The hottest Digital Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

What Is Sora For?

Big Technology • 4503 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Video Generative Innovation Digital Media
  1. Sora is a cool AI video generator but is not very useful right now. The videos it creates are interesting but lack quality for serious use.
  2. There’s no clear audience for Sora yet, as it struggles to find practical ways for everyday users to engage with it. Most people might enjoy it initially, but it's hard to see why they'd keep using it.
  3. Sora could help in some specific applications, like filmmaking or marketing, but it also raises concerns about how we distinguish real from fake videos in a confusing digital world.

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.

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.

Let's check in on MrBeast

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3732 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Influencers Social media Pop culture Digital Media Youth Trends
  1. MrBeast, a huge YouTuber, is facing a lot of controversies that could hurt his career. Allegations about his team and business practices have made people question his character.
  2. He’s trying to fix his public image by doing interviews and promoting his new Amazon show. He wants to reassure fans and investors that everything is okay.
  3. The way he handles this situation is important for his future. If he fails, it could change how people see him and affect his many business deals.

Spotify’s Plans For AI Generated Music, Podcasts, and Recommendations, According To Its Co-President, CTO, and CPO Gustav Söderström

Big Technology • 5879 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Music Podcasts Digital Media Recommendations
  1. Spotify is embracing AI to enhance creativity in music and podcasts. They see these tools as ways to help artists express themselves better rather than replacing them.
  2. The company is focusing on improving how users find new music and podcasts. They want users to feel like they have control over their recommendations and can provide feedback.
  3. Spotify aims to create a more personal experience by using AI. They envision a platform where users can interact like friends with the app, making the recommendations feel tailored and engaging.
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You Must See How Far AI Video Has Come

The Algorithmic Bridge • 414 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Video Innovation Digital Media Privacy
  1. Google's AI video tool, Veo 2, is way ahead of others. It makes better videos than OpenAI's Sora Turbo, which is not as good and feels rushed.
  2. Deepfakes are changing how we see what's real. While they can be fun and creative, they also make it hard to trust what we see, blurring the line between reality and fantasy.
  3. As technology speeds up, we risk forgetting our traditions and customs. This fast pace can leave older generations feeling disconnected from younger ones, so we need to think about what we're losing.

Hinternet Production Labs — An Audio Launch Event!

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 311 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎙 Podcasts Cultural Commentary Tech Trends Digital Media
  1. Hinternet Production Labs has released a new audio project called 'Chatbient chill-out,' combining chatbot conversations and ambient music for a unique listening experience.
  2. The project mixes chatbots with philosophical topics, using AI VoiceOver technology, appealing to those looking for background audio in today's busy world.
  3. Critics and fans have engaged deeply with the work, appreciating both its imperfections and the unexpected moments, which challenge our understanding of reality and art.

OpenAI Sora Turbo: A Very Expensive Slot Machine

The Algorithmic Bridge • 254 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Models Software Development Digital Media Tech industry Innovations
  1. Sora Turbo is a new AI video model from OpenAI that is faster than the original version but may not be better. Some early users are unhappy with the rushed release.
  2. This model has trouble with physical consistency, which means the videos often don't look realistic. Critics argue it still has a long way to go in recreating reality.
  3. Sora Turbo is just the beginning of video AI technology. Early versions may seem lacking, but improvements will come with future updates, so it's important to stay curious.

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.

Top 10 UX Videos of 2024

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 7 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🕹 Technology User Experience AI Tools Video Production Digital Media
  1. In 2024, AI video creation really improved a lot. By the end of the year, the videos looked and sounded much better than the videos made earlier, almost like real productions.
  2. Some popular videos were made with AI tools and others were shot with real people. This mix made for interesting content, showing how both methods can be effective.
  3. Advancements in AI also allowed for podcasts and videos to be translated into multiple languages, making it easier to reach audiences around the world.

