The hottest Social media Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

This Week in Marketing: Pinterest Predicts, AI-Powered Dating, Reels Algorithm, and Disney Slop

The Social Juice • 24 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
💼 Business Social media
  1. AI is accelerating across platforms and industries, powering new models, agentic tools, and content features that are reshaping how content, ads, and products are made and delivered.
  2. Platforms are putting more control in users' hands and experimenting with prompt-focused algorithms, letting people steer what shows up in Reels, playlists, and shared feeds.
  3. The AI surge is raising big legal, safety, and quality problems — from copyright fights and low-quality AI 'slop' to harmful deepfakes and increasing regulator scrutiny, putting creators and platforms under pressure.

✨ Bard diventa Gemini. La prova di Gemini Advanced

Vincos Newsletter • 117 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Google rebranded Bard to Gemini and launched Gemini Advanced with a more powerful language model, Gemini Ultra 1.0, tested by the author.
  2. Disney investing in the metaverse with a $1.5 billion deal with Epic Games to bring Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content to Fortnite.
  3. OpenAI introduces metadata for images produced with ChatGPT, Dall-E, and API, using the C2PA open standard, to track image authenticity and engagement.

Whatsapp Is Irreplaceable

Just Messaged • 99 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  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 the largest creators are bypassing traditional book publishers

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 374 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Many big creators are skipping traditional book publishers. They can earn much more money by self-publishing their books instead.
  2. Companies are starting to focus more on engaging their subscribers through mobile apps. This helps keep people interested and less likely to cancel subscriptions.
  3. Creators like Kai Cenat are making huge money through platforms like Twitch. This shows how individuals can now earn as much as, or more than, traditional celebrities.
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making friends online

bookbear express • 930 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Making friends online can lead to meaningful and lasting relationships.
  2. Relationships formed online can have their ups and downs, but the important thing is to let them evolve naturally.
  3. Being open and authentic about yourself online can attract like-minded people who you may connect with on a deeper level.

Could Trump Buy TikTok?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 324 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Trump, who initially started the anti-TikTok movement, now supports a plan to save the app. This shows how opinions can change based on circumstances.
  2. There is a looming deadline for TikTok's future, which has sparked conversations about its potential sale or shutdown. Time is running out for a resolution.
  3. Supporting independent journalism is important, and it helps provide access to in-depth stories and commentary on significant issues. Subscribing can help maintain this kind of journalism.

The Meme Fossil Record

Kneeling Bus • 381 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Memes can live on longer than expected, like Hawk Tuah, which has become a part of our culture even as social media changes. People may not forget them easily, showing how our online history keeps coming back.
  2. The blending of natural and manmade elements, like plastiglomerate, reflects how our digital content also mixes elements from the past and present. This process creates a new kind of cultural landscape shaped by everything that has come before.
  3. As we interact more with AI and technology, we might feel like we're stuck in a loop of consuming the same content repeatedly. This could impact how we express ourselves and might lead to a feeling of overload from the internet.

Who Is Reading Even for Anymore?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 881 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Books serve a dual role: for story and as performance props, influencing how we are perceived.
  2. Reading has shifted from a private activity to a public performance, especially influenced by social media and digital culture.
  3. There is a growing divide between readers who quietly enjoy books and public readers who read for an audience, shaping modern book culture.

Fixing the Web Week Recap: 5/27/24

Unmoderated Insights • 39 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Social media feeds often rank content based on how much people engage with it, but this can lead to promoting harmful or low-quality information. It's better to rank content based on diverse engagement from a variety of users.
  2. Research shows that when diverse groups engage with content, it helps point out harmful posts. If a lot of different people express concerns about a post, it’s likely low-quality.
  3. Using smarter ranking methods can improve the overall user experience on social media by reducing bullying and misinformation, which can help companies grow in the long run.

March 2023 Update

The Rabbit Hole • 235 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The Rabbit Hole has gained significant Twitter followers and made millions of impressions through its tweets.
  2. The Rabbit Hole has published 8 articles in 2023 covering various topics like social media dynamics and societal issues.
  3. Collaborations with prominent figures like Elon Musk and sharing articles on other platforms have extended the reach and impact of The Rabbit Hole.

