The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Cringe communication on LinkedIn. Yay, 🙌 or Nay? 🙅‍♀️

Business & Marketing with Nika • 19 implied HN points • 04 Aug 24
💼 Business Social media
  1. Communication on LinkedIn has shifted from formal to casual. It’s now common to see memes and selfies, which can feel a bit cringe.
  2. Being informal can help break the ice, but it’s important to maintain a professional image. Be careful when being casual, especially with potential clients or employers.
  3. When using LinkedIn, think about the tone you want to use. Make sure it fits your audience, and be aware of how your communication style might affect future interactions.

In Search of Artistic Integrity

if not, Paris • 393 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Authentic art should not be defined by market value, but by its ability to connect with and inspire individuals
  2. The pressure for artists to focus on self-promotion and follower counts can lead to alienation from the true essence of their work
  3. Choosing anonymity as an artist can be a powerful statement against the expectations of mass popularity and societal norms

Checking in on Twitter

Read Max • 2186 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. The state of Twitter following Elon Musk's acquisition is still uncertain, with questions about website functionality, business sustainability, and user engagement remaining unanswered.
  2. Although Musk announced plans to eliminate the block function on Twitter, it seems like a questionable idea that may not actually materialize.
  3. Changes in Twitter's culture have been observed, with a shift towards tech industry influencers, impacting the dynamics of stories and discussions on the platform.

20260208

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 8 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. People are using dating apps and other social platforms to look for jobs and network, blurring the line between personal and professional profiles.
  2. Career paths are being shaped by big trends like biotech breakthroughs, geopolitical events, and the rise of virtual economies, so job choices now reflect wider cultural and global forces.
  3. Unconventional connection methods — from novelty check‑in apps to snail mail and digital avatars — can create real opportunities, so creative, human-centered networking pays off in uncertain times.

Optimistic prospects for a democratic resurgence

Brain Pizza • 529 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Technology and neuroscience can help make political information easier to understand. This means more people can join in discussions about democracy without feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Better education focused on critical thinking will help people resist misinformation. This way, citizens will make smarter choices and be more engaged in their communities.
  3. Social media platforms are likely to change for the better, promoting respectful discussions and fact-checking. This shift can help reduce anger and division online.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Did Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais really sink to new depths?

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1568 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Critics say Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais' new specials are punching down, not insightful or funny.
  2. The target of their jokes may not be the marginalized groups they seem to mock, but those who display moral superiority online.
  3. Social media outrage often simplifies complex issues, but there can be funny jokes about anyone as long as they're thoughtful and original.

SITREP

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 899 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
💼 Business Social media
  1. Frogpackages have been well received by recipients.
  2. Efforts are being made to ensure budget needs are met by next week.
  3. Less focus on social media as the project is in a growth and transition phase.

Be the Star! Get a Special Shoutout as Reward for Sharing Kristina God’s Newsletter

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 379 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Sharing a newsletter can help build a community and increase engagement. Engaging with readers makes them feel appreciated and involved.
  2. Newsletters should provide clear value to subscribers by fulfilling their needs or interests. This can include answering questions or offering insights.
  3. There are incentives for referring new subscribers, like shoutouts on social media. These rewards encourage people to help grow the newsletter.

I got banned from BlueSky for committing wrongthink

The Dossier • 628 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. BlueSky was created to be a platform for free speech, but it has turned into a space for strict censorship and only allows certain political views.
  2. Users can be banned quickly for expressing unpopular opinions, showing that the platform may not truly support diverse ideas.
  3. The experience on BlueSky can be chaotic and filled with extreme viewpoints, making it feel unsafe for those with different beliefs.

Twitter-why?

Disaffected Newsletter • 1059 implied HN points • 20 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Twitter denied reinstating an account multiple times, claiming it incited violence against marginalized communities. The account owner insists this accusation is false and calls for fair treatment.
  2. The account has lost significant funding from Patreon, impacting its ability to promote their show and causing financial strain.
  3. The owner expresses frustration with Twitter's lack of communication and transparency, emphasizing the importance of truth and fair treatment in online platforms.

Regulate Tech — Big Time

OLD GOATS with Jonathan Alter • 373 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Regulating the tech industry is crucial to protect safety, privacy, and competition.
  2. Tech companies like Facebook and Google have shifted from empowering people to exploiting human weaknesses.
  3. Strong bipartisan support is needed to address the harmful impacts of technology on democracy and public health.

Submerging the Twittersphere

The Hunt for Tom Clancy • 373 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. The author is taking a break from using Twitter to promote their content due to Elon Musk's recent actions.
  2. Elon Musk made a move to ban Substack and Substack-related links from his platform.
  3. The Hunt for Tom Clancy author has explanations and theories regarding Elon Musk's actions.

