The hottest Influencers Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

OnlyFans billboards are taking over

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2926 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Advertising Influencers Social media Trends
  1. OnlyFans is becoming more popular, with millions of creators joining the platform each year. This increase is leading to more billboards advertising these creators.
  2. Billboards are a smart way for OnlyFans stars to get noticed because they bypass strict online advertising rules for adult content. They can reach a wide audience without being ignored.
  3. Creators have seen big boosts in subscribers from their billboards, showing that this advertising method can really work in gaining attention and revenue.

How to destroy a world

Data People Etc. • 53 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Data science Software Systems Influencers
  1. Frameworks can be used for both building and breaking worlds. It's important to understand how to exploit weaknesses in these structures.
  2. To weaken a dominant system, you can undermine its narrative, disrupt key players, and challenge established norms. This approach can create doubts and resistance.
  3. Destroying a world can teach us about resilience. Strengthening systems and protocols is crucial to support and maintain their relevance in changing times.

Elon Musk, Ashley St. Clair, and the New Moral Majority

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 996 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Influencers Society Family Media
  1. Elon Musk reportedly has 13 children with four different women, making him a father many times over.
  2. Ashley St. Clair announced she had a child with Musk, which adds to his growing family.
  3. Despite Musk's personal life being quite public, conservative Republicans seem to be less critical about his situation.

The Profile: The son trying to live up to his father’s NBA legacy & the fentanyl vaccine that would prevent overdoses

The Profile • 297 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Athletes Health Influencers Vaccine Culture
  1. Bronny James, son of LeBron James, faces big expectations as he tries to make his mark in the NBA. Many believe he might struggle under the pressure of living up to his father's legendary status.
  2. The influencer brothers known as the Baseball Bat Bros have become major players in the bat market, rivaling professional athletes. Through fun and engaging videos, they have turned their hobby into a successful brand.
  3. A new vaccine could help prevent overdoses from fentanyl, which has become a huge problem in recent years. This development offers hope for combating the opioid crisis and saving lives.

The Influencer Era

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 140 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Influencers Public Discourse Opinion Entertainment
  1. Influencers have taken over discussions today. They often share quick opinions that get a lot of attention, even if those opinions are not deeply informed.
  2. People tend to prefer simple, catchy content over complex, researched information. This makes it easy to overlook true expertise in favor of what's entertaining.
  3. We should be more careful about who we listen to and take time to really think about topics. It's important to look for real knowledge instead of just popular opinions.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Momfluencer Who Went to Jail

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 867 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Parenting Influencers Abuse Childhood
  1. Ruby Franke, a social media influencer, was arrested for child abuse after her son showed signs of neglect. This case shines a light on the darker side of online parenting.
  2. Her daughter Shari has shared her experiences growing up, highlighting the difference between Ruby's public persona and the reality at home.
  3. The situation raises questions about the impact of sharing family life online and how it can hide serious issues beneath the surface.

Why Democrats won't build their own Joe Rogan

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 10689 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Influencers Democratic Party Conservatism
  1. The right has built a strong network of influencers who promote their message, but the left lacks similar support and reach in media.
  2. Conservative content creators often receive substantial funding and institutional backing, allowing them to grow rapidly and gain credibility.
  3. The Democratic Party seems uninterested in fostering a progressive media ecosystem, making it hard for left-leaning influencers to compete.

DashCon 2.0 + Gen Z mall mania

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3881 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Gen Z Influencers Shopping Events Social media
  1. Many Gen Z folks are excited to explore new experiences and prefer living in cities with remote work options. They want flexibility and are not very focused on settling down.
  2. There is a growing interest among Gen Z in influencers, but some see them as small business owners trying to achieve financial stability, leading to more conservative views in certain cases.
  3. Gen Z is bringing a new life to malls, primarily using them for socializing. However, the interest is still linked to online culture and social media rather than a full comeback for traditional shopping.

Inside Candace Owens plans to dominate women's media

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3642 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Conservatism Gender Issues Influencers Cultural Trends
  1. Candace Owens is starting a new women's media brand called Club Candace. It will focus on traditional values and aims to empower young mothers with various content and community support.
  2. Owens believes many women are unhappy with modern feminist ideals and traditional gender roles. She wants to promote a lifestyle centered around motherhood and family.
  3. Despite her pro-motherhood stance, Owens opposes policies like paid maternity leave and universal childcare. This creates a clash as many people support better benefits for working mothers.

Elon Musk's secret alt?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4777 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Influencers Social media Public Relations Political Commentary Controversies
  1. There are claims that Elon Musk might be using a secret Twitter account named Adrian Dittmann to defend himself. Many believe this account has a similar style and voice to Musk.
  2. Some people say they've heard proof that Dittmann is actually Musk's burner account, but the credibility of such claims is questionable.
  3. Regardless of whether Adrian is Musk or not, it raises interesting questions about social media and the behavior of public figures online.