In The Context Of Long Context

Adjacent Possible • 553 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Development Innovation Digital Media
  1. A new AI feature can turn a whole book into a fun audio conversation, making learning more engaging. This feature has caught a lot of attention online and even received media coverage.
  2. The ability of the AI to handle large amounts of text—up to 1.5 million words—makes it much more useful for users, allowing for better, more detailed interactions.
  3. Long context models can help organizations make better decisions by recalling important documents and past experiences, adding a new kind of intelligence to team discussions.

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.

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.

Reading Notes

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 691 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Reading Culture Digital Media Cultural Theory
  1. Reading habits are changing, and many people have less time or interest in immersing themselves in traditional books. This shift may be due to economic pressures and the availability of digital media.
  2. The rise of digital screens impacts how we read and understand texts. The experience of reading is now intertwined with our interactions online, leading to new forms of engagement and understanding.
  3. Despite the decline of traditional reading, there is potential for new and exciting forms of literacy to emerge. It's important to adapt and discover how we can find value in these changes.

Weekly Top Picks #91

The Algorithmic Bridge • 116 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Digital Media Data science
  1. Companies are figuring out how to price AI agents as they become more common. This is important because the cost will affect how businesses use AI technology.
  2. ChatGPT will soon allow users to input videos, which will make interactions even richer and more dynamic.
  3. OpenAI is releasing a new model called o1, which is better for math, coding, and science. It's more accurate and can handle different types of questions more efficiently.

Enough Pentelic marble

Internal exile • 29 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Philosophy Digital Media Cultural heritage
  1. The Elgin marbles were taken from Greece and are now in the British Museum, leading to disputes over their rightful ownership. Greece wants them back and is exploring ways to create exact copies using new technology.
  2. 3D scans of the marbles can help make copies that look just like the originals, but these copies would not have the same history or 'aura' as the original pieces, raising questions about what we truly value in art.
  3. Creating replicas could change how we view historical objects, as flawless copies may make us forget the unique stories and imperfections of the originals, which often carry deep significance.

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.

'The Anxious Generation': Things Are Worse Than We Realized

The Analog Family • 2977 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Child development Digital Media Parenting Social Issues
  1. Smartphones and digital media have greatly increased anxiety and depression in kids. The period between 2010 and 2015 saw a sharp rise in these mental health issues coinciding with the rise of smartphone use.
  2. Kids need real-life play to develop important social skills and physical abilities. Too much screen time replaces active play, leading to developmental challenges.
  3. Parents play a crucial role in managing their children's digital exposure. Limiting smartphone use before high school, avoiding social media until 16, and encouraging outdoor play can improve children's well-being.

Soon Will Come a Day That None of This Exists

Discourse Blog • 3400 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📰 News Media Journalism Digital Media Publishing Online Content
  1. Legacy media is being replaced by something worse, with media-wide layoffs being a visible sign.
  2. Publications are struggling and dying due to financial issues, particularly affecting traditional print media.
  3. The future of journalism looks bleak, with the rise of individual-driven media leading to misinformation and lack of accountability.

Digital Gardens as a Service

Aliveness Studies • 13 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Digital Media Content creation Online Platforms Knowledge Management Intellectual Property
  1. Intellectual labor online is not rewarded well right now. People like Gwern Branwen, who provide deep insights, often struggle to earn a decent income.
  2. Current platforms favor quick, flashy content over thoughtful, long-term ideas. A new platform is needed that supports ongoing intellectual work and gradual idea development.
  3. The ideal solution would be a user-friendly platform that enables writers to create, share, and monetize evolving essays without the hassle of technical challenges. This could help cultivate more in-depth thinkers.

The Enshittification of Everything

Polymathic Being • 104 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Digital Media Content creation Trust Issues
  1. AI is producing a lot of poor-quality content, leading to a decline in trust in places like academia and social media. It shows a need for better content verification.
  2. The current mess in digital spaces, called 'enshittification', has been happening for a long time, not just because of AI. People have been manipulating systems for profit for years.
  3. Despite the problems, AI can help us recognize and clean up the digital space by highlighting bad content. This might lead to a demand for better, more trustworthy human-created content.

