The hottest Creators Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Podcasts Topics

David Ellison gets his pyrrhic victory

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 424 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
đź’Ľ Business Creators
  1. Netflix stepping out of the bidding war cleared the way for David Ellison’s Paramount to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that likely burdens the buyer with heavy debt and weakens a major competitor over time.
  2. Publishers lose time and money to fragmented publishing stacks, so unified platforms that combine editorial workflows, live publishing, and analytics can reduce operational complexity and let teams focus on content and monetization.
  3. FAST streaming faces long‑term risks because many services are filling catalogs with overlapping, lower‑quality content, creating signal‑to‑noise for viewers, while YouTube’s broad reach and attractive revenue split could lure away content suppliers.

Dreams of Stability

Working Theorys • 605 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
đź•ą Technology Creators
  1. Stability is the new status in tech: people now prefer safety nets like big AI labs or well‑funded VC backing because they offer proximity to money, information, and lower downside.
  2. Paths are polarizing — the winners are either boarding the big 'New Corporate' ships, founding with strong safety nets, or thriving as focused indies and service providers; the mid‑tier is hollowing out.
  3. Real, lasting security comes from a portfolio approach — investing in craft, relationships, health, and audiences rather than betting everything on quick exits or single signals.

When your audience owns you

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 140 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Creators
  1. Creators and commentators can get trapped by their audience and ecosystem because their income, status, and belonging depend on sticking to predictable beliefs.
  2. The incentive structure rewards certainty, consistency, and performance while punishing nuance or changing your mind, so people often double down or stay silent instead of revising views.
  3. The escape is to build an audience that values curiosity and principled reasoning and to refuse to perform for applause — follow the evidence and be willing to change even if it costs you.

A Note Of Gratitude And Appreciation

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1816 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Creators
  1. Packing and sending physical books was a joyful, hands-on way to connect with readers, and even the stressful mistakes felt meaningful.
  2. There is deep gratitude for the supporters whose financial and emotional backing made this crowdfunded creative life possible, and personal touches like handwritten notes made the relationship feel real.
  3. Creating and sharing tangible art with family felt vital in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, showing how physical, human rituals help preserve connection and humanity.
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Liana Finck, Cartoonist/Philosopher/Genius

Ladyparts • 838 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creators
  1. Liana Finck's book 'HOW TO BABY' cleverly reflects on the challenges and contradictions of parenting.
  2. Finck's cartoons humorously navigate the complexities of relationships, parenthood, and life in a relatable and profound way.
  3. The power of art lies in its ability to simplify and bring joy and understanding to complex emotions and experiences.

When investing $200 million in a media company is actually worth it

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
đź’Ľ Business Creators
  1. Big checks into creator-led companies can make sense when the creator has massive reach and builds real non-media businesses like products and merch.
  2. Merging or bundling streaming services can create a viable challenger to Netflix, since some services (like Disney+) haven’t produced enough regular, broad-appeal originals to keep viewers coming back.
  3. Media companies are shifting toward sponsorships, events, newsletter ad strategies, and creator partnerships—leaning on branded experiences and owned products rather than trying to match big tech ad scale.

welcome to not boring world

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 235 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
đź’Ľ Business Creators
  1. Not Boring World is a paid section that gathers smart founders, researchers, and creators and helps them co-write longform essays so their best, frontier ideas actually get published.
  2. This is a bet on the written word over podcasts and video: deep, canonical ideas are meant to be written, and the project aims to surface fresh inputs you won't find in LLMs.
  3. They'll build editorial infrastructure and a contributor network to curate those inputs into a coherent 'means and meaning' worldview, funded by subscribers, with community features like chats, debates, and more frequent co-written pieces.

Proof of Humanity

Working Theorys • 48 implied HN points • 14 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Creators
  1. When a test or detector becomes the thing people try to hit, it stops being a reliable measure and creators start shaping work to pass the test instead of to be good.
  2. Readers care about effort because attention is a relationship, not a transaction, so suspicion grows when content feels unearned and conversation shifts from quality to proof.
  3. Most proofs and performed transparency are gameable, so the hardest-to-fake sign of authenticity is visible, sustained desire or obsession, and ultimately authenticity lives in the experience, not a score.

