The hottest Monetization Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Important Question

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 14 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Monetization
  1. There’s a worry that essays attached to podcast episodes don’t show up in podcast apps, so subscribers might not see them.
  2. A specific attached essay is cited as an example and readers are being asked whether they received and read it.
  3. If those essays aren’t being seen, it’s upsetting because they’re valued content and could make people rethink subscribing.

A Tale Of Two Ecosystems: On Bandcamp, Spotify And The Wide-Open Future

Dada Drummer Almanach • 57 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🎶 Music Monetization
  1. Bandcamp and Spotify represent two very different music ecosystems: Bandcamp centers albums, artist-controlled pricing, open access and user privacy, while Spotify emphasizes playlists, ad/data-driven revenue and opaque royalty formulas.
  2. Digital downloads are now a tiny part of recorded music revenue (about 2% in 2024), so Bandcamp expanded into merch and physical sales because streaming dominates the market.
  3. Changes in Bandcamp’s ownership and layoffs hurt its reputation, and new entrants like the cooperative Subvert are trying to offer an alternative download-focused distribution in a market that still lacks strong competition.

Rage against the machine

Logging the World • 458 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Monetization
  1. The competition for attention on social media has evolved over time, with platforms now offering monetary rewards for content creators based on ad views.
  2. Twitter's new payment system incentivizes generating 5 million page impressions in 3 months, potentially leading to a culture of provocative and controversial content for profit.
  3. Platforms like Substack provide an alternative space for creators to build an audience and share longer, thoughtful pieces outside the cycle of inflammatory content and hate clicks.

Artificial Inconvenience

coldhealing • 452 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Monetization
  1. Twitter implemented restrictions on interaction with posts containing Substack links to compete with Substack Notes.
  2. Platforms strive for dominance and monetization through user retention and restricting links to other platforms.
  3. Despite challenges and artificial inconveniences on social media, users seek diverse platforms for different purposes.
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ICYMI Alert: YouTube Gives Smaller Creators Earlier Access to YPP

ICYMI by Lia Haberman • 353 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Monetization
  1. YouTube is providing earlier access to the YouTube Partner Program for smaller creators with lowered eligibility criteria.
  2. Creators will have access to fan funding features like channel memberships, Super Chat, and the ability to earn commissions through YouTube Shopping.
  3. By offering a sustainable path for smaller creators, YouTube may impact where creators choose to focus their efforts.

Going Pro & My New Video Series

Matt Gray’s Newsletter • 334 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Monetization
  1. Making money on YouTube through ad revenue is challenging and requires additional revenue streams like sponsorships and merchandise.
  2. Creating a video takes a lot of time and effort, from planning to shooting to editing.
  3. When considering starting a new project, seeking help and support can be crucial for success.

Should Condé Nast Subsidize Pitchfork?

The Seat of Loss • 14 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🎶 Music Monetization
  1. Music sites can’t rely on ads the way they used to, so album reviews need subscription revenue to be sustainable. Putting reviews and commenting behind a paywall is a market response to that reality.
  2. Large publishers subsidizing cultural outlets insulated them from market pressures and warped expectations for readers, writers, and smaller competitors. That subsidy made it harder for scrappy innovators to compete and created an unsustainable bubble.
  3. Condé Nast shouldn’t be expected to keep footing the bill indefinitely; Pitchfork should try to build a real subscription product and invest in podcasts and short-form video. If it can’t find a viable business model, it may be better for the site to close so the people who work there can pursue sustainable opportunities elsewhere.

Citizen Journalism on Twitter: A New Age

The Rabbit Hole • 314 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Monetization
  1. Twitter is empowering Citizen Journalists with features like Community Notes, Verification, and Creator Monetization.
  2. Trust in traditional media has declined, creating a space for Citizen Journalism to thrive on social media platforms like Twitter.
  3. Citizen Journalism on Twitter can democratize fact-checking, offer financial opportunities through monetization, and inspire a new generation of truth-seekers.