Digital poets

Philosophy bear • 71 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature AI Poetry Digital Media
  1. People can't easily tell the difference between AI and human-made art. In fact, they often prefer the AI art, even if it’s not very good.
  2. AI can produce poetry that at least matches the level of a talented amateur. Some AI-generated haikus can even be quite nice.
  3. There's still a question about whether AI can create art that is truly great. It remains unclear how to measure what's undeniably good in art.

5 Failed Sony Flops That Were Ahead of Their Time

Obsolete Sony’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Consumer Electronics Digital Media Virtual reality Market Trends
  1. Some Sony products failed in the market, but they were actually really innovative for their time. For example, the NW-MS7 Walkman was an early digital music player that set the stage for future devices.
  2. The IDT-LF1 Airboard was like a tablet before tablets existed. Even though it was too expensive and not popular, it showed what portable tech could do, hinting at the future of devices like the iPad.
  3. Sony's early laptops, like the Vaio PCG-GT1, included features we take for granted today, like built-in cameras. These products may not have succeeded, but they paved the way for the tech we use now.

Make YouTube Better.

Elizabeth Laraki • 199 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🕹 Technology User Experience Product Design Tech Innovation Software Development Digital Media
  1. User experience research can be simple and effective. Instead of fancy tools, talking to users directly can lead to big insights.
  2. Removing unnecessary features is crucial. Complex products can confuse users, so it's often better to simplify than to add more.
  3. Observing real user behavior offers valuable lessons. Understanding how people interact with a product can guide meaningful improvements.

Live video, Substack Summer Recaps, and new tools and features

Substack • 432 implied HN points • 24 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Publishing Digital Media Content creation Live Streaming User engagement
  1. Substack now offers live video features, allowing creators to host events and engage directly with subscribers. This could help users connect better with their audience and share real-time updates.
  2. Publishers can edit images directly from the post editor, making it easier to manage visuals. This update simplifies the process of adding or modifying images in posts.
  3. Category tabs have been introduced to help readers find relevant content easily. This makes it simpler for subscribers to explore topics they are interested in.

It's time to change how we cover Elon Musk

Platformer • 3537 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🕹 Technology AI Social media Digital Media Antitrust AI Ethics
  1. It's important to approach coverage of Elon Musk with skepticism due to his history of broken promises and exaggerations.
  2. Journalists should be more skeptical and critical of Musk's statements, especially those that could impact markets or public perception.
  3. Musk's tendency to make bold announcements without following through highlights the need for increased scrutiny in media coverage of his statements.

From Zero to 3,600 Subscribers

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1678 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Digital Media Content creation Subscription Models
  1. Substack is great for starting and growing an email list without any upfront costs. You can begin your newsletter today and only pay a small fee if you earn money.
  2. You own your email list on Substack, meaning you can take it with you if you decide to leave. This gives you more control than relying on social media followers.
  3. Substack combines features of websites, blogs, and community platforms all in one place. It's designed to be user-friendly for beginners and offers a chance to monetize your writing easily.

Sony’s Audio Innovations That Changed the Game

Obsolete Sony’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 07 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Audio Devices Innovation Consumer Electronics Digital Media Music technology
  1. Sony started the cassette revolution with the TC-100 in 1966, making audio recording and playback easy for everyone.
  2. The Walkman, introduced in 1979, changed how we listen to music by allowing people to carry their favorite tracks wherever they went.
  3. In 1982, Sony launched the first CD player, the CDP-101, which transformed music consumption by introducing digital audio playback.

