The hottest Digital Media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics
Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter 2 implied HN points 05 Jan 26
  1. A hands-on, multi-week seminar teaches writers and artists to use AI as a creative ally for making meaningful short-form videos, emphasizing craft, intention, and experimentation rather than button-click tutorials.
  2. Seasoned instructors and guest teachers guide practical workflows and help students make narrative, visual, and thematic choices that keep human agency and embodiment central.
  3. The program aims to be accessible with discounts, a limited-time late-bird sale, and partial or full scholarships available for those in financial need.
Kneeling Bus 244 implied HN points 04 Mar 23
  1. Internet platforms are becoming visually chaotic and cluttered with junk, impacting user experience.
  2. The messy aesthetics of the internet reveal a shift towards desperate monetization strategies.
  3. AI may help clean up the internet's clutter by automating processes and reducing visual chaos.
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Startup Strategies 42 implied HN points 20 Jan 25
  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.
Kyle Chayka Industries 211 implied HN points 30 Apr 23
  1. Publications build intimacy and loyalty with readers.
  2. Consumers are now more connected to creators through intimate media formats like newsletters, podcasts, and TikTok.
  3. Consumers are turning to new platforms like TikTok to discover and engage with fresh ideas and content creators.
The Social Juice 41 implied HN points 17 Jan 25
  1. Brands are focusing more on real-life experiences instead of CGI and visual effects. Real events can engage customers just as strongly as elaborate digital fantasies.
  2. The lines between online and in-person experiences are blurring for Gen-Z. They still value real-world events but are motivated by how they can boost their online presence.
  3. AI in marketing is shifting from low-quality content to more creative, thoughtful pieces. It's about using technology to enhance storytelling and engage audiences better.
Internal exile 36 implied HN points 31 Jan 25
  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 clouds feel vertigo? 59 implied HN points 16 Feb 23
  1. Communication involves repeating and reshaping each other's ideas to better share information. This helps us work together more effectively and has made humans more resilient over time.
  2. AI, like ChatGPT, compresses information in a way that can lead to the loss of important details and sources. This makes it crucial to understand the limits of how technology represents knowledge.
  3. Blockchain technology offers a solution by creating unique digital items that are hard to replicate. This maintains a sense of originality and trust in our increasingly digital world.
Tiny Empires 49 implied HN points 23 Oct 24
  1. The internet is getting crowded with spammy content from bots and AI, making real conversations harder to find. It's important to focus on creating genuine and trusted online communities.
  2. Brands need to shift their strategies from chasing algorithms to building direct connections with their audience. This means prioritizing quality content and engaging personally with customers.
  3. Future success lies in balancing technology and human interaction. Startups should aim to create authentic spaces where people can connect, despite the overwhelming digital noise.
The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past 44 implied HN points 27 Oct 24
  1. Technology changes things fast, and businesses need to adapt or risk becoming irrelevant. It's important to rethink your business model with each new technology that comes along.
  2. Using technology shouldn't just be about making things faster or cheaper. It can also give you a chance to completely change how you do business and compete with others.
  3. Having talented people is key. Technology alone won't make you stand out; it's the skills and creativity of the people using it that truly make a difference.
Generative Arts Collective 39 implied HN points 22 Nov 24
  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.
Jon’s Newsletter 59 implied HN points 18 Dec 22
  1. A lot has changed since Argentina last won the World Cup in 1986, especially with technology. For example, back then, the internet and smartphones didn't exist.
  2. Major companies and services like Google, Amazon, and Netflix started many years after the 1986 World Cup. It shows how different our daily lives are now.
  3. Even social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter were created long after that victory. This highlights how we now connect and communicate in very different ways.
Tessa Fights Robots 15 implied HN points 04 Jun 25
  1. Algorithms can have a big impact on our lives, especially in job hiring. This can lead to a world where human choices are replaced by cold, unfeeling machines.
  2. It's important to resist dehumanizing systems and treat ourselves and others with love and respect. We can rebel against these systems simply by being kind and staying true to ourselves.
  3. Creating art and sharing personal experiences can be powerful ways to challenge the influence of these systems. Focusing on our own freedom can help us disconnect from the machine.
Political Currents by Ross Barkan 29 implied HN points 05 Feb 25
  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.
The Social Juice 26 implied HN points 15 Feb 25
  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.
Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM 19 implied HN points 06 Nov 23
  1. Sony has bought a UK company called iSIZE, which uses deep learning to improve video delivery. This could make cloud gaming better.
  2. iSIZE is known for creating lifelike digital characters and focuses on 2D and 3D modeling for games and virtual worlds.
  3. Sony believes cloud gaming is important for the future because people want to play games on the go, and this technology will help them do that.
The Social Juice 24 implied HN points 24 Feb 25
  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.
Internal exile 29 implied HN points 21 Dec 24
  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.
The Future, Now and Then 85 implied HN points 07 Dec 23
  1. Tech's center of gravity has shifted in the past 30 years in Silicon Valley, futurism, and WIRED.
  2. Tim Berners-Lee's effort to give users control over data faces challenges from established tech giants.
  3. WIRED is drawing boundary lines around the AI debate, embracing diverse perspectives and urging attention to the limitations of large language models.