Starting a Substack

My Home Office Hacks • 10 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
💼 Business Monetization
  1. Treat a Substack like self‑publishing: building it doesn’t automatically bring readers, so you must actively market and consistently work to grow an audience.
  2. Right after publishing, post a Note and share your issue on your social channels; also subscribe to and recommend other Substacks to get visibility and attract curious readers.
  3. Good content starts with genuine interest, your own voice, and a clear point of view; stories build trust and engagement, and free subscribers can become paid ones later.

Boring niches are extremely valuable

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Monetization
  1. Boring niches in media can be very profitable, as they often provide unique insights that larger publications may overlook. This means that publications focusing on less glamorous topics can attract a dedicated audience.
  2. There's a dilemma in the media about whether to prioritize quality journalism or profitability. Some outlets might keep their paywalls but cut back on original content, which might affect their credibility.
  3. Short-form content, like mini dramas, is gaining traction and proving successful in markets like China, hinting that there may be untapped potential for similar formats elsewhere.

Embrace the content grind

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Monetization
  1. Consistency is key for creators. It's important to keep creating and improving, even when you don't see immediate results.
  2. YouTube is becoming more dominant in content creation due to its strong revenue sharing model, making it hard for other platforms to compete for talent.
  3. Tubi’s strategy of offering free content while avoiding expensive originals is smart. It focuses on generating ad revenue without needing big-budget shows.

How Scott Porch helps podcasters grow and monetize their audiences

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Monetization
  1. Scott Porch helps podcasters grow their audiences and make money. He connects them with advertising networks and helps them put their shows on YouTube.
  2. Growing a podcast can be tough because many advertising networks only work with shows that have a big following. Scott helps smaller shows get to the next level by fixing issues and improving strategies.
  3. He believes strongly in paid subscriptions for podcasts. The easier you make it for listeners to subscribe, the more likely they are to do it, especially on platforms like Apple Podcasts.

Is Monopoly GO really "PROFITABLE"?

The GameMakers Letter • 137 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Monetization
  1. Monopoly GO seems to be a successful mobile game, generating significant revenue and downloads
  2. The concept of profitability in free-to-play games can be complex, with various factors influencing true financial performance
  3. There may be discrepancies in claims of profitability, as success in the game industry can be evaluated differently

Everyone Should Start a Newsletter. Yes, That Means You!

Michael’s Newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
💼 Business Monetization
  1. Newsletters are better than software businesses in many ways, like being faster to write and cheaper to operate.
  2. Newsletters can be profitable, even surpassing million-dollar incomes, with examples like 'Pragmatic Engineer' making $2.7 million a year.
  3. To start a successful newsletter, focus on topics you can talk endlessly about, curate content, and answer people's questions for valuable content.

Shouting "Free bird" in a crowded theatre

Logging the World • 378 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Monetization
  1. The author is considering moving their content from Twitter to Substack due to recent changes in Twitter's policies, like the requirement to pay for Twitter Blue to avoid shadowbanning.
  2. The author has enjoyed interacting with people on Twitter but feels unsupported by the platform.
  3. Despite not planning to leave Twitter completely, the author is exploring other platforms like Substack for long-form content.

My call with a YouTuber with 2 million subscribers | #34

The Pole • 199 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
💼 Business Monetization
  1. Making money by selling to your audience is more lucrative than relying solely on ad revenue on YouTube
  2. Focusing on a specific niche makes marketing and positioning videos easier, but finding a balance is crucial to avoid burnout
  3. Understanding the value of your audience, such as their purchasing power, is essential for creating valuable content and solving pertinent problems

First 1000 by Ali Abouelatta

Newsletter Circle • 216 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
💼 Business Monetization
  1. Ali Abouelatta's newsletter 'First 1000' grew from 0 to 60K subscribers in 3 years without monetization
  2. Ali Abouelatta sees his newsletter as his personal blog to find answers to questions, not as a business
  3. Ali Abouelatta recommends focusing on writing quality content over growth hacking

Passing the Hat

The Commonplace • 809 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💼 Business Monetization
  1. The author aims to have a different approach to monetization by avoiding aggressive sales tactics and simply reminding readers about paid subscription options once a year.
  2. The author values creating a space free from excessive ads and calls to action, focusing more on providing quality content for readers.
  3. The author emphasizes that while money is appreciated, what truly matters to them is the readers enjoying and benefiting from their writing.