Getting started with live video

Substack • 446 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Live video is a great way to connect with subscribers in real time. You can share special moments or hold conversations to reach more people.
  2. Promote your live sessions ahead of time to build excitement, and after the session, share highlights on social media to engage a wider audience.
  3. Consistency is key. The more often you go live, the better chance you have to grow your audience and strengthen your relationship with subscribers.

Video Game Thoughts Bonus Bag #4

The Bottom Feeder • 339 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Not many gamers know about online game controversies. Most people play games without getting involved in drama on social media.
  2. UFO50 is great for learning game design by showing how to make fun games without unnecessary complexity. It invites players to think about what really matters in game design.
  3. AI could really improve experiences at parks like Disney, but people might misuse it for funny or mean content, making it a tricky situation.

NonZero is Hiring!

Nonzero Newsletter • 327 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Social media
  1. NonZero is expanding and looking to hire new team members, including a full-time journalist and part-time social media specialist. They want people passionate about important global topics.
  2. The organization aims to cover a wide range of subjects, like technology, psychology, and international relations, to foster collaboration and reduce conflicts. Their mission is about helping people find common ground.
  3. They encourage creative applicants who can bring unique skills to support their mission. If you think you can help, even in ways beyond their listed jobs, they welcome your ideas.

02/02/24 - FAQ Answered!

Moly’s Substack • 117 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Social media
  1. In China, 'aunties' and 'uncles' refer to middle-aged individuals with specific stereotypes.
  2. PUA in China refers to tactics used beyond just pick-up artistry, expanding to various relationships.
  3. Chinese people have strong opinions on various topics like western food and anti-Japanese sentiments.

the porkulous is dead

bad cattitude • 336 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. Social media changed how people discuss and analyze big bills. Instead of waiting for Congress to pass a bill without scrutiny, people can now quickly share and dissect it online.
  2. More eyes on a problem means faster and better solutions. With many people looking at a bill, issues can be spotted and addressed almost instantly, making it harder for Congress to sneak in unwanted parts.
  3. The rise of social media has empowered everyday people to hold Congress accountable. Now, representatives who engage with social media can access real-time feedback from their constituents, leading to stronger governance.

Statistical Methods Links

In My Tribe • 303 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Social media
  1. The more time teens spend on social media, the more likely they are to face mental health issues. This shows a clear relationship between social media use and negative effects on mental well-being.
  2. Historical evidence suggests that violence can lead to increased social advantages, but it doesn't prove that violence is beneficial overall. There could be alternative outcomes for peaceful behavior that aren't considered.
  3. Combining multiple studies doesn't automatically correct biases in research. If all the studies have flaws, their average result will likely still be flawed.

This Week in Marketing: Zero-Click Search, Anti-Slop TikTok, YouTube DMs, and Monopoly-Free Meta

The Social Juice • 31 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
💼 Business Social media
  1. TikTok is giving users more control over their feeds by allowing them to limit AI-generated content. This is a response to concerns about low-quality, repetitive content.
  2. Google's new updates are changing how we search online, and many marketers are recognizing that fewer users are clicking on links. People are trusting AI-generated summaries without visiting original websites.
  3. YouTube is bringing back direct messaging after several years, which could lead to more personal interactions on the platform. This change may help connect creators and fans in a more direct way.

The Intimacy Crisis: Sex and Social Media with Katherine Dee

The Bigger Picture • 818 implied HN points • 09 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. The internet is a carnival that can disconnect us from real intimacy, eroding our ability to make sense and find truth.
  2. Online identity is becoming more fluid, causing a clash between affinity-based and experience-based identities.
  3. Social media gamifies communication, impacting our ability to have authentic conversations and eroding relational skills needed for true intimacy.

Xleepyfay & Aemmonia: The Xenofeminist Hauntology

Do Not Research • 199 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Social media
  1. Questionable fandoms and post-identity roleplays are replacing traditional political identities online, with origins in initially progressive communities.
  2. Xenofeminism challenges current identity politics, transitioning into hyper-aesthetisized roleplay as a response to political disillusionment.
  3. Post-identity roleplay serves as a detached, non-consequential fantasy exploration, replacing traditional political values and aims.