Substack 57 implied HN points 07 May 24
  1. Substack Creator Studio helps video creators build subscription communities. It connects creators directly with their fans and helps them grow their presence.
  2. Selected creators get expert advice, media exposure, and personalized support to ensure their success. It's a great chance for them to showcase their content.
  3. Only U.S.-based creators can apply, and there's an emphasis on engaging with subscribers through the Substack platform. It's important for creators to make Substack their main base for content.
The Social Juice 24 implied HN points 17 Nov 24
  1. Meta is reducing ad subscription prices in the EU and using less data to show ads. This shows their effort to address user privacy.
  2. YouTube is launching a new way for creators to earn money with a feature called Jewels. This can help creators make more from their content.
  3. TikTok is expanding its tools for creators with an AI video generator. This will make it easier for users to create engaging videos.
Reactionary Feminist 6 implied HN points 14 Jul 25
  1. The digital revolution was expected to be a positive change, similar to the printing press, but it may actually be harmful. Instead of promoting freedom and democracy, it can hinder them.
  2. It's suggested that the move away from print culture is breaking down important ideas like facts and individual value. This shift could lead to a confusing landscape where common beliefs are challenged.
  3. The digital age might not increase political participation but instead create divisions. This could result in a society that faces political issues similar to those of the past but in a reversed manner.
Rings of Saturn 14 implied HN points 23 Jan 25
  1. Some hidden cheat codes for the game Hang-On GP have been discovered after almost 30 years. These codes can unlock special bikes and game modes.
  2. Players can now easily unlock all tracks and unlimited time in Time Trial mode with specific button sequences. This makes the game more fun and accessible.
  3. The cheat codes seem to have varied availability online, and some might still be missing from popular gaming sites. Players can share and help complete these lists.
The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly 15 implied HN points 18 Dec 24
  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.
Huddle Up 11 implied HN points 14 Feb 25
  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.
Aliveness Studies 13 implied HN points 26 Dec 24
  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.
Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter 1 implied HN point 21 Nov 25
  1. A collaborative workshop will teach you how to create AI videos. It focuses on making socially valuable, inspiring video statements that could go viral.
  2. The skills you learn are broadly useful and can be applied to many different creative and promotional projects. You'll also get to practice and build them in a group setting.
  3. Access to the full workshop requires a paid subscription, but a 7-day free trial is available for a limited one-week offer. Sign-up is time-limited if you want to join.
Jakob Nielsen on UX 11 implied HN points 02 Jan 25
  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.
Jakob Nielsen on UX 11 implied HN points 02 Dec 24
  1. Cookie consent banners waste a huge amount of time for users, costing billions in productivity. Most people ignore them or find them useless.
  2. NVIDIA's approach to building AI infrastructure allows for significantly faster performance improvements compared to traditional methods, promising exciting advancements in AI capabilities.
  3. Virtual try-on technology is becoming more accessible, allowing users to see how clothes look on them without needing a photoshoot, which can change the shopping experience.
Mind Prison 11 implied HN points 27 Nov 24
  1. Technology keeps us entertained but can limit our creativity. Constant stimulation from devices can make it hard for us to think deeply or come up with new ideas.
  2. Boredom is a key part of our thinking process. It helps our brains reset and can lead us to explore new ideas and solutions if we let it.
  3. Ignoring boredom by filling our time with distractions can hurt our ability to develop skills. If we always seek instant entertainment, we miss chances for growth and creativity.
Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM 19 implied HN points 09 Oct 22
  1. AI is rapidly advancing and changing many fields like art and gaming. It's exciting to see how much it can do in such a short time.
  2. We can now have complex conversations with AI, making technology feel more human-like. This could change how we interact with machines.
  3. The variety of tasks AI can perform shows the endless possibilities for the future. We're just starting to understand what AI can achieve.
From the Desk 9 implied HN points 19 Nov 24
  1. Not all ads are great, but repetition can make a brand stick in your mind. Some ads just need to inform rather than entertain.
  2. Good brands connect emotionally with their audience. They aim to show that using their products can help you feel like a better version of yourself.
  3. Positioning is key for brands. They need to clearly show who their products are for, helping certain shoppers feel more drawn to them.
The New Internet by Jeff Morris Jr. 9 implied HN points 19 Nov 24
  1. People are starting to care more about whether the content they consume online is made by humans or AI. This is similar to how we value handmade crafts for their quality.
  2. As AI tools become more popular, many creatives worry that handmade digital work will fade away. However, some believe there should still be a space for people who create things by hand online.
  3. Finding a balance between using AI tools and keeping the human touch in our digital creations is important. Some things will always feel better when they are made by real people.
Year Zero 29 implied HN points 23 Jun 23
  1. The author discusses the overwhelming nature of online content and the need for time to think and write.
  2. There is a description of the impact of online narratives on real-world events and individuals.
  3. The author highlights the shift in societal norms and the struggle against institutional capture.
Perspective Agents 18 implied HN points 17 Jan 24
  1. Perspective Agents book focuses on human and social implications of AI in the "autonomous age".
  2. The book encourages asking big questions about the impact of AI on crises, understanding key events, and fostering optimism.
  3. Prepare for major changes in media, like AI-powered answers, information flows, and the evolution of intelligence engines.