The hottest Digital Platforms Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

What it takes to join the creator middle class

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 12 Mar 26
đź’Ľ Business Digital Platforms
  1. Mid-sized creators can earn solid, middle-class incomes by treating their channels like businesses and optimizing every revenue stream—affiliate links, brand deals, and higher-value products can turn one well-made video into serious income.
  2. Platform economics and new business models are widening who can earn: ad revenue sharing, streaming payouts, events, and creator incubators let more artists and journalists make a living, though network deals can trade off growth for ownership.
  3. Tech and AI are reshaping media work—AI boosts productivity and forces organizational change, while cheaper production tools and legacy publishers’ pivots (like events and rehiring reporters) lower barriers and alter how creators build sustainable careers.

An Ugly New Marketing Strategy Is Driving Me Nuts (and You Too)

The Honest Broker • 30453 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
đź’Ľ Business Digital Platforms
  1. A new marketing trend encourages companies to annoy customers instead of trying to sell to them. This strategy makes people want to pay for premium services just to escape the annoying ads.
  2. Digital platforms now focus on grabbing user attention through irritating tactics. This creates an 'Annoyance Economy' where companies prioritize engagement over good customer experience.
  3. Customers are getting fed up with these annoying practices, and some are even choosing to walk away from brands altogether. Companies that ignore this feedback risk losing their customers in the long run.

The World's Largest Search Doesn't Want You to Search

The Honest Broker • 45746 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. Search engines, especially Google, are moving away from their main job of helping people find information. Instead, they want to keep users on their platforms with AI results that don’t always give good answers.
  2. Google prioritizes its advertising and profitability over providing reliable search results. People often end up with low-quality information or ads instead of what they are really looking for.
  3. Many users are losing trust in Google and other big tech companies because they feel the platforms are not serving their needs. If this trend continues, it could lead to serious consequences for these companies.

Join my new subscriber chat

Big Tech • 1031 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. A new subscriber chat called Big Tech subscriber chat has launched on the Substack publication.
  2. It’s a private space where subscribers can converse and connect directly.
  3. Access is limited to paid subscribers, with links provided to subscribe or sign in.

Old Media Finally Wakes Up from a Coma

The Honest Broker • 31251 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
đź“° News Digital Platforms
  1. Old media is realizing that it needs to change in order to survive. They can't continue doing things the same way as before.
  2. Influencers and new media figures like Joe Rogan and Elon Musk are now more powerful than traditional journalists. Their ability to reach large audiences is forcing old media to adapt.
  3. Legacy media organizations, like CNN and the New York Times, are starting to imitate the styles and formats of new media to attract viewers. They are trying to be more conversational and engaging.
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Jeff Bezos has given up on the Washington Post

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 374 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
đź“° News Digital Platforms
  1. The Washington Post’s recent moves, like cancelling planned Olympic coverage, suggest ownership is prioritizing cost cuts and managing decline rather than investing to grow the business.
  2. YouTube’s push toward Shorts is reducing reach for longform videos, making discovery more algorithm-dependent and forcing creators to rethink formats and monetization.
  3. Newsrooms are using citizen-shot video as raw material but adding reporting and context—names, dates, and follow-up—to correct narratives and provide the fuller story.

Thoughts on Publishing a Novel in 2025

Counter Craft • 735 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
đź“š Literature Digital Platforms
  1. Traditional book coverage in newspapers and glossy magazines is shrinking, making it much harder for many books to get reviews in legacy media. At the same time, those old reviews are less central to selling books than they used to be.
  2. Newsletters, podcasts, and platforms like Substack are increasingly filling the gap left by legacy outlets and can drive attention in ways that matter for authors, though platforms can change unpredictably.
  3. Publishing is more fragmented across formats and platforms—audio, subscription boxes, BookTok, self-publishing, and more—so authors can succeed in different ways and should be nimble about charting their own paths.

The War Against Indie Creators Is Now Getting Dirty

The Honest Broker • 14628 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Digital Platforms
  1. Apple is taking a big chunk of money from indie creators by charging them a 30% fee on subscriptions through their app. This is making it really tough for artists and freelancers to keep making a living.
  2. Google changed its search rules, harming many indie publishers and websites while favoring larger companies. This has made it hard for these smaller sites to get noticed, leading to fewer visitors and loss of income.
  3. Podcasting is becoming super popular and important for media and politics. As traditional news outlets lose influence, more people are turning to alternative media like podcasts for information.