Elon Musk the dadfluencer + The female creator safety tax

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2508 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers Parenting Safety Music
  1. Elon Musk is trying to change how people see him by showing himself as a caring dad. He brings his son to public events to create a more relatable image.
  2. Female creators face higher safety costs than male creators, often needing to spend a lot of money to protect themselves from threats like doxxing and stalking.
  3. Spotify's influence on music has changed how artists create and how listeners enjoy music. The platform's algorithms have reshaped music production and industry dynamics.

in the belly of the MrBeast

Never Met a Science • 394 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Social media Entertainment Influencers Content creation
  1. MrBeast focuses on making videos that work specifically for YouTube. He believes that success comes from understanding the platform and its audience, rather than traditional video-making skills.
  2. His success relies on a deep study of metrics like viewer engagement. The more people watch a video, the better it does, which is crucial for growing his channel.
  3. MrBeast aims to stay true to himself while being highly responsive to audience feedback. His content is shaped by what viewers want, blurring the lines between creator and audience.

‘We the People Are for TikTok’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 176 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Influencers Legislation National Security
  1. TikTok faced serious legal issues that could have led to its ban in the U.S. due to national security concerns. Many influencers were worried about losing the platform.
  2. Donald Trump announced a temporary delay on the TikTok ban, allowing the app to continue operating for now. This news sparked celebrations among influencers and supporters.
  3. During a TikTok-sponsored party, influencers celebrated the app's reprieve, showcasing a community that heavily relies on the platform for their fame and income.

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.

An influencer is suing another influencer for copying her aesthetic. Can she win?

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3463 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers Copyright Law Digital Content Trends
  1. An influencer is suing another influencer for copying her style and content. This case could change how online creators protect their unique aesthetics.
  2. The lawsuit raises questions about whether copying someone's visual vibe should be legally protected. Many experts think the original influencer's claim may not hold up in court.
  3. Similarities among creators are common online, but some influencers are frustrated with others who imitate their content too closely. This case could impact how influencers navigate creative boundaries.

TikTokers are spreading North Korean propaganda to sell supplements

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3582 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers Propaganda Marketing Consumer behavior
  1. Some TikTok users are sharing North Korean stories to promote supplements. They claim life in North Korea is better than in the U.S.
  2. These videos often use AI-generated images and stories to grab attention and sell products. They can be bizarre and hard to believe.
  3. After being reported, many of the accounts promoting this content were taken down, but some continue to operate and push these products.

The ‘Black Insurrectionist’ account is run by a white man

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2627 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Influencers Media Critique Cultural shift Election Dynamics
  1. A social media account promoting false theories about politics is actually managed by a white man pretending to be Black. This raises concerns about transparency in the online creator space.
  2. People are becoming more critical of wealthy influencers flaunting their luxuries, showing a shift towards less tolerance for excessive consumption.
  3. There's a growing pattern of conspiracy theories on both sides of the political spectrum, highlighting how misinformation can spread among different groups.

One of YouTube's biggest channels is opening a massive production studio

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2000 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Social media Influencers Content creation
  1. Alan Chikin Chow is opening a large 10,000-square-foot studio in Los Angeles to create content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. This shows how creators can compete with big Hollywood studios.
  2. His YouTube series, 'Alan's Universe', is really popular, getting millions of views with stories aimed at a young audience, especially girls. It combines K-drama themes with relatable storylines.
  3. Alan wants to expand 'Alan's Universe' into movies, TV shows, and more, showing that content creation is changing and that anyone with a good idea and the right skills can succeed.

The influencer holy grail

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💼 Business Media Marketing Influencers Investment Journalism
  1. Influencers want to create content that mixes cooking, fashion, and home decor. This mix attracts sponsors and gives a chance to sell lots of different products to followers.
  2. Local news is struggling, and a small yearly investment could help fix it. Just a bit of money could ensure every county in the US has a local news journalist.
  3. A newsletter called Sunday Long Read became popular by curating long-form articles. It shows how a focused idea can attract a loyal audience and even expand into new areas like podcasts.

Why Spotify is struggling to copy YouTube's playbook

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 424 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Streaming Media Podcasts Digital Publishing Influencers
  1. Spotify wants to be like YouTube by creating more video podcasts, but it's facing challenges. Many podcasts are hosted on different platforms, which makes it hard for Spotify to control everything.
  2. YouTube grew its ad business by having both video hosting and distribution. Spotify is trying to bring podcasters to its own platform, but many are reluctant to let one company have so much power.
  3. The shift in how Google ranks websites is affecting smaller publishers a lot. Many are losing traffic because the new updates target what Google considers 'low quality' sites.

The Power of the Charlatans; Maurizio Serra on Malaparte; Bidenomics; Zoë Hu on Andrew Tate

Unpopular Front • 38 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Influencers Biographies Economic Policy Historical Analysis
  1. There are many charlatans today who seem to gain respect, often promoting false ideas and oversimplified solutions. It's important to be aware of who we listen to.
  2. Grete de Francesco wrote a significant book about the dangers of charlatans and how they influence public opinion. Her insights show that charlatans take advantage of people's confusion during times of rapid change.
  3. De Francesco’s life story is also a tragedy; she was a talented journalist who was murdered in a concentration camp. Her work deserves to be remembered and reissued.

