The hottest Digital Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

5 Failed Sony Flops That Were Ahead of Their Time

Obsolete Sony’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Digital Media
  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 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 Digital Media
  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.

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 Digital Media
  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.

From Zero to 3,600 Subscribers

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1678 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
💼 Business Digital Media
  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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

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
  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.

What Is Sora For?

Big Technology • 4503 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology 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.

Sony’s Audio Innovations That Changed the Game

Obsolete Sony’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 07 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Digital Media
  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 Digital Media
  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.

Candace Owens and the Internet Brainrot Industry

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 228 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Digital Media
  1. Popular online commentators often reframe high‑profile shootings into conspiratorial, proprietary theories that prioritize attention over accuracy and can shift blame away from the most obvious explanations.
  2. The creator economy and social media reward shocking, original‑seeming takes because they drive views, engagement, and ad money, so creators frequently produce vague or unfalsifiable theories instead of careful, predictive analysis.
  3. This attention‑driven speculation fragments political energy and public understanding, turning serious events into entertainment and making it hard for people to reach clear, collective conclusions or take coherent action.

‘Capitalism Is Theft’: I Followed Zohran Mamdani’s Internet Trail

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1140 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Digital Media
  1. Zohran Mamdani has a long digital history with more than 16,000 tweets, showing many sides of his personality and beliefs.
  2. He has shared strong revolutionary ideas, including calls to end the free market, defund the police, and change the prison system.
  3. As he prepares for a mayoral run, Mamdani is shifting his image to appeal to a broader audience, but his past reveals his true ideology.

Do content creators need managers?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1164 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
💼 Business Digital Media
  1. Content creators are questioning the need for managers. Some creators, like MrBeast and Charli D'Amelio, have chosen to handle their business operations themselves instead of relying on management companies.
  2. A manager named Zack Honarvar believes creators should work with creative partners instead of traditional managers. His new company aims to help creators pitch ideas and collaborate in building their brands.
  3. YouTube is becoming more like traditional TV, with more viewers watching it on bigger screens. This means creators need to think about their channels as networks with various series they can pitch to brands.

Hey Now!

The Contender • 2338 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Digital Media
  1. Personal connection is key in newsletters.
  2. Consider the value of choices and idiosyncrasies in content creation.
  3. The importance of letting creative work evolve and staying true to foundational principles.

Disking Banana

Computer Ads from the Past • 1024 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Digital Media
  1. In the 1980s, a guy named Roger Smith started selling floppy disks after running out for his business. He wanted to make it easy for people to buy more disks.
  2. He creatively named his floppy disks 'Banana' and promoted them with fun banana-themed items. This catchy name really helped attract attention.
  3. Disking still exists today as a local computer parts and repair shop in the UK, showing how some business ideas can stick around for a long time.

Let's check in on MrBeast

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3732 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Digital Media
  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.

Black Friday/Happy Birthday Sale 2025

Computer Ads from the Past • 256 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Digital Media
  1. Get 39% off annual plans for life if you buy a paid membership between now and December 8.
  2. If you prefer not to use Substack, you can support with one-time donations via Ko‑Fi, SubscribeStar, Cash App, PayPal, Liberpay, or Patreon.
  3. Gift subscriptions are available and on sale for the holidays, and subscribing helps support the reader-supported publication.

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

Substack • 2703 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Digital Media
  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.

Setting AIRS Free

AI Research & Strategy • 158 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Digital Media
  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.

The Shifting State of Xiaohongshu

Off-Topic • 1012 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Digital Media
  1. Xiaohongshu started as a shopping guide app for Chinese travelers and has evolved into a huge social media platform focused on lifestyle content and e-commerce.
  2. The app has become popular among women, offering a supportive community where users can share experiences and advice, making it a safe space for many.
  3. Recently, many Americans flocked to Xiaohongshu looking for a TikTok alternative, leading to cultural exchanges that highlighted shared human desires despite differences.

Lizard love, immune system biomimickry and, yes, perfume strategies

The Strategy Toolkit • 17 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Digital Media
  1. Diverse signalling strategies (like the lizards' coloured throats) can create rock–paper–scissors dynamics where some types beat others, showing how signal variety shapes outcomes.
  2. AI has made content cheap to produce, flooding the internet with AI-generated pieces and letting content farms profit by pumping out fake, outrage-driven material.
  3. People often rely on costly signals to tell real sources from fakes, but those signals weaken as noise rises, creating a trade-off between abundant content and the effort needed to verify it.

AI Links, 11/17/2025

In My Tribe • 212 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Digital Media
  1. Many people believe that AI could end up being more disliked than social media companies. There's a concern about AI causing harm as it becomes more advanced.
  2. AI models, like LLMs, tend to reinforce the ideas of users instead of challenging them. This can make users confident, but may not always provide the best advice.
  3. AI is becoming a major player in creating ads, often needing little human input. This could change the job market for those involved in video production, as AI can do the work faster and cheaper.

