The hottest Digital Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

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.

For February: 50% off Subscriptions, 50% off DRM-Free Downloads, Lifetime Subscriptions available

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 1148 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Journalism Subscriptions Digital Media Community Building Content creation
  1. You can get a 50% discount on yearly subscriptions this February, making it only $2.25 a month.
  2. There’s also a 50% off deal on DRM-free downloads of all videos, so you can watch them anytime, anywhere.
  3. If you want lifetime access, you can buy a lifetime subscription for $200 during this month, which supports independent tech journalism.

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.

Now is the time for creators to build on their own land

Substack • 2703 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Digital Media Creator Economy Social Platforms Audience engagement
  1. Creators should have their own space on the internet rather than relying solely on social media. This gives them control over their content and audience.
  2. Platforms like Substack allow creators to own their work and generate direct income from subscribers. This is a more reliable income source than traditional ad revenue.
  3. Using platforms like Substack as a home base doesn't mean abandoning other social media. It allows creators to deepen connections with fans while still reaching new audiences.

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.
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Random object: Sony Mavica MVC-FD73

lcamtuf’s thing • 2040 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets Innovation Photography Digital Media
  1. New technology can become popular even if it isn't the best quality. For example, digital cameras started winning over film cameras because they were easier and cheaper to use.
  2. The Sony Mavica MVC-FD73 was a successful camera despite its poor image quality. People chose it for convenience rather than for great pictures.
  3. Convenience often matters more to most consumers than the finer details of quality. This trend has important implications for how we view and adopt new technology.

Why is Spotify held to a different standard than Meta?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Media industry Digital Media Content Strategy Creator Economy
  1. Spotify pays a lot to music rights holders, $10 billion in a single year, helping revive the music industry. Yet, artists still criticize Spotify more than they do other platforms like Meta, which pay much less to creators.
  2. There's a big shift from traditional media to independent outlets, as many journalists are launching their own platforms instead of staying with legacy media. This trend shows a growing frustration with mainstream media's control over narratives.
  3. When platforms share revenue with creators, like Fortnite does, it encourages more content and benefits everyone. But relying on AI for content can lead to low-quality output that doesn't hold much value.

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.

What happened in marketing: Amazon dethrones Walmart, NikeSKIMS & Big Tech vs EU

The Social Juice • 24 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing E-commerce Advertising Retail Digital Media
  1. Amazon has now surpassed Walmart in quarterly revenue, making it a leader in sales with $187.8 billion. This is the first time Amazon has taken the top spot over Walmart.
  2. Nike has joined forces with SKIMS to launch a new brand aimed at women, which shows their effort to attract new customers and expand their market.
  3. Big Tech companies are facing challenges in Europe, as governments push for stricter regulations, impacting how these companies operate in the region.

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.

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.

Personal Site Refresh

Software Design: Tidy First? • 176 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Design Web Development User Experience Digital Media Tech Trends
  1. Trying to manage many interests can be tricky, but it's important to embrace all parts of yourself. It helps to answer questions like 'What are you up to?' more honestly.
  2. A personal website can serve as a great way to showcase your thoughts and projects. It's like a digital home where you can share what you're passionate about.
  3. Adding new topics to your website can keep it fresh and engaging. It's a way to express your evolving interests and ideas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Super Bowl vs Valentine vs Duolingo's death — The best of brands and marketers

The Social Juice • 26 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Brands Advertising Consumer behavior Digital Media
  1. Marketing can feel really fast and crazy, especially with big events like Valentine's Day and the Super Bowl happening at the same time. It’s like a mix of excitement and chaos.
  2. Testing different email times for newsletters can help find the best way to reach more readers. It’s all about experimenting to see what works better.
  3. Investing attention in good content is important, just like spending money wisely. When you pay attention to quality, it pays off in the long run.

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.

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.

YouTube TV is charging more money for a worse product — but what is the next best alternative?

Huddle Up • 11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Streaming Television Digital Media Subscriptions Telecom
  1. YouTube TV started as a great alternative to cable, offering a slim package of channels for a low price, which many people loved.
  2. Over the years, YouTube TV gained huge popularity, reaching nearly all U.S. households and becoming the biggest streaming TV service.
  3. However, instead of improving the service, they have raised prices while not delivering better features, making customers feel it's a worse deal now.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet SubMarket, my new tool for making money from your newsletter

Startup Strategies • 42 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Startups Advertising Digital Media
  1. SubMarket is a new tool designed to help newsletter owners earn money. It connects newsletter writers with advertisers who want to reach their audience.
  2. The service allows users to create classified ads, making it easier for them to find relevant partnerships. This could be a big boost for those who rely on their newsletters for income.
  3. John Biggs invites anyone interested in being on his show to reach out via email. He seems open to chatting with anyone, which is a nice way to engage with the community.

Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of their pransings

Internal exile • 36 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Consumerism Reviews Marketing Digital Media Social relations
  1. Many online reviews aren't truly honest; they might be fake or written with hidden goals. Instead of helping customers, they're often just a part of a site's marketing.
  2. People often trust online reviews more than personal recommendations from friends and family. This reliance shows how important these reviews have become in shopping decisions.
  3. Consumers want to believe in the value of products based solely on use, distancing themselves from social influences. This belief causes them to accept fake reviews as real if they fit their hopes.

Do You Need A.I.?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 29 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Innovation Digital Media Ethics Writing
  1. Many people want AI for its potential benefits, but it's not clear if we really need it. Some believe it's being pushed too hard by those who stand to profit.
  2. AI has the potential to help in areas like medicine, but there's skepticism about its overall impact on creativity and art. It's hard to see what new art or literature AI has created that we couldn't do ourselves.
  3. Technology like typewriters or the internet filled real needs, while AI seems more like something we want rather than need. Its successes are still uncertain, leading to concerns about its role in society.

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.

AI and the individual human

In My Tribe • 394 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Digital Media Economy Creators Future work
  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.

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.

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.

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.