The hottest Content creation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Substack Has Changed in the Last 30 Days

The Honest Broker • 84146 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🕹 Technology Digital Media Publishing Social media 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.

Launch your own live video show on Substack

Substack Blog • 398 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Content creation Digital Media Online Publishing
  1. Going live on video can really help you connect with your audience. Start by experimenting a bit and then build a regular schedule to keep your viewers engaged.
  2. Collaborating with other creators is a great way to grow your audience. When you invite guests to your shows, you can reach new fans and create interesting discussions.
  3. Sharing clips from your live videos on social media helps you attract new subscribers. It's an easy way to get more people interested in your content.

Weekly Top Picks #100

The Algorithmic Bridge • 148 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🕹 Technology AI Newsletter Publishing Content creation Online Communities
  1. The weekly newsletter just reached its 100th edition, so instead of the usual picks, there's an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session this time.
  2. You can ask about anything related to AI, newsletter writing, or even personal opinions that might spark discussion.
  3. The author encourages open questions and suggests that using tools like ChatGPT can help in forming inquiries.

The age of SUPERCONTENT

The Sociology of Business • 957 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Branding Content creation Digital Media Consumer behavior
  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.

Journalists should start building life rafts earlier in their careers

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 523 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media Filmmaking Journalism Content creation Storytelling
  1. Journalists should think about creating their own platforms early in their careers. Having a personal website or newsletter can help them connect better with their audience.
  2. The situation at CNN is uncertain as they transition away from traditional cable. There is a need for major changes to adapt to the future of media.
  3. Support for indie filmmakers is growing, with new partnerships like Tubi and Kickstarter helping fresh talent get their movies made.
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An inflection point for the Creator Economy

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 698 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
💼 Business Media Advertising Economy Content creation Digital Strategy
  1. The Creator Economy is changing fast, with ads from creators expected to beat traditional media revenue soon. This means that creator-made content could start to look just like what we're used to from big media companies.
  2. There's a new trend in entertainment called microdramas, which are short, quick stories told in one-minute parts. They seem like silly fun, but they're drawing in big audiences and money.
  3. Publishers need to stop relying so much on Google for traffic because it's steadily decreasing. It's time for them to focus on building loyal audiences instead of chasing search engine rankings.

A note on Unreported Truths and AI-written stories

Unreported Truths • 40 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Content creation Social media Digital marketing Email Marketing
  1. Some writers use AI to create many posts quickly, which can spam your inbox. This is seen as a bad shift in how content is created.
  2. Real engagement comes from genuine writing. The writer promises to share meaningful content without relying on AI or spammy tactics.
  3. The writer values the community built around their work and encourages everyone to support it by subscribing, ensuring quality over quantity.

Introducing Substack Study Hall: Advice from top creators on getting started, going paid, and more

Substack • 1043 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation Social media Subscription Models
  1. Being consistent is more important than being perfect. Just share your thoughts regularly, and you'll connect with your community better than waiting for everything to be flawless.
  2. When you start charging for your content, keep it simple. You don’t need to overwhelm people with perks; focus on delivering one valuable thing that you can promise consistently.
  3. Using social media is a great way to show a bit of your content and invite people to check out your main platform. Share interesting snippets to draw them in instead of just posting links.

Here’s to the First Million Free Pressers—And the Next

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4405 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📰 News Journalism Media Public Trust Subscriptions Content creation
  1. The Free Press has grown to one million subscribers by focusing on delivering honest journalism. People are looking for trustworthy news that reflects reality.
  2. Instead of just rejecting old media, The Free Press aims to provide valuable content that people need. They emphasize the importance of pursuing truth in their reporting.
  3. The growth of The Free Press shows that many people still care about real journalism and want to support it. This gives hope for the future of journalism as a whole.

This company is building the world's biggest streaming network for baking creators

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Media Streaming Content creation Marketing Monetization
  1. A company is creating a big streaming network just for baking creators. This could help bakers reach a wider audience and share their skills.
  2. The Washington Post might be trying a new model for publishing more opinion pieces, even from non-professionals. This could attract more readers but might also hurt the paper's reputation if quality drops.
  3. Hollywood should stop viewing YouTube as a competitor and start using it as a way to share content. By partnering with YouTube, traditional media can reach more viewers and monetize better.