That Might Have Been The Strangest Thing That Has Ever Happened To Me On Twitter

Singal-Minded • 1670 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
📰 News Social media
  1. A controversy on Twitter erupted when a researcher accused a writer of misinterpreting a sentence in the Standards of Care document
  2. The writer engaged in a debate on social media to defend their interpretation of the sentence
  3. The controversy reached a dramatic conclusion when it was revealed that the writer was falsely accused, leading to public embarrassment for the accuser

The Work of Writer's Block

Oliver Bateman Does the Work • 137 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
📚 Literature Social media
  1. Originality in writing is becoming harder to achieve due to the influence of social media and its bite-sized content.
  2. The internet's focus on short content like tweets and Instagram captions is overshadowing the expansive thought celebrated in literature and journalism.
  3. Reading numerous Twitter posts can lead to writer's block, highlighting the creative challenges posed by the social media landscape.

Shouting "Free bird" in a crowded theatre

Logging the World • 378 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Social media
  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.

Data at Depth 11: Diversity, Adversity, Case Study With GPT-4 and External Validation

Data at Depth • 59 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Documenting and analyzing your journey as a creator can help identify patterns of growth and areas for improvement, like diversification across social media platforms.
  2. Engaging in strategic thinking, research, and creation can lead to significant accomplishments, such as getting articles published and boosted, validating your skills as a writer.
  3. When using tools like GPT-4 for tasks like title generation, it's crucial to validate their output externally to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.

This Week in Marketing: TikTok in USA, Anti-links Meta, Netflix vs. YouTube, and Hashtags

The Social Juice • 19 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
💼 Business Social media
  1. TikTok will be sold to or controlled by US owners to avoid a ban, but the deal is controversial and could create new problems.
  2. Meta is tightening what creators can post — Instagram limits hashtags to five and Facebook is testing fees for sharing links — while the company faces scams, ad-fraud accusations, and regulatory pressure.
  3. Platforms are competing over video and podcasts: Netflix is signing video-podcast deals and YouTube is expanding podcast/TV features, forcing advertisers and creators to rethink where they distribute and buy podcast ads.

Narrative Bunkers in the Middle East

Auerstack • 196 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Social media
  1. Expressing opinions in today's social structure may not have a helpful purpose.
  2. Online narratives in 'narrative bunkers' can lead to excessive and disconnected speech.
  3. Social norms are shifting due to self-reinforcing online narrative groups, impacting civil discourse.

The Social App where you only Post Once a Year

Messy Progress • 35 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Slowpost is a social app that lets you post just once a year, focusing on simplicity. It helps people stay connected through annual personal newsletters instead of constant updates.
  2. Traditional social media can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, but sending a yearly letter can strengthen bonds with friends and family in a more meaningful way.
  3. The app helps you manage who receives your annual letters, making it easier to reconnect with people you care about without feeling intrusive.

One year of Substack Notes—now with video and external embeds

Substack • 702 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Substack Notes has grown significantly over the past year, attracting many new subscriptions for writers. This shows how important online conversations are for discovering and sharing content.
  2. Writers can now share their notes outside of Substack by embedding them on other websites. This helps their work reach a bigger audience and gain more recognition.
  3. Substack is focused on empowering creators by giving them control over their content and revenue. Unlike traditional social media, most money earned goes directly to the writers.

First 1000 by Ali Abouelatta

Newsletter Circle • 216 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
💼 Business Social media
  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

Links to Consider, 11/22/2024

In My Tribe • 349 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media
  1. There are situations where the law isn't followed as written, and officials can create their own rules. This can lead to them only helping those who know how to navigate these unofficial processes.
  2. Some experts believe that a more advanced society might need less democracy, with more reliance on specialized knowledge and secrecy. This suggests a shift away from traditional democratic values.
  3. Social media can amplify extreme voices, which affects how society views issues and political figures. It mixes up the way we see our neighbors and can deepen divisions.

Getting started with Notes

Substack • 546 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. Using Notes on Substack helps you connect with new readers by sharing short posts, images, and videos. Posting frequently can really boost your subscriber count.
  2. Start with a welcome video to introduce yourself and what you offer. This gives potential subscribers a clear idea of what to expect.
  3. Engage with other creators in the Substack community. Sharing your ideas and discoveries can build connections and grow your audience.