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 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.

Random object: Sony Mavica MVC-FD73

lcamtuf’s thing • 2040 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🕹 Technology 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.

The revolution will be organized by group chat

Jeff Giesea • 539 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Digital Media
  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.

Top Links 813 How AI is eating the internet. Where to buy an affordable American-badged car. The G7 horror show & subjectivity in language.

Chartbook • 600 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Digital Media
  1. AI is changing how we search for information online. It's making it harder to find what we really want.
  2. People are looking for more affordable American-made cars. There are options out there that fit different budgets.
  3. There are important discussions happening about language and its meaning in the context of recent G7 events. It's shaping how we think and communicate.

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 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.

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 Digital Media
  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 Writer as Chimera (and Where Substack Fits In)

Counter Craft • 632 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📚 Literature Digital Media
  1. Being a writer today often means you need to juggle multiple roles, like teaching, freelancing, or using platforms like Substack to support your literary career.
  2. Substack is changing the way writers connect with readers, but it may not completely replace traditional publishing methods. It's a more supportive environment where readers appreciate the creative process.
  3. Writers should look to integrate their various roles and projects, because what you do in one area can help boost another, like turning Substack work into a book deal.

What If You Replaced Yourself with AI for the Summer?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 357 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Digital Media
  1. Dave Rubin created an AI version of himself to host his show while he's away. He thinks people will still enjoy the show even if it's not him.
  2. The AI clone can imitate Rubin’s voice and even hold a conversation, but it feels very unnatural and lacks real emotion.
  3. Talking to AI Dave can be uncomfortable, and there’s a cost involved for a one-on-one chat, which makes some people hesitant to interact.

Why Longer (Content) Isn’t Always Better

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 739 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
💼 Business Digital Media
  1. Short content can be more powerful than long content. It grabs attention quickly and gets straight to the point.
  2. Consistency in creating short content can build a strong following. Regular updates keep readers engaged and coming back for more.
  3. Longer content isn't always necessary to convey a message. Sometimes, less is more, and being concise can be more effective.

certain and wrong: you can’t enfactify your way out of it

Brain Pizza • 331 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Digital Media
  1. People often believe certain things because they seek information that matches their views. This is called confirmation bias, and it makes polarisation worse.
  2. Our social identities and core values can cause people to reject accepted facts if those facts threaten their group. Scientific facts can become divisive if they clash with personal beliefs.
  3. When faced with suggestions from authorities, many people resist due to a feeling of losing control. This reactance makes them less open to ideas, even if they're scientifically supported.

Slights

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 7 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Digital Media
  1. Slights—being subtly humiliated or ignored—stick with people much longer than obvious insults and can sour you for years.
  2. Small modern slights often come from online snubs or being left out, so don't overreact. Do small, free things like liking someone's post and focus on improving your own behavior instead of stewing.
  3. Paying real attention—remembering names, asking about people, and acting kindly without expecting anything back—makes people feel seen and will improve your relationships.

Always. Be. Blogging.

Silver Bulletin • 1057 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Digital Media
  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.

Buzzfeed, Gawker, and the end of the 2010s

Read Max • 4162 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Digital Media
  1. The 2010s are still recent and it's unclear what cultural trends from that decade will last.
  2. The digital media landscape changed in the 2010s with the rise and fall of publications like Buzzfeed and Gawker.
  3. The shift from ad-based revenue to subscriptions signals a new direction for digital media.

How to Create Your Own Stunning Ebook Effortlessly With Canva

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 539 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
🪑 Design Digital Media
  1. You can easily create an eBook without being a graphic design expert. Canva provides user-friendly tools to help you design stunning eBooks.
  2. There are many resources available that guide you through the eBook creation process. This makes it approachable for anyone, even beginners.
  3. Offering free eBooks can be a great way to share your knowledge and connect with others. It’s a good strategy to engage your audience.

Usability Testing Process Explained in Comic Strips

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 52 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🪑 Design Digital Media
  1. Usability testing has a 12-step process that applies to different types of products like apps, websites, and appliances. Following all the steps is usually best for teams new to user research.
  2. Using comic strips can make the usability testing process easier to understand. Different styles can be used to show various details and keep it fun.
  3. Incorporating character reference sheets helps maintain consistency in drawing characters when telling a story. This is crucial for clear storytelling in comics.

Reading Notes

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 691 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Digital Media
  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.

Why is Spotify held to a different standard than Meta?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Digital Media
  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.

Launch your own live video show on Substack

Substack Blog • 398 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Digital Media
  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.