right-wing brands spend a lot of money on YouTube influencers, which helps those influencers grow and succeed. This creates a strong support system for conservative content creators.
  2. YouTube's recommendation system often favors content that creates strong emotional reactions, which disproportionately helps right-wing creators get more views and engagement.
  3. There's a lack of financial support for left-wing influencers compared to their right-wing counterparts, making it harder for them to build a successful platform.

Calling All Future Medium Superstars: Medium School Opens Its Doors

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1059 implied HN points • 20 Jul 24
🚌 Education Content creation
  1. Medium School is a new course that helps people write on Medium and earn money. It's designed to build confidence and make writing fun.
  2. The course is only $9 a month and gives access to a community of fellow writers and helpful resources. It's great for anyone wanting to improve their writing skills.
  3. You'll also get access to a Substack School for extra support on that platform. Both platforms can work together without doubling your work.

500,000

Lenny's Newsletter • 13483 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
💼 Business Content creation
  1. Quality and consistency are key for growth, focus on them.
  2. Identify the 'job' your newsletter does and excel at it.
  3. Write about what truly interests you, based on real-life experience.

Don't Snooze on Substack Notes. The Opportunities for Writers Are Stupid Crazy | Interview with David Mcllroy

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 3037 implied HN points • 02 May 24
💼 Business Content creation
  1. Substack Notes is a great place for writers to grow their audience without the hassle of traditional social media. It allows you to own your following and make real connections.
  2. Many writers are not using Substack Notes effectively, missing out on its community benefits. Engaging with this feature can lead to rapid growth in subscribers.
  3. Substack Notes is ad-free and helps writers discover one another, creating a refreshing social media experience focused on writing and community.

What I Learned From Editing Substack Reads

Castalia • 2378 implied HN points • 20 May 24
📚 Literature Content creation
  1. Substack is packed with all kinds of content, making it hard to find what matters to you. It's better to think about how to reach a wider audience rather than just focusing on your own style.
  2. The platform seems to have more older writers than younger ones. Younger writers might not realize how useful Substack can be for launching their careers.
  3. Substack shows the power of democratic expression with lots of voices and ideas. However, the vast amount of content can make it feel overwhelming and make each writer feel less unique.

How to Get More Subscribers With Substack’s (New) Growth Engine

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 6394 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💼 Business Content creation
  1. Substack's recommendation feature helps newsletters grow significantly, with many users reporting over 28% of their subscribers coming from recommendations.
  2. Writers on Substack can curate and recommend other newsletters, giving them control over who to promote and helping to build a community.
  3. Building an email list is valuable because you own your subscribers, unlike social media followers, making it easier to sustain a personal brand.

Sharing AI videos is like telling people about your dreams

The Rectangle • 56 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Content creation
  1. AI-generated videos have become visually convincing, and that has encouraged lots of people with little originality to churn out derivative, often copyright-leaning clips like endless fight scenes.
  2. Posting these AI videos feels self-centred and unengaging for viewers — it's like hearing someone describe their dreams, with no real creativity or dialogue invited.
  3. AI can help filmmaking as a tool (crowds, sets, effects), but fully AI-made movies will likely lack the storytelling depth and emotional connection that make art worthwhile.

How To Actually Make Money Freelance Writing as Beginner in 2024

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 919 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
💼 Business Content creation
  1. You can make good money as a freelance writer, even if you're just starting out. Many companies want real human writers because they bring creativity that AI can't.
  2. It's important to clearly define what services you offer and how you can help potential clients. This helps you stand out in a crowded market.
  3. Guest posting can still be a great way to showcase your writing and attract clients, so don't underestimate its value in building your portfolio.

How Not To Use AI

The Ruffian • 387 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. Don’t let AI write your thinking for you — its clichés and staccato style make work feel less like you, and drafting is often the act of thinking itself.
  2. Don’t trust AI as an authoritative source — it can confidently fabricate facts or evidence, so always check and verify anything important it produces.
  3. Use AI as a tool, not a replacement — hand it mundane tasks, prompts or rough ideas, but keep the original thinking, voice and final responsibility yourself.

From Beginner to Substack Bestseller | Interview with Valentin Bunea

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 999 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
💼 Business Content creation
  1. Being successful in writing a newsletter takes hard work and dedication, not just a few hours a week. Many successful writers manage their time early in the morning or late at night to fit their writing into a busy life.
  2. You can build a profitable newsletter business in a reasonable amount of time each day. It's about focusing on the right tasks that bring the most value to your readers.
  3. Believing in yourself and being consistent with your writing can lead to great opportunities. Just like with fitness, doing daily reps in writing can make a big difference.

From Beginner to Substack Expert | Interview with Sarah Fay

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1398 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
📚 Literature Content creation
  1. Many publishers are encouraging writers to use Substack to connect with readers and promote their older works. It's a good way to keep selling books that might otherwise be forgotten.
  2. Building a network on Substack is key to success. It's not just about writing; you need to engage with your audience and connect with others in the writing community.
  3. Unlike social media, Substack allows writers to grow their presence without constantly chasing trends. It offers a supportive environment where writers can focus on quality and creativity.