When Government Decides What You Can Read (Part 1)

Who is Robert Malone • 12 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Digital Platforms
  1. The White House ran a sustained, well-documented campaign pressuring major tech platforms to remove or downrank COVID‑related content, and that campaign was executed day-to-day by political digital operatives who targeted scientists and conservative commentators.
  2. A British nonprofit, the Center for Countering Digital Hate, provided target lists used by the administration, meaning a foreign partisan organization helped shape which American voices were flagged for suppression.
  3. Lower courts found likely government coercion, but the Supreme Court dismissed the case on standing, leaving the central First Amendment question unresolved and showing how procedural rulings can prevent accountability for executive actions.

Nobody Cares About the News Anymore and the Business Is Built on That Lie

Startup Strategies • 85 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
đź“° News Digital Platforms
  1. Most people don’t actually care about the news anymore.
  2. People only glance at headlines or blurbs and don’t want to read full articles because they’re long, complex, and often boring; they compete with entertainment like Netflix.
  3. The news industry is deeply broken and is built on the false idea that people will consume traditional news the way they used to.

From Zero to 100 Paid Subscribers on Substack

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1139 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
đź’Ľ Business Digital Platforms
  1. Your unique voice and perspective are valuable. People will pay for your insights and stories, so embrace your individuality.
  2. Substack allows you to build a direct income from your subscribers. Unlike many other platforms, you can earn consistent money from your loyal audience.
  3. There is a niche for everyone. No matter how unconventional your ideas are, there are people who will relate to and appreciate your work.

Abundance, Dislocation, & the Fight to Focus Our Attention in the 21st Century

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 230 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. Material abundance has largely ended mass scarcity and improved health and longevity, but it doesn’t automatically give people meaning or a sense of agency; we must use wealth to create conditions for living wisely and well.
  2. Rapid technological change brings big gains but also disruptive dislocation and is being handled only moderately well by current politics. The emerging Info‑Bio‑Tech era makes attention the scarcest resource, so guarding focus against platform-driven capture is essential.
  3. The center of global growth is shifting toward the developing world, and the main political task is building institutions that expand real freedom—agency, dignity, and a shared sense of reality—so people can truly flourish.

[Editorial] In defense of critical citations

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 305 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
đź“° News Digital Platforms
  1. Treating all citations as endorsements harms investigative work because it discourages journalists and researchers from citing primary sources and doing forensic analysis.
  2. Direct citations to primary materials — even from extremist forums — are valuable evidence that let readers verify claims. They help reveal internal dynamics and avoid reliance on secondhand summaries.
  3. Critiques should focus on language, synthesis, and how sources are used rather than raw citation counts, since context determines whether a citation implies endorsement.

Where Did TikTok Come From?

The Honest Broker • 7879 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. TikTok's success can be attributed to a strategic focus on teens as the main users of the platform, creating a significant legal and social impact.
  2. Zhang Yiming, founder of TikTok, capitalized on the algorithm's power over user control to pave the way for the platform's global success.
  3. TikTok's uniqueness lies in its outsider status in China, where a similar app exists, showcasing its worldwide appeal and massive user base.

Notes on SubStack These Days

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 338 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. Substack thrives on community engagement. When users get involved by sharing feedback and suggestions, it keeps the platform vibrant and active.
  2. The success of Substack isn't just about technology; it's about the writers and readers who contribute their ideas and critiques. Their participation helps shape the platform's future.
  3. Balancing free and paid subscriptions is essential for growth. A healthy free audience can convert to paying subscribers, which is crucial for lasting success.

Announcing the "No BS Political Science Newsletter"

Never Met a Science • 66 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🚌 Education Digital Platforms
  1. A new monthly newsletter will gather political science announcements, calls, publications, and job openings from microblog platforms so scholars can spot opportunities they might otherwise miss.
  2. Microblogging concentrates attention and creates networked inequality and parasocial weirdness, so scholars should use more transportable, resilient communication channels like email lists, newsletters, and self‑hosted tools.
  3. Open, scrapeable platforms made this digest possible but relying on for‑profit closed platforms is risky; the academic community should build and maintain its own infrastructure and language models for long‑term independence.

Is the latest game subscription 'moral panic' justified?

The GameDiscoverCo newsletter • 373 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. There is debate about whether the 'moral panic' around the latest game subscription services is justified.
  2. Subscription services like Game Pass are seen as gatekeeping and may impact the creation of creative first-party games.
  3. The market for games is evolving, with a mix of direct-to-market games, subscription services, and the importance of gamers owning their catalogs.

Why podcast ads demand higher prices than YouTube ads

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🎙 Podcasts Digital Platforms
  1. Podcast ads cost more than YouTube ads because people often focus more while listening to podcasts. Many watch videos passively, so advertisers get less value from those ads.
  2. YouTube is turning into a big platform for subscriptions, and it makes a lot of money from them. This shows that users are willing to pay to avoid ads.
  3. Most people in the U.S. do not pay for news when they hit a paywall, which highlights how difficult it can be for news publishers to get subscribers.

