The hottest Online Platforms Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top News Topics

Tucker, Candace, and the Conspiracy-Theory Podcast Grift

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1075 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Online Platforms
  1. Conspiracy content reaches massive audiences online, with modern series pulling in millions of views the way early viral films once did.
  2. Top creators have turned that attention into big money — ad reads can cost tens of thousands and CPMs plus guaranteed impressions make this a lucrative business.
  3. The clear financial upside creates an incentive to stoke anger and spread antisemitic or other harmful conspiracies, turning disinformation into a profitable grift.

My Wishlist for 12 Substack Enhancements

The Honest Broker • 18484 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Online Platforms
  1. Substack raised $100 million to improve tools and support for writers. This means they want to help creators gain new opportunities.
  2. Ideas for enhancements include creating platforms for music, video, and film, which would help independent creators gain more visibility and connect with audiences.
  3. Substack should provide more customization options for creators, like better layouts and fonts, and functions like embedding images in comments to enhance user experience.

In a Top Math Contest, the Cheaters Are Winning

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 445 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
🚌 Education Online Platforms
  1. Cheating in top math contests has become widespread and is now threatening the integrity and future of those competitions.
  2. Exam copies and answers are being bought and sold openly on global online platforms, making leaks easy to access and exploit.
  3. AI has amplified and accelerated the cheating problem, creating a bigger threat that serves as a warning for the wider education system.

How Onlyfans Took Over The World

Knowingless • 7901 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💼 Business Online Platforms
  1. OnlyFans changed the way adult entertainment works by creating a sense of individual connection between creators and fans. This makes users feel like they're having a personal experience, even when there are a lot of other guys involved.
  2. The platform allows creators to reach a wider audience without much advertising support. Instead, users have to market themselves, which leads to a huge increase in the number of ads for OnlyFans across the internet.
  3. Agencies have become a big part of OnlyFans, managing content and interactions for creators. They help maximize profits by taking care of marketing and customer interactions, letting creators focus on content.

From Beginner to Substack Expert | Interview with Sarah Fay

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1398 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
📚 Literature Online Platforms
  1. Many publishers are encouraging writers to use Substack to connect with readers and promote their older works. It's a good way to keep selling books that might otherwise be forgotten.
  2. Building a network on Substack is key to success. It's not just about writing; you need to engage with your audience and connect with others in the writing community.
  3. Unlike social media, Substack allows writers to grow their presence without constantly chasing trends. It offers a supportive environment where writers can focus on quality and creativity.
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When Algorithms Come to Your Neighborhood

The Honest Broker • 7513 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Online Platforms
  1. Nextdoor can be useful for getting local alerts, especially in emergencies. However, it might not always provide timely information when you need it.
  2. Many users ignore alerts from apps like Nextdoor because they often send old or irrelevant notifications. This can create a false sense of security and put people at risk.
  3. It's important to question whether the information we receive from neighborhood platforms is reliable. If we learn to overlook their messages, we could miss crucial updates.

Medium Isn't Dead. It's The Era of Smaller and New Writers.

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1198 implied HN points • 09 May 24
📚 Literature Online Platforms
  1. Many new and smaller writers are finding success and growing their audience on platforms like Medium. It's a good time for fresh voices to emerge and make their mark.
  2. Big-name writers leaving Medium often create noise, but writers should trust their instincts and explore their own path instead of just following trends.
  3. The landscape of writing platforms is changing, but opportunities still exist. Writers can still build careers and connections if they put in the effort and adapt to new demands.

Anatomy of a Hatchet Job

Castalia • 2597 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Online Platforms
  1. Substack has a different approach to content moderation compared to major social media platforms, focusing on free speech rather than strict content controls. This has led to controversies about the type of content allowed on their platform.
  2. Recent articles have criticized Substack for hosting extremist content, sparking debates about the platform's moderation policies. Critics argue that having such content reflects poorly on Substack, while supporters argue it aligns with free speech principles.
  3. The tensions between traditional media and new platforms like Substack highlight a struggle over who gets to control public discourse. Some view Substack as a space for independent voices, while others see it as problematic for allowing potentially harmful content.

On Recent Developments at Substack

Welcome to Garbagetown • 2599 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Online Platforms
  1. Acknowledgement of issues with Substack's management of diverse opinions and policies on monetization
  2. The dilemma of deciding whether to stay on Substack despite hosting problematic content or to leave and potentially lose audience
  3. Concern about the online space being dominated by harmful voices if good actors continually leave platforms hosting problematic content

From 0 to 1,000 Subscribers with Free Recommendations

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1318 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Online Platforms
  1. Recommendations are a great way to grow your subscriber base. Almost 28% of new subscribers can come from other newsletters suggesting your work.
  2. You don't need to spend money on ads to gain subscribers. Many writers have seen success by simply building relationships and getting recommendations for free.
  3. Substack’s recommendations engine is powerful and can help you increase your audience quickly. It works for new writers just as much as for those with a big following.