How One UX Researcher Ignited Sweeping Changes to YouTube

Elizabeth Laraki • 419 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🕹 Technology User Experience Data Analysis Product Design Digital Media Research Methods
  1. Kerry Rodden, a UX researcher, helped YouTube understand how users navigated the site. By deeply analyzing user data, they found out what people really wanted from YouTube.
  2. One big surprise was that most YouTube sessions didn't start on the homepage. Instead, many users went directly to watch videos they found elsewhere on the internet.
  3. Kerry created clear visualizations of user data that showed how people moved through YouTube. This helped the company improve its homepage and focus on personalizing content for users.

Domain Warping, Inverse Kinematics, and Iterations

Generative Arts Collective • 79 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Coding Generative Art Visual art Digital Media
  1. Learning how to create art from scratch lets you put your unique style into the work. It's about understanding the tools and processes involved in making something new.
  2. Art can express deeper meanings, even if the creator isn't consciously aware of them. It's interesting to think about the reasons behind the choices made in any artistic creation.
  3. Technology keeps evolving, especially in creative fields. New tools and techniques allow artists to explore and produce things that were previously not possible.

Setting AIRS Free

AI Research & Strategy • 158 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🕹 Technology AI Research Digital Media Health tech Online Publishing Economic Models
  1. The writer has paused billing for their Substack and is offering full refunds to all paid subscribers. They believe it's fair since they haven't been able to provide valuable content recently.
  2. Health challenges impacted the writer's ability to consistently focus on their Substack. They want to put their health first instead of feeling pressured to deliver content.
  3. The writer plans to continue writing occasionally, focusing on joy instead of obligation. They appreciate the support they've received and are thankful for their subscribers.

Pssst! Medium Will Soon Have 1 Million Paying Members and More Insights You Need to Know

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 819 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
💼 Business Marketing E-commerce Startups Demographics Digital Media
  1. Medium is gaining popularity with over 100 million readers and is about to hit 1 million paying members. This shows it has a strong audience for writers.
  2. The main age group using Medium is 25 to 34 years old, with more male users than female users. Understanding the audience can help writers connect better.
  3. Technology is the most popular topic on Medium, with lots of articles written about it. Writers should consider focusing on trending subjects to engage with readers.

A gift guide for your internet friends

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 15 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing E-commerce Productivity Digital Media
  1. Consider giving gifts that support big-picture thinkers and business owners. These gifts can offer new perspectives and help them grow.
  2. Look for gifts that inspire creators, such as courses and tools that help them express their ideas and build their projects.
  3. Gift tools that assist planners and dreamers in organizing their thoughts and achieving their goals for the upcoming year.

🎁 Special Holiday Surprise 🎁

Generative Arts Collective • 39 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Generative Art Creative Coding Visual Arts Digital Media Art Community
  1. There is a special surprise for paid subscribers who support the newsletter. It's a small thank you gift to show appreciation.
  2. Subscribers can enjoy a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives. This allows new readers to explore past content without commitment.
  3. Generative arts and creative coding are the main themes of the newsletter. These topics encourage creativity and innovation in art and technology.

The revolution will be organized by group chat

Jeff Giesea • 539 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Change Digital Media Political theory Historical Analysis
  1. Group chats are powerful tools for change, similar to historical meeting places like coffee houses and salons. They allow people to connect and organize around common interests in real-time.
  2. Group Chat Theory suggests that important movements today will likely be coordinated through digital communication rather than just in-person meetings. This means that social and political changes can happen quicker and on a larger scale.
  3. While group chats can promote positive causes, they're also used for bad purposes. It's important to recognize that the same tools for good can be misused for harmful activities.

Medium's New Earnings Calculation For Writers: Engage More to Earn More!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1119 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Online Platforms Content creation Digital Media
  1. Medium has changed how it calculates earnings for writers. Now, writers can earn more by increasing engagement with their readers.
  2. The new update is designed to encourage writers to produce more compelling content and connect better with their audience.
  3. Overall, these changes are beneficial for passionate online writers looking to grow their earnings and readership.