Growth Currency by Dylan Redekop

Newsletter Circle • 176 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
💼 Business Monetization
  1. Starting a newsletter can be a rewarding and powerful way to build an online business.
  2. Utilizing lead magnets, cross-promotions, and referral programs can significantly boost newsletter growth.
  3. Consider removing cold subscribers and focus on maintaining an engaged audience for optimal newsletter monetization and growth.

A look at Threads and what it means for the industry[Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 159 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Monetization
  1. Understanding the difference between Vertical and Horizontal Integration is crucial in business. Horizontal Integration can offer leverage and streamline processes within an organization.
  2. Threads, Meta's new app, has the potential to tap into academic circles on Twitter by addressing its mobile-only flaw. This could change user engagement dynamics and impact monetization.
  3. Social media platforms like Threads can be powerful tools for controlling public discourse and information flow. Meta's investment in the Metaverse is seen as a strategic move for the future.

How podcasters are making money on Substack

Substack • 510 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🎙 Podcasts Monetization
  1. Podcasters are moving away from ads and focusing on building direct relationships with their audience. This change helps them become more financially stable and allows for better content creation.
  2. Substack provides tools that help podcasters manage their shows better, combining newsletters, payments, and community interactions in one place. This integration makes it easier for creators to connect with their fans.
  3. Using subscription models and customizable paywalls, podcasters can control their growth and offer flexible content to both free and paid listeners. This strategy leads to increased engagement and potentially higher subscriptions.

How dbt succeeds

benn.substack • 997 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
💼 Business Monetization
  1. dbt Labs' success has had a significant impact on people's lives by providing better job opportunities and higher salaries in the data industry.
  2. Despite its success, dbt Labs may face increasing competition in the future from startups and other companies that are challenging its position in the market.
  3. dbt Labs could consider evolving its business strategy by focusing on its community, exploring new product opportunities, or even exploring options like selling the company to better align with market trends and potential challenges.

Meta's just not that into you

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
💼 Business Monetization
  1. Facebook is shifting away from news content, with recent actions including shutting down its news tab and restricting news links on its platforms like Instagram and Threads.
  2. Publishers have seen a decline in Facebook traffic over the years, as the platform has deprioritized news pages since the aftermath of the 2016 election.
  3. Many publishers blame Meta for not compensating them adequately, leading to lobbying efforts by publishers globally to force Meta to the bargaining table.

What I Learned By Writing...Oh My God...a THOUSAND Posts

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
😂 Humor Monetization
  1. Consistent output usually comes from pressure and habit rather than waiting for inspiration. Deadlines and the fear of falling behind can motivate steady publishing.
  2. Monetizing content matters: paywalls and subscriptions are effective ways to turn writing into income. Giving everything away for free makes it harder to build a sustainable business.
  3. Writing is hard and the blank page is intimidating, and many creators feel that struggle. Recognizing that this is normal makes it easier to keep going.

Substack shows are going pro

Substack • 449 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🎙 Podcasts Monetization
  1. Podcasters on Substack are making over $100 million a year, and this number has doubled recently. This means more people are choosing Substack to share their audio and video shows.
  2. Substack now allows podcasters to share their episodes on Spotify, helping them reach more listeners. It's a great way to grow their audience and earn money.
  3. Creators on Substack can customize their shows with features like transcripts, clip sharing, and mobile-friendly videos. These tools make it easier for them to connect with fans and produce quality content.

5 ways to reframe your pricing and packaging

Good Better Best • 3 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
💼 Business Monetization
  1. Order and design of your pricing page shape buyer behavior — put the plan or add‑on you want customers to choose in prime real estate to boost signups or upsells.
  2. Frame higher tiers around outcomes, not just volume — position features like AI assistants or ongoing services as work the product does for the customer to justify premium pricing.
  3. Set sensible defaults and packaging to reduce friction and increase commitment — use annual defaults, clearer credit allotments, and well‑placed add‑ons to simplify buying and grow recurring revenue.