The internet's "town square" is dead

The Intrinsic Perspective • 18314 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Online Platforms
  1. The internet's idea of a centralized 'town square' is no longer feasible due to fundamental differences in people's worldviews.
  2. When individuals have too much control over speech without oversight, it often leads to corruption and abuse of power.
  3. The rise of new platforms like Threads and shifts in social media dynamics reflect a fragmentation of the 'town square' into multiple platforms with differing moderation policies and user bases.

Calling All Future Newsletter Superstars From Europe (Especially Germany)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 839 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
💼 Business Online Platforms
  1. There are new features for Substack that help non-native writers, like setting a default language for their newsletters.
  2. German-speaking writers want to connect and collaborate more, and there's a new online space for this group to share and improve their skills together.
  3. It's important for writers to stay consistent and confident, even if they feel like no one is reading their work.

How Much Money Can You Make Writing on Medium in 2024?

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1099 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
💼 Business Online Platforms
  1. You can make money writing on Medium, but it takes time, effort, and a good strategy. Many writers don't succeed because they rush or lack a clear plan.
  2. Medium has a large potential audience and a payment program that can benefit writers. However, most writers earn less than $100 a month because they don't utilize this platform effectively.
  3. Many new writers quit after a year due to slow growth and unrealistic expectations. It's important to stay committed and focus on improving your writing and promotion strategies.

Medium’s NEW Rules for AI-Generated Writing - Good or Bad?

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 599 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Online Platforms
  1. Medium is changing its rules to limit AI-generated writing. Starting May 2024, stories mostly written by AI can't be part of the paid program.
  2. Writers can still use AI tools to help their writing, but they need to put in their own effort to make changes and improvements.
  3. Medium's goal is to support human storytelling and ensure that readers get authentic experiences, which means protecting writers from AI competition.

⬜ The importance of curation

One Thing • 1186 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Online Platforms
  1. Curation has a long history dating back to ancient Rome, starting as a way to manage aspects of city life and evolving into a responsibility of caretaking, on both a spiritual and physical level.
  2. The concept of curation has shifted over time, from being associated with museum stewards to being seen as a glamorous act online, where individuals are faced with curating their digital presence to navigate vast content.
  3. There's a call for more support for curation, emphasizing the importance of sustaining those who find and organize valuable content, moving beyond just paying creators for their work.

A chance to share writing

Philosophy bear • 92 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
📚 Literature Online Platforms
  1. An offer to help writers promote their work by sharing notes, adding them to recommended lists, or reposting excerpts, while making no promises about results.
  2. A candid admission of sometimes feeling overlooked mixed with gratitude for past breaks and a commitment to pay those chances forward by giving others opportunities.
  3. A clear invitation for writers to post their work in the comments so it can get extra visibility and help make the talent market feel less lonely.

How to Start Writing on Substack in 2023 (Beginners Guide)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1458 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🚌 Education Online Platforms
  1. Substack is more than just a newsletter; it's like a personal book club where readers can engage and interact. It creates a cozy atmosphere for sharing thoughts and ideas.
  2. Getting started on Substack involves setting up an account, choosing a name for your publication, and customizing your URL. It's about making your space unique and welcoming for your audience.
  3. There are many underutilized tools in Substack that can help writers get seen, read, and paid. Exploring these tools can make your writing journey more effective and rewarding.

#1 I started a new project

Nittarab’s Substack • 59 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
💼 Business Online Platforms
  1. The author is beginning a new project and wants to share the journey publicly. This approach helps them learn and receive feedback from others.
  2. They aim to create an all-in-one platform for freelancers to manage their online businesses easily, addressing gaps in existing solutions.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of enjoying the project and views it as a way to bring new energy into their life without making radical changes.

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 Online Platforms
  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.

The Thread Vibes Are Off

Culture Study • 6437 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Online Platforms
  1. Different social media platforms have distinct norms and purposes.
  2. Threads, a new social media platform, is struggling to blend Instagram vibes with a Twitter format.
  3. Users are finding that content from Instagram influencers feels out of place on Threads.

How I Hit 1,000 Substack Subs in 5 Months & How You Can Too!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1458 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
💼 Business Online Platforms
  1. Building a Substack newsletter can be very rewarding, and it's possible to grow your subscriber count quickly. It took just five months to reach 1,000 subscribers.
  2. Consistent and engaging content is key to attracting and retaining subscribers. People want to feel connected through what you share.
  3. Promotion and networking are important. Sharing your newsletter in the right communities can help you gain more visibility and reach potential readers.

In Search of the “Reasonable Man”

Symposium • 432 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Online Platforms
  1. The debate about Substack and 'Substack Nazis' raises questions about freedom of speech and tolerance.
  2. Moderation on platforms like Substack should aim to keep out trolls and explicit Nazis while allowing for diverse discussions.
  3. A 'reasonable man' approach to content moderation could help platforms like Substack navigate difficult decisions.