The Doc Web

escape the algorithm • 718 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🎭️ Culture Digital Platforms
  1. A doc created can easily transition from a private space to a public domain with a simple click of a share button.
  2. Google Docs is more than just a word processor; it forms a unique, vast network known as the 'Doc Web' with subtle yet powerful publishing capabilities.
  3. The widespread accessibility and simplicity of Google Docs as a publishing tool can challenge traditional power dynamics and lead to unconventional forms of expression and shared knowledge.

On Substack (sigh)

Notes from a Small Press • 79 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
đź’Ľ Business Digital Platforms
  1. Substack has faced criticism and controversies over its policies, leading many writers and readers to leave or stop using the platform. This has created a divide among newsletter creators regarding where to publish.
  2. Many writers rely on Substack for income, and leaving the platform could significantly hurt their earnings. This makes it tough for some to decide whether to stay or leave because the options out there might not be any better.
  3. The idea of creating a newsletter co-op, where writers could collaborate and bundle their subscriptions, was interesting but faced challenges in gaining interest. Without more options for writers, the future of independent newsletters seems uncertain.

The Decentralised Workforce

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 586 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
đź’Ľ Business Digital Platforms
  1. Many people are choosing gig work instead of traditional jobs for more freedom and better moral alignment with their work. This shift is especially notable among younger workers who value flexibility.
  2. The gig economy is growing rapidly, with more specialized platforms allowing skilled workers to connect with clients and earn substantial incomes. It's not just about food delivery anymore; many people are making good money in diverse fields.
  3. Despite the opportunities, there are challenges, such as platform fees and lack of benefits for workers. There's a need for policies that support gig workers to ensure they have fair earnings and access to health insurance.

How to Get Boosted on Medium (with Insider Interview)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 619 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🚌 Education Digital Platforms
  1. Medium can boost your stories, giving them more views and exposure. Some writers have seen their stories gain 100,000 views and more, meaning good potential for recognition.
  2. There are five key criteria to get a story Boosted: it should be constructive, original, share relevant experience, be well-crafted, and memorable. Using these tips can increase your chances of being seen.
  3. Adding a human touch to your writing can make a big difference. While algorithms help, connecting with readers on an emotional level is what truly makes a story stand out.

Et tu, Substack?

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. Substack has introduced a feature called 'Notes' that users cannot turn off. This feels like forced participation to many writers.
  2. Many writers joined Substack to avoid the constant notifications and pressure of social media like Twitter.
  3. The changes to Substack have made some users reconsider their support for the platform and their plans to continue using it.

Twitter or Bluesky? How about neither.

Silver Bulletin • 418 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. Twitter has lost much of its influence compared to its heyday, now having less engagement and relevance in social media discussions. Many users are finding better alternatives for their online engagement.
  2. Despite challenges, Twitter still holds some value for quick updates, memes, and keeping up with special interests. However, its growth seems stagnant, and it's not heading towards a broader 'everything app' vision.
  3. The business model of platforms like Twitter faces inherent issues, as they struggle to balance being a platform and a publisher. This affects their profitability and long-term sustainability.

The paywall dilemma

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
đź’Ľ Business Digital Platforms
  1. Hiding articles behind a paywall can lower subscription rates. Many readers feel they've gotten enough info from just the headline and first few lines, so they don’t feel the need to pay.
  2. The creator economy is growing, with many people earning six-figure incomes from smaller audiences. This means that you don’t need a huge following to be successful anymore.
  3. Media companies, like BuzzFeed, are shifting to build their own social networks. This helps them keep audiences engaged on their own platforms and improves their chances of future success.

Why do some great PC/console games fail to 'go big'?

The GameDiscoverCo newsletter • 294 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. Some great PC/console games may struggle to become popular despite positive ratings and marketing efforts.
  2. The genre of a game, such as 'Metroidvania', can impact its success due to market saturation and competition from existing popular titles.
  3. Publishers should focus on understanding player behavior, adapting marketing strategies, and fostering organic excitement to improve game reach and success.

Whatsapp Is Irreplaceable

Just Messaged • 99 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. WhatsApp has become a dominant communication medium worldwide, surpassing traditional methods like phone calls and SMS.
  2. Zuckerberg's strategic acquisition of WhatsApp highlighted the value of its irreplaceability factor and led to the introduction of business solutions within the platform.
  3. The development of the WhatsApp Business API opened up new opportunities for businesses to interact with customers, paving the way for WhatsApp to become a potential super app with various functionalities.