New read-aloud voices, quote restacks, and Note stats

Substack • 551 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Substack has introduced new ways to share quotes, making it easier for readers to customize and share their favorite parts of posts. This fresh look helps quotes stand out better.
  2. Publishers can now track how their Notes are performing with stats showing new subscribers, clicks, and shares. This can help creators understand what their audience likes.
  3. There are new text-to-speech voices available to enhance the listening experience for readers. Publishers can pick different voices for their posts, making listening more enjoyable.

Goodbye Twitter, Hello Notes

The Lund Loop • 353 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. The author decided to leave Twitter due to personal reasons and a negative experience.
  2. Moving forward, the author will be posting exclusively on Substack Notes.
  3. Some posts will still be auto-posted on Twitter, but it will be a one-way relationship.

Is there life after CNN? Chris Cillizza hopes so

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 623 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Getting fired can be really tough and emotional, and people can be unkind about it online. It’s normal to feel a mix of shame and anxiety after losing a job.
  2. After leaving CNN, Chris Cillizza started his own Substack newsletter and YouTube channel. He is trying to build a new career as an independent content creator and finds some success there.
  3. He misses the camaraderie of working in a newsroom but is learning that his new path can also provide fulfillment and revenue on his own terms.

junk food for the soul

bad cattitude • 177 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Social media acts like a quick fix to escape pain, but it often leads to deeper problems rather than solving them. People become addicted to the temporary relief it provides.
  2. The digital world creates a false sense of community, making people reliant on online validation which can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety in real life.
  3. Social media can be very unhealthy because it promotes extreme behavior and divides people into angry groups. It's important to be aware of how it can shape our thoughts and relationships.

Solving the Social Dilemma: Many Paths to Social Media Reform

After Babel • 1610 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Laws are crucial for solving collective action problems like those caused by social media companies exploiting users.
  2. Historical examples show that coordinated efforts from various groups can solve complex issues like worker safety in factories.
  3. Proposed social media reforms include content-based, age-gating, and design-based solutions to address harms, aiming for a more humane tech future.

💎 What’s your status?

New_ Public • 353 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Status plays a key role in understanding communities and interactions.
  2. Financial systems and AI tools are influenced by status hierarchies.
  3. Examining design choices in digital spaces can impact the status dynamic and promote more equitable interactions.

ICYMI Alert: YouTube Gives Smaller Creators Earlier Access to YPP

ICYMI by Lia Haberman • 353 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  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.

Twitter’s King Lear

quite useless • 353 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Substack announced a new feature called Notes, prompting a negative response from Twitter.
  2. Twitter disabled embedding, likes, and retweets of Substack links, leading to backlash from Substack writers.
  3. The conflict between Substack and Twitter highlights the importance of understanding the nature of platforms and not alienating loyal users.

an internet underworld

Early Plexus News • 353 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Facebook's focus on engagement led to an impersonal internet driven by marketing budgets.
  2. The online space lacks areas for authentic self-expression and connection beyond consumerism.
  3. Creating internet spaces that foster genuine connection and individuality is crucial for human fulfillment in the digital age.

Twitter or Bluesky? How about neither.

Silver Bulletin • 418 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  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.

Lonelier than Ever? Maybe It’s Your Fault.

Litverse • 139 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Gen Z spends excessive time on phones and notifications, leading to increased feelings of loneliness and depression.
  2. Research indicates a decline in face-to-face interactions among American men and teenagers, with fewer teens spending time with friends regularly.
  3. Loneliness, particularly among younger generations, is often attributed to phone usage, but individuals have the power to choose how much they engage with technology and face the resulting consequences.

Sunday Strip: Overvaxxer Derangement Syndrome (ODS)

Who is Robert Malone • 38 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Social media
  1. The EU fined X €120 million under the Digital Services Act for selling verification badges without proper identity checks, failing to keep a transparent ad repository, and restricting researcher access, and warned of much larger fines if it stays noncompliant.
  2. A new label — "overvaxxer" and the term "Overvaxxer Derangement Syndrome (ODS)" — is being proposed and pushed for adoption in everyday use.
  3. The piece uses cartoons and satire to criticize vaccine advocacy and platform regulation, framing a narrative shift and encouraging readers to spread the new term.

How PETA Builds Shock Into Their Social Strategy

Link in Bio • 176 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. PETA uses shock in their social media strategy to start conversations and bring awareness to animal issues.
  2. Focus on emotion, relatable content, and clear goals in social media posts for causes.
  3. Engage with audiences in multiple ways and be open to sharing content in any form to drive progress for the cause.