Masterpieces on the Cheap

Animation Obsessive • 7175 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creators
  1. Animation masterpieces can be created on limited budgets, showcasing that money doesn't guarantee a great film.
  2. Artistry, vision, and talent are key to creating successful animated projects, sometimes taking risks can lead to unique and impactful films.
  3. Japanese anime industry often achieves expressive movement with small budgets, emphasizing creativity over financial resources.

A quieter issue | #319

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 95 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Creators
  1. The newsletter is shifting to a shorter, less-frequent format so more time can be spent on book-length projects instead of trying to constantly produce new, novel pieces.
  2. There are curated reading and listening recommendations—books and essays about freelancing, change, habits, and experimental ways of living—plus a podcast aimed at creators balancing full-time work.
  3. Readers are asked to complete a short survey to help shape future content, and there’s an open invitation to join a global community along with a list of recommended tools and services for creators and travelers.

Every traditional media outlet is launching a creator division

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
đź’Ľ Business Creators
  1. Media companies are starting creator divisions to work with independent creators. This means more opportunities for people to share their content and ideas.
  2. TikTok influencers are becoming a new form of news anchor for younger audiences. They deliver news quickly in a way that fits with how younger people consume content.
  3. Creating a successful newsletter doesn't always require a strong personal brand. For example, some people focus on the quality of their content instead of promoting themselves.

AI: Notes From The Dark Side

So Here’s a Thing • 1160 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
đź•ą Technology Creators
  1. Implications of AI for news and our perception of the world include the rise of fake photos and deepfake videos, requiring critical thinking and fact-checking.
  2. AI in art poses challenges in distinguishing real works from fakes and may alter how artists maintain their catalogues to differentiate their genuine creations.
  3. The importance of human intent and meaningfulness in creation, questioning what AI-created content lacks in terms of emotional depth and personal connection.

Inside the Dahlia Wars

Culture Study • 3103 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Creators
  1. Dahlias have a rich history and diverse range of varieties, making them popular among collectors for their beauty and unique characteristics.
  2. The dahlia community faces challenges like disease control, competition for rare varieties, and shifting norms around pricing and ownership.
  3. There is a growing trend among millennials to turn hobbies, like dahlia growing, into side hustles, reflecting a desire for productive and monetized leisure activities.

The biggest creators are no longer in the merch business

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 648 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
đź’Ľ Business Creators
  1. Top creators are moving away from selling low-quality merch and focusing on high-quality products that can compete with retail brands. This shift is about attracting a broader market beyond just their fans.
  2. Apple News has a huge user base and is likely the biggest source of traffic for traditional news outlets after Google. It highlights the importance of being present on major platforms to drive audience engagement.
  3. The current sports streaming landscape is complicated, with fans needing multiple subscriptions to access all games. A more straightforward solution could improve viewer experience and access to content.

Why Substack is trying to lure in TikTok creators

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 474 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
đź’Ľ Business Creators
  1. Substack is aiming to attract TikTok creators by offering a $20 million fund to help them transition to the platform without losing money. This shows their desire to expand beyond just newsletters into multimedia content.
  2. Progressive media outlets might benefit from creating more non-political content to engage a broader audience. Mixing politics with entertainment could reach viewers who wouldn't typically seek out political content.
  3. The New Yorker has successfully transitioned to digital by becoming profitable and expanding its staff. This success story highlights how legacy media can adapt and thrive in the changing landscape.

ICYMI Alert: YouTube Gives Smaller Creators Earlier Access to YPP

ICYMI by Lia Haberman • 353 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
đź•ą Technology Creators
  1. YouTube is providing earlier access to the YouTube Partner Program for smaller creators with lowered eligibility criteria.
  2. Creators will have access to fan funding features like channel memberships, Super Chat, and the ability to earn commissions through YouTube Shopping.
  3. By offering a sustainable path for smaller creators, YouTube may impact where creators choose to focus their efforts.

AI and the individual human

In My Tribe • 394 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
đź•ą Technology Creators
  1. The internet has made it cheaper and easier for creators to produce and share their work, but it’s tough to get noticed among all the content out there. The real challenge now is standing out and getting attention.
  2. As AI advances, it could change the workplace dramatically. Some believe that many roles might be automated, leading to a future where individuals work more independently or in smaller firms.
  3. The success landscape for creators seems to favor a few big winners, like major companies, while many individuals struggle to make a sustainable income. This creates a winner-take-most environment where most won't profit significantly.