How Fireship became YouTube's favorite programmer

engineercodex • 635 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software Education Media Trends 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 AI Ethics Creative Process Digital Tools Content creation Intellectual Property
  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 Media Content creation Social Platforms Digital Identity
  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.

First, Do Not Suck: A Video Presentation on Which Writing Advice to Take (and Which Not To) for Subscribers

Freddie deBoer • 2908 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🚌 Education Writing Skills Teaching Methods Literary Analysis Content creation Pedagogy
  1. Not all writing advice is helpful; some common tips can actually hinder writers. It's important to find advice that really benefits your style and needs.
  2. Tools like pronouns and the passive voice can be useful in writing, contrary to popular belief. Embracing different writing styles can enhance your work.
  3. Improving as a writer involves a lot of practice and feedback. It's normal to struggle with gaining an audience or making money, even if you see your writing getting better.

Does Bluesky have the juice?

Read Max • 4426 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Social media Digital Culture User engagement Content creation
  1. Bluesky is growing quickly, with many users moving from Twitter. However, it's still not as big as Twitter or Threads, raising questions about its ability to truly replace Twitter.
  2. The users joining Bluesky are mainly liberal and politically engaged, which might limit the diversity of content compared to Twitter's broader audience.
  3. YouTube viewers seem to value two main qualities: curiosity and the ability to dominate in debates. These characteristics shape how people engage with political ideas online.

Algowhoring; A Primer

Polymathic Being • 114 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Social media Algorithms Content creation Digital Trends
  1. Algowhoring is when people create content just to get attention on social media, often copying what works instead of sharing their own original ideas. This can hurt the quality of communication online.
  2. These posts usually focus on getting quick likes and shares, which can feel shallow or scammy. Even though they might get lots of engagement, they don’t contribute anything meaningful.
  3. To improve social media, it's important to ignore algowhoring posts, reward genuine content, and avoid using those attention-seeking tactics yourself. This way, we can encourage a better online environment.

The Great Creator Reset

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7106 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Content creation Political Discourse Progressivism Conservatism
  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.

YouTube's last white whale

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 30 May 25
💼 Business Media Publishing Marketing Content creation Advertising
  1. YouTube is growing stronger as more creators make high-quality scripted shows, competing with Hollywood. This shift shows that digital platforms can produce professional-level content and attract large audiences.
  2. Moving companies are now partnering with influencers to promote their services, which is a clever way to save money for both sides. It highlights the power of social media in marketing, even for unexpected industries.
  3. Local news organizations are debating whether to keep paywalls. One paper is trying to be open about its finances, showing that transparency might help them connect better with their audience.

Hey, thanks friends!

Disaffected Newsletter • 2238 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Content creation Freelancing Subscriptions Personal Stories
  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.

Note on Tonight's ATW Livestream: 8 pm ET, also on Substack

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2227 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎙 Podcasts Livestream Accessibility Media Content creation Audience engagement
  1. The show is trying new ways to make it easier for people to watch. They want to reach more viewers by streaming it on different platforms.
  2. The livestream will be available on X/Twitter and the Substack app, helping more people join in.
  3. Viewers will get an email notification when the show goes live, so they won’t miss it.

You Shouldn't Start a Newsletter in 2024

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 3776 implied HN points • 24 May 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation Digital Media Online business
  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.

Live video is available to all publishers in the Substack app

Substack Blog • 449 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Content creation Video Streaming Online Publishing User engagement
  1. Live video is now available to all Substack publishers. This feature lets you connect with your audience and collaborate with other creators in real time.
  2. Collaborative livestreams are really effective. Working with other publishers can help you reach more people and keep your audience engaged.
  3. After your live session, you can share recordings and AI-generated clips on social media. This helps keep the conversation going and attract more subscribers.

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 Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation Digital Media Monetization
  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 Writing Publishing Community Digital Media 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 Substack's follow feature betrays its original mission

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7643 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media Content creation Digital marketing User Experience
  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.