This Week in Marketing: Instagram’s Reality-Check vs. Elon Musk’s Pornography Machine

The Social Juice • 22 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
💼 Business Social media
  1. AI is everywhere and a lot of it is low-quality or misleading, often called “AI slop.” Platforms are talking about tagging or fingerprinting real media because trust in generative models is falling.
  2. Elon Musk’s Grok flooded X with sexualized images, exposing serious safety failures and prompting regulatory pressure. Industry leaders are warning AI agents are becoming a real problem that needs fixing.
  3. Social platforms and ad tech are shifting fast—new features, acquisitions, and ad-product changes are forcing marketers to rethink collaborations and measurement. With regulators paying closer attention, trust and compliance are now central to marketing strategy.

From street strategists to establishment pundits

Pekingnology • 33 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Social media
  1. Both lowbrow "street strategists" and polished establishment pundits sell the same simplified, conspiratorial view of geopolitics—one shouts for mass audiences while the other dresses the same instincts in elite language.
  2. Attention-driven platforms, limited public access to deep knowledge, and selective moderation create a self-reinforcing feedback loop that rewards sensational, easy-to-digest narratives and builds closed communities.
  3. Banning a single influencer won’t fix the problem: demand and the ecosystem produce replacements, and over time these simplified narratives can reshape mainstream opinion and nudge policy.

AI in Meta Land

In My Tribe • 455 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Meta plans to use AI to create millions of AI-generated users on its platforms. This could change how we interact online, possibly focusing more on fiction than reality.
  2. Using AI in social media might make it feel like an immersive video game. People could interact with dynamic AI characters, making learning fun and engaging.
  3. While there are concerns about addiction and harm from interacting with bots, these interactions might actually be less harmful than current social media interactions with real people.

The algorithm doesn't love you back

The Leftovers • 339 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Social media platforms are becoming more controlled and less beneficial for users, focusing on their own interests over user experience.
  2. Engaging with social media under the current algorithmic control can limit meaningful conversations and activism efforts, potentially leading to addiction.
  3. The idea of an unmediated life, free of constant sharing and social media influence, raises questions about our connection to solitude and emptiness.

Stefan Niehoff, the German pensioner famous for a meme calling Robert Habeck a moron, is found guilty of five criminal retweets and one criminal reply and fined €825

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 208 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Stefan Niehoff, a German retiree, was fined €825 for retweeting memes that were deemed criminal. His case highlights how strict laws around social media and speech can be.
  2. Niehoff's original meme about a politician sparked a large controversy, leading to a police raid and a national debate on free speech. This shows the potential for social media posts to have serious legal consequences.
  3. The court found Niehoff guilty based on several shocking retweets related to Nazi themes. His case raises questions about what constitutes free speech and the limits of expression online.

Spam Alert: I Will Not Message You

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 22 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
📰 News Social media
  1. People are impersonating the account, so only trust direct posts on Substack and ignore unsolicited messages.
  2. Do not click links, join unknown Telegram/Discord/WhatsApp groups, or share personal or financial information with anyone claiming to be the account.
  3. The content is opinion, not financial advice; it may be wrong and the poster may hold undisclosed positions, so don’t make investment decisions based on it.

Live video is available to all publishers in the Substack app

Substack Blog • 449 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Live video is now available to all Substack publishers. This feature lets you connect with your audience and collaborate with other creators in real time.
  2. Collaborative livestreams are really effective. Working with other publishers can help you reach more people and keep your audience engaged.
  3. After your live session, you can share recordings and AI-generated clips on social media. This helps keep the conversation going and attract more subscribers.

How To Build A Brand On WhatsApp and Make A Lot Of Money From It.

Day One • 3933 implied HN points • 01 May 20
💼 Business Social media
  1. WhatsApp has a massive reach with over 5 billion downloads, making it a platform with a vast pool of users to tap into for creating income.
  2. Building a brand and making money on WhatsApp requires providing value to your audience consistently, which can lead to growth and engagement.
  3. Sustainable ways to make money on social media, like WhatsApp, involve processes that require patience and dedication to build a successful and trusted brand.

Elon Musk Blocks "Hostile Rival" Substack - Here's Why

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 539 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Elon Musk has blocked Substack links on Twitter, making it hard for creators to share their work. This is a big deal because many writers rely on Twitter to grow their audience.
  2. Substack is seen as a competitor to Twitter, so Musk's decision seems to be aimed at limiting its influence. He has done similar things before with other platforms like Mastodon and Instagram.
  3. Creators express disappointment over the block, arguing it restricts free sharing of their work. Many believe that writers deserve to share links freely without being censored.

My Data, My Self?

Technically Optimistic • 79 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. It's important to review the data that social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram have collected on you, as it can reveal surprising insights about your online presence and preferences.
  2. Being mindful of how tech companies collect and use our data can help us better understand our online identity and the content we are exposed to.
  3. Engaging in simple exercises, like requesting and reviewing your data from social media platforms, can lead to eye-opening discoveries about the information being gathered about you.