Odds and ends

Disaffected Newsletter • 1418 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🎙 Podcasts Content creation
  1. Many fans of content creators develop a strong emotional connection and may feel betrayed if they disagree on issues. It's important to recognize this tendency and keep your reactions in check.
  2. Younger generations often struggle with basic writing skills, making it harder for them to communicate clearly. This gap shows how education has changed over time.
  3. Copyright law is often misunderstood, especially with platforms like YouTube enforcing their own rules. Many people don’t realize that fair use allows for commentary and critique without violating copyright.

Medium Isn't Dead. It's The Era of Smaller and New Writers.

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1198 implied HN points • 09 May 24
📚 Literature Content creation
  1. Many new and smaller writers are finding success and growing their audience on platforms like Medium. It's a good time for fresh voices to emerge and make their mark.
  2. Big-name writers leaving Medium often create noise, but writers should trust their instincts and explore their own path instead of just following trends.
  3. The landscape of writing platforms is changing, but opportunities still exist. Writers can still build careers and connections if they put in the effort and adapt to new demands.

My Newsletter Just Became a Substack Bestseller (Although I Was Hesitant to Get Paid First)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1858 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
💼 Business Content creation
  1. Building a subscriber base takes time and effort; it's not an overnight success. You have to be patient and keep working hard to grow your audience.
  2. Going paid from the beginning can be beneficial. It’s important to trust your content enough to ask for support early on.
  3. Understanding the difference between followers and subscribers is key. Subscribers want your content directly in their inbox, which is more valuable than just having followers.

Why Maron vs. the bro podcasters matters

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 2138 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
😂 Humor Content creation
  1. Comedians and podcasters have different skills. Standup comedy requires crafting jokes for a tight set, while podcasts need more spontaneous content. They shouldn't be viewed the same.
  2. The idea of being a hack in comedy is important. Comedians used to call each other out for using cliché or low-quality material, but this critiquing culture seems to have faded.
  3. Talking about sensitive topics in humor can be okay if approached thoughtfully. The focus should be on delivering fresh perspectives rather than rehashing old, cruel jokes.

The Great Creator Reset

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7106 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Content creation
  1. The shutdown of TikTok could lead to many creators losing their platforms overnight. This has a much larger impact than when Vine shut down a few years ago.
  2. TikTok has been a key space for progressive voices and activism. Its ban might shift the online conversation more towards conservative viewpoints, as many progressive creators will struggle to find similar support elsewhere.
  3. With TikTok gone, right-wing creators are likely to gain more visibility and influence on other platforms. This change could permanently alter the digital landscape and how people engage with different ideas.

Why Did Social Media Go to War Against Writers?

The Honest Broker • 23970 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook are becoming hostile towards writers, leading many to leave.
  2. Substack and similar platforms are providing alternative models that support writers and creators more effectively.
  3. The economics of social media platforms prioritize generating revenue from ads and scrolling, making it challenging for long-form content like articles to thrive.

Visualizing Research: How I Use Gemini 3.0 to Turn Papers into Comics

Gonzo ML • 630 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. The Gemini 3.0 Pro Image model, also known as Nano Banana Pro, is great for creating infographics and comics from academic papers. It can really change how we visualize research.
  2. Generating graphic novels from paper summaries is a fun way to review research. Using visuals can make complex ideas much easier to understand.
  3. For the best results with image generation, it's helpful to break tasks into steps and use precise prompts. This means creating a script first and then generating images based on that script.

Interviews! YouTube Silver Award Thingy! 50% Off Subs!

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 574 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. Two interviews were conducted, one with the creator of Ruby on Rails and another with a lawyer for 4chan, showing a variety of topics covered.
  2. The Lunduke Journal's YouTube channel reached 100,000 subscribers, which means they'll receive a silver award plaque.
  3. There’s a 50% discount on subscriptions available until November 24, making it a great time to sign up and get perks like access to videos and exclusive forums.

Matt Yglesias and the secret of blogging

Read Max • 2081 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Content creation
  1. Regular posting is key for success in blogging. If you keep posting often, you'll likely attract more readers over time.
  2. There's not much risk in posting frequently, even if some people get upset. Most people quickly move on from any negative reactions.
  3. Instead of focusing on making every post perfect, just keep writing. The more you write, the better you become and the more chances you have to grow your audience.

The Substack AI Report

Substack • 1915 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. About 45% of publishers on Substack are using AI tools, mainly for tasks like research and proofreading rather than full content creation.
  2. While many appreciate how AI helps with productivity, there are concerns about losing personal creativity and the risks of plagiarism or ethical issues.
  3. Younger publishers tend to use AI for translation and writing help, while older ones focus more on research and image generation, showing a divide in how AI is used based on age.

How Substack's follow feature betrays its original mission

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7643 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Content creation
  1. The follow feature on Substack helps creators gain visibility but makes them lose ownership of their audience. This is a shift from Substack's original purpose of allowing creators to connect directly with their subscribers.
  2. Writers are now juggling between growing their follower counts and keeping their newsletter subscriptions growing. This split can make them feel pressured to create even more content, complicating their strategies.
  3. Substack's follow feature could confuse users, as some may think they are subscribed when they're only following. Educating users on this difference could help creators maintain stronger connections with their audience.