Two Shticks

Working Theorys • 160 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Branding Social media Influencers Identity Authenticity
  1. Everyone should have two main traits or skills that define them. The first one makes you stand out, while the second adds depth and keeps things interesting.
  2. Having two distinct sides makes you more relatable and allows you to connect with various people. It’s better than being seen as just one thing.
  3. While having multiple traits can sound appealing, it's usually best to stick with two to avoid confusion. The key is to let them complement each other for a fuller identity.

Charlotte Stavrou: Influencers and Entrepreneurship

Danielle Newnham • 19 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Influencers Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation Business
  1. Charlotte Stavrou shares how her childhood shaped her determination and drive as an entrepreneur. She believes that personal experiences can greatly influence one's work ethic.
  2. She discusses her recent dyslexia diagnosis and how it helped her feel more complete, as the education system made her feel inadequate before.
  3. Many founders are starting to become influencers now, partly due to the changes brought by COVID-19. Charlotte's agency provides insights on how influencers can better price their services.

Group chats, AI girlfriends and algorithmic culture

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 838 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers History Religion Art
  1. Mormon women have had a significant impact on internet culture, particularly through the popularization of products like the Stanley tumbler.
  2. The shift in caffeine consumption among Mormons in 2012 led to the growth of a soda culture, influencing trends like 'dirty sodas' and impacting products like Stanley tumblers.
  3. Mormon women's strong emphasis on family, combined with the openness of the internet, allowed them to become influential mommy bloggers and shape internet content with a focus on lifestyle and family values.

The coming pro-smoking discourse

Read Max • 3504 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Discourse Trends Social media Subcultures Influencers
  1. There's a prediction that a pro-smoking discourse backed by socio-political identities is gaining momentum.
  2. Historically, contrarian arguments in favor of smoking have existed but are now potentially resurfacing in various circles.
  3. The potential pro-smoking coalition includes The Intellectual Dark Web, cool downtown art and scene kids, and 'trad' health and lifestyle influencers.

Who to Follow on LinkedIn and X for A.I. Knowledge & News (repost)

AI Supremacy • 530 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Social media Newsletter Influencers Tech Trends
  1. The post provides lists of AI experts to follow on LinkedIn and Twitter for the latest insights.
  2. The recommended individuals include researchers, authors, builders, journalists, and more in the AI field.
  3. Following these experts can offer valuable breaking news and insights in AI, aligning with the latest trends and discussions.

Vegan Purity

coldhealing • 530 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
🍲 Food & Drink Veganism Ethics Influencers Vegetarianism
  1. Veganism requires constant action against societal norms, urging purity through abstinence.
  2. Personal conversion to veganism can be influenced by ethical reasons and a deep-rooted commitment to one's true self.
  3. Veganism can be challenging but serves as a guiding beacon of purity, even in difficult moments.

Data arithmetic

benn.substack • 536 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Influencers Media Celebrities Music
  1. In analyzing data, focus on simple steps like observing trends, hypothesizing causes, and adjusting actions.
  2. Data interpretation doesn't have to be complex; sometimes, a straightforward approach is enough.
  3. In the world of marketing, brands can face challenges when unexpected people endorse their products.

Unraveling the Reality behind Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise

Off-Topic • 593 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Digital Nomads Influencers
  1. Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise is part of a trend of large-scale world cruises to rejuvenate the industry post-COVID.
  2. The cruise experience is carefully crafted to be a utopia devoid of real-world problems, from ship amenities to curated port stops.
  3. Passengers aboard the cruise inadvertently become performers, blurring the lines between reality and corporate-controlled experiences.

Creating role models

The Greek Analyst • 299 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Role Models Influencers Sports Society
  1. Greece needs role models to inspire and lead the country towards a better future, individuals like Giannis, Maria, Lefteris, and Emmanouil serve as examples of excellence and ethics.
  2. It is crucial to have diverse role models beyond just athletes, including entrepreneurs, artists, experts, educators, and politicians, to create a positive impact and influence society.
  3. Building more and better role models involves supporting and promoting them, setting a good example ourselves, and investing in personal and collective growth to bring about positive change.

The Theory of the Leisure Class on Instagram

quite useless • 452 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Social media Influencers Artificial Intelligence Fashion Satire
  1. The internet phase of culture is driven by recursion, accelerating social cycles and shifting tastes rapidly.
  2. Instagram has evolved from reflecting real-world consumption and leisure to a curated space for projecting digital honorific waste.
  3. Strategies such as humor, conspicuous crap, hypercuration, and outsourcing signal a shift away from the pursuit of illusory perfection on Instagram.

⬜ Connecticut is a trend

One Thing • 296 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Influencers Pop culture Internet culture
  1. Influencers are shifting towards embracing the suburbs, with Connecticut becoming a trending location due to its appeal for content creation and lifestyle aesthetics.
  2. Connecticut's evolving image is influenced by pop culture references, creating a mix of traditional suburban ideals and modern internet-driven content.
  3. The state's suburban towns offer an attractive alternative to city living, with proximity to urban areas like Manhattan and a blend of capital dreams with references to other fictional or real places.