Why games get big post-release discovery boosts

The GameDiscoverCo newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. Games can experience surges in popularity post-release due to factors like multiplayer additions and influencer attention.
  2. Steam wishlist conversion rates may vary slightly based on the age of the wishlist, but older wishlists still have good potential for conversion.
  3. Different strategies, such as launching at 1.0, adding multiplayer features, or aiming for viral multiplayer success, can lead to post-release boosts in game discovery.

All media is niche media now

Men Yell at Me • 376 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Digital Platforms
  1. Media today is all about specific audiences, not broad ones. This means every story has its own niche and people find information where they connect best.
  2. Big money often influences media, which can lead to biased reporting. Media outlets are not purely good or bad; they all have their issues, often based on their funding sources.
  3. The rise of independent creators is changing how we tell stories. It's important to be personal and relatable, making content more engaging and fun for everyone.

Arguing with Software

David Friedman’s Substack • 251 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. Dealing with automated systems can be frustrating. Sometimes, your complaints are answered by software that just sends form letters instead of real help.
  2. Getting issues resolved often requires persistence. If you keep pushing for a solution, a real person may eventually step in to help.
  3. It's important to remember that companies aren't people. They may prioritize efficiency over empathy, which can impact how they handle problems.

Did CCDH and AAMC Cooperate on COVID Censorship?

Who is Robert Malone • 11 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🏥 Health Politics Digital Platforms
  1. The AAMC and CCDH acted as complementary parts of the same censorship‑oriented ecosystem. AAMC enforced norms inside medicine while CCDH pressured platforms and public discourse.
  2. Coordination came through shared funders, overlapping advisory networks, and participation in government‑led partner calls rather than a clearly documented contract. There’s strong circumstantial evidence of synchronized messaging and influence.
  3. CCDH projects like the "Disinformation Dozen" shaped platform moderation and government talking points, and AAMC statements often echoed that rhetoric, helping to marginalize dissenting medical voices.

6 March is DMA-Day

Platform Papers • 59 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) will enforce new rules on major digital platforms starting March 6, 2024, aiming to make markets fairer and more contestable for platforms like Apple, Google, Meta, TikTok, Amazon, and others.
  2. The DMA introduces obligations for gatekeepers to open up ecosystems, ensure fairness for business users, and promote transparency by submitting compliance plans publicly.
  3. The enforcement of DMA rules faces challenges from wealthy companies like Apple resisting compliance and the European Commission needing to balance limited resources with rigorous enforcement, highlighting the need for immediate action and collaboration with national agencies.

Brazil Bailed on Twitter, and So Did I: The Vibes Are Off

What the Blurb • 2 HN points • 05 Sep 24
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. Brazil's Supreme Court banning Twitter led to a big drop in users there, and many are trying out other platforms like Bluesky.
  2. Bluesky is gaining popularity because it has cool features that users find fun and engaging, unlike some other social media apps.
  3. The writer feels stuck between using both Threads and Bluesky, realizing social media is becoming more divided and siloed.

How writers, podcasters, and creators are building real communities on Substack

Substack • 409 implied HN points • 02 May 24
đź’Ľ Business Digital Platforms
  1. Using chat features on Substack helps writers attract more subscribers. When creators use chat, they often see 10% more subscribers at launch.
  2. Paywalled chat conversations can significantly boost paid subscriptions. Writers who have these chats are growing their revenue twice as fast as those without.
  3. Regular chat participation keeps subscribers engaged. Creators with ongoing chats are 12% more likely to retain their paid readers.

Is Sports Coverage Dying?

C.W.’s Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎾 Sports Digital Platforms
  1. Newspapers are shifting away from traditional sports coverage due to the rise of digital platforms like The Athletic and team-specific internet sites.
  2. Printed newspapers are adapting to the decline in sports coverage by transforming into sports magazines with less emphasis on game stories.
  3. Gen Z is showing a lower interest in traditional sports viewing, preferring social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram to stay updated on sports content.

What everyone's getting wrong about Threads

Social Warming by Charles Arthur • 98 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
đź•ą Technology Digital Platforms
  1. Threads saw a rapid drop in initial signups, following a common pattern for new software launches.
  2. Criticism of Threads for having only an algorithmic timeline may not consider the need for engagement for new social networks.
  3. Threads aims to disrupt Twitter, still working on developing features to keep users engaged and improve user experience.

I posted 300+ Threads in 3 days

Both Are True • 531 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Digital Platforms
  1. The author posted over 300 threads in 3 days on Threads app, narrating the experience and reflecting on the impact.
  2. Threads can be a platform for sharing thoughts and experiences, but the author also highlighted its distractions and questioned the significance.
  3. The text encourages reflecting on the meaning and impact of digital platforms like Threads, urging readers to consider their choices and values.