The Chair Company (2025)

The Author Is Dumb • 3 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Creators
  1. Tim Robinson essentially plays a familiar, narrow-range persona and the show drops that character into a 1970s-style conspiracy thriller, making the premise feel original and intentionally strange.
  2. The series mixes anti-comedy and thriller elements in a Lynchian way, so moments can be either hilariously brilliant or gratingly awkward, with occasional real vulnerability that lands powerfully.
  3. The show is polarizing: devoted fans defend it fiercely while many critics find it baffling or unfunny, which highlights the gap between personal taste and professional review.

Creator News Roundup: 01/08/2024

Cosmos • 59 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
đź•ą Technology Creators
  1. Atmosfy launched a $500,000 creator fund to support travel influencers, merging TikTok with Foursquare idea
  2. Creators are developing AI chatbots clones to interact with their audience, like Kaitlyn Siragusa's AI version that earned $34,000 in 24 hours
  3. Advertisers are finding it easy to shift ad budgets to creator content, with a significant percentage planning to increase investment in creator content

Creator News Roundup: 02/12/2024

Cosmos • 39 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
đź’Ľ Business Creators
  1. Creators are collaborating with big names like NBA players, Netflix, and Nike, showcasing the power and influence of content creators today.
  2. Creator-led productions, like the Sidemen's documentary on Netflix, highlight the growing trend of creators taking control of their content production and distribution.
  3. New partnerships, such as Nike teaming up with a Twitch streamer, signify a shift towards unconventional collaborations and influencers being sought out by major brands for marketing.

Introducing Turpentine

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 416 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🎙 Podcasts Creators
  1. Turpentine is a new tech media company focusing on podcasts and newsletters.
  2. Their mission is to provide expert insights and unique perspectives in tech, business, and culture.
  3. They are looking to partner with new talent to create niche, high-quality podcasts and seek partnerships with brands.

Are we in a newsletter bubble?

Cosmos • 19 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
đź•ą Technology Creators
  1. Many creators are starting newsletters to have a direct line of communication with their audiences and fans, especially with the risks of relying solely on social media platforms for business.
  2. YouTube is introducing a 'Members Only' feature for Shorts, allowing creators to monetize by offering exclusive content to paying fans.
  3. Platforms like X are becoming more open to NSFW content, creating opportunities for adult content creators to thrive in these communities.

No Clear Answers

The Leadership Lab • 59 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🎙 Podcasts Creators
  1. After a failed coaching program launch, the team regrouped to create 'No Clear Answers' podcast.
  2. The podcast aims to provide fresh perspectives, challenge conventional thoughts, and have fun.
  3. Episodes explore topics like imposter syndrome, motivation, and manifestation with actionable ideas.

Romance

Soaring Twenties • 224 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Creators
  1. Romance is a big theme in writing and requires vulnerability and care to handle well.
  2. Different writers explored romance through poetry, fiction, and essays in a diverse and engaging way.
  3. The Symposium on Romance featured a variety of beautiful and thought-provoking pieces that captivate the essence of love and relationships.

Creator Economy: 01/22/2024

Cosmos • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
đź•ą Technology Creators
  1. MrBeast is exploring monetization on X platform and made $250,000 from his first video, sparking skepticism and speculation.
  2. MrBeast may close a $100 million TV show deal with Amazon, possibly luring fans to Prime from YouTube.
  3. Creators in the digital space are advocating for fair pay and transparency, with resources like 'Fuck You Pay Me', 'creators.org', and 'Creators Guild of America'.

Would you go to the movies to watch Youtube?

Cosmos • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Creators
  1. Tom Cruise's incredible work ethic earned him the title of biggest movie star in the world and led to huge box office successes
  2. Top music artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are bypassing traditional distributors and striking direct deals with movie theaters, signaling a shift in the industry
  3. The creator economy is booming, with platforms like Stripe paying out billions to creators and top YouTubers like MrBeast earning millions while negotiating directly with platforms