Calling All Future Medium Superstars: Medium School Opens Its Doors

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1059 implied HN points • 20 Jul 24
🚌 Education Writing Online Courses Content creation Community Building Coaching
  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.

in the belly of the MrBeast

Never Met a Science • 394 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Entertainment Influencers Content creation
  1. MrBeast focuses on making videos that work specifically for YouTube. He believes that success comes from understanding the platform and its audience, rather than traditional video-making skills.
  2. His success relies on a deep study of metrics like viewer engagement. The more people watch a video, the better it does, which is crucial for growing his channel.
  3. MrBeast aims to stay true to himself while being highly responsive to audience feedback. His content is shaped by what viewers want, blurring the lines between creator and audience.

Non-political content online gets nerfed; AIs never got superintelligent in e-sports; Is "selling out" no longer a thing?

The Intrinsic Perspective • 5349 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Digital Media Content creation Social Dynamics Public Discourse Political landscape
  1. Non-political content online is getting less attention and support, making it harder for diverse topics to be discussed. People are increasingly getting trapped in their own echo chambers instead of engaging with differing viewpoints.
  2. AI companies seem to have moved away from competing in e-sports, possibly due to the challenges of creating truly intelligent systems. This shows that superintelligent AIs aren't as close as some had hoped.
  3. The idea of 'selling out' doesn't seem to carry the same weight anymore. Artists and creators are finding new ways to monetize their work without the same stigma attached to commercial success.

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 Writing Social media Content creation Marketing Entrepreneurship
  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.

Two years of Artificial Ignorance

Artificial Ignorance • 92 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Writing Substack Social media Content creation
  1. Consistency in publishing is key. Writing regularly helps build your voice and keeps your audience engaged.
  2. Feedback from readers is really important. It's tough to improve without knowing what your audience enjoys or wants.
  3. Trying new things is a part of the journey. Some experiments, like podcasts or workshops, might not go as planned, but they teach valuable lessons for the future.

What I Learned From Editing Substack Reads

Castalia • 2378 implied HN points • 20 May 24
📚 Literature Writing Editing Publishing Content creation Market research
  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.

The Algorithmic Bridge in 2024

The Algorithmic Bridge • 520 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Writing Content creation News Coverage Digital Trends
  1. Balancing speed and quality is important. Sometimes it's better to be fast, and other times it's key to focus on a well-made piece.
  2. It's easy to write for your audience and lose sight of your own interests. Keeping true to your curiosity helps keep your writing authentic.
  3. Instead of stressing about subscriber numbers, focus on consistent writing. Let yourself write freely without worrying about stats.

Always. Be. Blogging.

Silver Bulletin • 1057 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation Digital Media Subscription Models
  1. Blog regularly to grow your audience. Consistent posting keeps your readers engaged and helps you establish a routine.
  2. Make your content stand out with catchy headlines and good structure. A strong opening and good promotion can lead to more readers and subscribers.
  3. Think about your unique insights and be ready to share them when relevant news happens. Timeliness and originality can help your writing hit home runs.

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 Marketing Entrepreneurship Digital Media Email Marketing 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.

Reflections on 2024 and Exciting Plans for 2025

Confessions of a Code Addict • 529 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Community Building Content creation Subscriptions Programming Languages
  1. The community grew a lot in 2024, from 4,212 to about 9,380 readers. This shows that more people are enjoying the content and getting involved.
  2. There will be new perks for paid subscribers in 2025. This includes early access to articles and a new series sharing resources and interesting materials.
  3. Upcoming live sessions will include interactive discussions on research papers. This will help everyone understand complex topics better together.

NonZero is Hiring!

Nonzero Newsletter • 327 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Media Journalism Social media Hiring Content creation
  1. NonZero is expanding and looking to hire new team members, including a full-time journalist and part-time social media specialist. They want people passionate about important global topics.
  2. The organization aims to cover a wide range of subjects, like technology, psychology, and international relations, to foster collaboration and reduce conflicts. Their mission is about helping people find common ground.
  3. They encourage creative applicants who can bring unique skills to support their mission. If you think you can help, even in ways beyond their listed jobs, they welcome your ideas.

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 Freelancing Writing Marketing Entrepreneurship 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.

Why Did Social Media Go to War Against Writers?

The Honest Broker • 23970 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Social media Platforms Writers 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.