How I Lost 100,000 Followers in One Year, and It Made Me a Better Writer

OK Doomer • 360 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
📚 Literature Online Platforms
  1. Breaking the rules can lead to better writing. Following strict guidelines might limit creativity, but stepping outside those boundaries can help a writer express themselves more freely.
  2. Having a real audience is more important than the number of followers. It's better to connect with readers who appreciate your message rather than just chasing clicks and fame.
  3. Writers face many challenges, especially when their views go against popular opinions. Despite the difficulties, persistence in writing can be rewarding, even if it means losing some followers along the way.

🌍 👩🏿‍🤝‍👩🏽 Building a digital lifeline for women around the world

New_ Public • 412 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Online Platforms
  1. Lola Omolola started a Facebook group, Female IN (FIN), which became a vital lifeline for over two million women worldwide.
  2. Facebook, despite its issues, is still a significant tool for relationship-building and is low-cost, making it impactful for communities like FIN.
  3. Community stewardship in FIN relies on a strong team of volunteers from within the community, creating a supportive and self-policing environment.

Ready to Rock 2024? Share Your Questions about the Future of Substack!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 379 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Online Platforms
  1. You can ask questions about the future of Substack in an interview with Christina Loff. This is a great chance to find out more about what's coming for the platform.
  2. Sharing your thoughts helps improve the Substack community. By asking questions, you can help shape the discussion about new features and growth strategies.
  3. Substack is focusing on community engagement this year. Getting involved can help you make the most out of the platform, whether you're a writer or a reader.

The internet is for 12-year-olds

Read Max • 2950 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Online Platforms
  1. Many content creators online are pressured to create content aimed at 12-year-olds due to the large number in the audience.
  2. Internet platforms lack adult mediation between young viewers and content creators, leading to a focus on adolescent content.
  3. Successful creators may reintroduce wholesome content into the online sphere, standing out in a sea of material targeting younger audiences.

Hidden Open Thread 392.5

Astral Codex Ten • 206 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Online Platforms
  1. This thread is meant for paid subscribers only. It’s a place to share thoughts and engage with others.
  2. Subscribers can share their questions and ideas, making it an interactive space.
  3. It offers a chance to connect and discuss topics that matter beyond regular posts.

Going Pro & My New Video Series

Matt Gray’s Newsletter • 334 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Online Platforms
  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.

13 Medium Publications That Can Nominate Your Stories for A Boost

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 419 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🚌 Education Online Platforms
  1. Medium has a Boost Program where selected stories get more exposure. This is great for writers who want their work to be seen by more people.
  2. There are 62 Community Nominators who can suggest stories for Boosting. Joining the right publications can help writers get their stories nominated.
  3. Writers can reach out to specific Medium publications to get their stories reviewed and potentially Boosted. Each publication has its own focus, so it's important to match your story with the right one.

Betting the kingdom

SuperJoost Playlist • 178 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Online Platforms
  1. Disney's $1.5 billion investment in gaming highlights the shift of entertainment firms towards the gaming industry.
  2. Microsoft's potential move to release Xbox games on PlayStation has stirred controversy among fans.
  3. Nintendo's decline in earnings, future of the Switch, and Roblox's strategy of user-generated content indicate interesting trends in the gaming industry.

3 médias bonus

L'Atelier Galita • 199 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
📰 News Online Platforms
  1. The Media is an alternative cooperative media outlet with a focus on independence, collaboration, and diversity.
  2. The Media faced challenges with funding due to a dysfunctional economic model and a shift towards advertising.
  3. Blast, a media outlet created by a former dissident of The Media, gained more popularity despite both facing similar issues.

Context collapse collapse

Read Max • 1317 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Online Platforms
  1. Elon Musk has made significant changes to Twitter since taking over, surprising many
  2. The disappearance of Twitter as a single context is impacting the internet's shared understanding
  3. Social media platforms are evolving, causing confusion and a shift in online culture

Breaking: Chris Rufo calls for tighter censorship on X

Karlstack • 505 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Online Platforms
  1. Chris Rufo believes that there should be more censorship on the social media platform X. He thinks that recent relaxed censorship has allowed harmful ideas to spread more easily.
  2. He points out that anti-Semitic views are becoming more common on the platform, which he finds concerning.
  3. Rufo argues that there needs to be increased oversight to ensure healthier discussions and limit the spread of conspiracy theories.

The Rise of Offline Apps

In Bed With Social • 336 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Online Platforms
  1. The mobile app landscape is shifting with a decrease in app downloads and counts on platforms like the App Store and Play Store.
  2. Apps like Breeze and Soon are introducing 'offline dating' experiences that prioritize face-to-face interactions over virtual connections.
  3. There is a rising trend towards digital consolidation and possibly a shift towards a 'super app' revolution to balance tangible experiences with digital connectivity.