The hottest Streaming Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Music Topics

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 100 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🎶 Music Streaming
  1. Welcoming 2026 with a musical retrospective that sets a celebratory New Year tone.
  2. The author anticipates skeptics who will say the music is AI-generated, acknowledging that criticism up front.
  3. The piece is behind a paywall and aimed at paid subscribers, with clear subscription and sign-in prompts.

This Week in Marketing: TikTok changes policy, Meta pauses AI, and Elon opens X’s algorithm

The Social Juice • 56 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. AI features are exploding across platforms, with creators and companies adopting AI likenesses, tools, and agentic shopping. That growth is sparking safety, privacy, and regulatory concerns, especially around teens and deepfakes.
  2. TikTok’s U.S. joint venture and new tracking tools (precise location pixels and Shop logistics changes) are reshaping how user data and commerce are handled. Those moves are increasing privacy and age‑verification worries for regulators, advertisers, and parents.
  3. Major platforms are changing business models and opening up parts of their tech — for example X’s partial open‑source algorithm and new ad formats from Meta, YouTube, Apple and Google. This shift raises competition and transparency while putting pressure on creators and advertisers to adapt.

Who Are We Kidding

Dada Drummer Almanach • 221 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🎶 Music Streaming
  1. AI music is everywhere now, with a huge number of fully generative tracks being uploaded daily. This means we have to rethink how we view and interact with music today.
  2. Many people can't tell the difference between AI-generated music and real music, which shows just how far AI has come. However, most of this AI music isn't very good.
  3. Instead of focusing on stopping AI music, we should focus on celebrating and promoting human creativity and the value of real music. There can be a comeback for human-made music, and it's important to start rebuilding now.

The Death of the B-Side Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1327 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎶 Music Streaming
  1. B-sides were special songs that didn't fit on albums, offering hidden gems that fans could discover. In today's music scene, the magic of finding these tracks has almost disappeared.
  2. While people think albums are dying, many artists, like Taylor Swift, continue to create and sell vinyl records, showing that albums are still popular. They are more resilient than people might believe.
  3. Streaming services change how we discover music, focusing on what we already like. This can make us miss out on new, unexpected music, which is what B-sides used to provide.
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🍿 Netflix Steps into the WWE Ring

How They Make Money • 569 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💼 Business Streaming
  1. Netflix secures a $5 billion, 10-year deal with WWE for exclusive rights to 'Raw' and other shows, expanding its reach internationally.
  2. WWE's global appeal, available in 180 countries and reaching over one billion homes, makes it a strategic fit for Netflix.
  3. Moving WWE content to Netflix provides a win-win situation, giving WWE access to a larger platform and providing Netflix with exclusive content to retain and attract members.

An hour of AI “comedy” (that sucks)

Garbage Day • 609 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. Users are finding ways to exploit TikTok's new e-commerce features for viral marketing.
  2. X is experimenting with a mid-video paywall feature that could affect user engagement.
  3. AI-generated stand-up comedy content receives negative feedback and sparks discussions on AI impact on relationships.

How The MrBeast Undisclosed Ad Thing Works

Garbage Day • 569 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. MrBeast's undisclosed ad situation involves pre-roll ads in MrBeast's X videos on the platform.
  2. Bluesky focuses on moderation tools to support social network trust and safety teams.
  3. AI is being used in various ways, like creating video game NPCs and generating articles.

Music News Has Lost Its Appeal

First Floor • 511 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Streaming
  1. Music journalism is struggling to connect with younger audiences.
  2. The changing nature of music consumption is impacting the relevance of music news.
  3. Streaming platforms and online communities are changing how music fans discover new music, affecting the need for traditional music journalism.

How two college friends reunited to build a thriving politics podcast

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 424 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎙 Podcasts Streaming
  1. Two friends started a podcast called Pantsuit Politics after reconnecting and realizing they enjoyed discussing politics together. They began recording during late nights after their babies went to bed.
  2. The podcast became successful not only because of its political content but also because of the unique dynamic between the hosts, who represent different political views.
  3. Instead of focusing only on popular coastal audiences, they built a strong listener base in other areas, proving that there is a demand for diverse political conversations.

476: Boring Success, Microsoft CapEx, LVMH, Nvidia, Data Center Electricity, Spotify & Joe Rogan, Tesla Model 3 Refresh, and Dragon Prince

Liberty’s Highlights • 412 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. Compete in life with kindness, creativity, and resilience, not just success.
  2. Success in one area can enable you to take risks and be more adventurous in other aspects of life.
  3. Electricity consumption from data centers, AI, and crypto is expected to double by 2026, impacting energy needs significantly.

Netflix will never catch up to YouTube

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. YouTube has a big advantage over Netflix because it offers free content and allows users to create their own videos. This makes YouTube more popular and flexible for different types of audiences.
  2. Local news meteorologists are starting their own digital channels, showing how traditional media is changing. They're adapting to the creator economy by leveraging their expertise online.
  3. The Daily Show has grown in popularity again by embracing modern platforms like YouTube and having rotating hosts. Its mix of comedy and political content helps attract a wider audience.

The mainstream media is no longer mainstream

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 474 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
💼 Business Streaming
  1. Social media has become the main source of news for many Americans, replacing traditional TV. This means independent media now plays a bigger role in shaping public interest and discussions.
  2. Streaming services have officially surpassed traditional TV in viewership. This shift makes it easier for these platforms to become profitable as they continue to attract more and more viewers.
  3. Whatnot, a live shopping app, is gaining popularity and showing that video shopping can work in the U.S. It's interesting to see how social media influencers can generate sales in real-time, something that's been popular in Asia for a while.

Music algorithms failed us

The Rectangle • 84 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🎶 Music Streaming
  1. Streaming made the whole world of music easy to access, but recommendation systems focus on keeping you listening rather than showing truly new or surprising music.
  2. Algorithms reduce taste to data and similarity, so they mostly suggest songs that sound like what you already listen to and create echo chambers instead of serendipitous discoveries.
  3. Human curation and chance encounters used to surface more meaningful, unexpected music, and moving discovery away from people to machines has made finding real gems harder and more effortful.

A Business Upended: The Streaming Disruption of the Movie & Broadcasting Business

Musings on Markets • 759 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
💼 Business Streaming
  1. The rise of streaming services like Netflix has drastically changed how we consume movies and shows. Many people are moving away from cable TV and preferring the convenience of streaming platforms.
  2. The movie industry may face a fate similar to the music industry due to streaming disruptions. Just as music labels struggled to adapt, traditional movie companies might find it hard to survive without significant changes.
  3. Streaming has led to increased content production but also rising costs. While there's more choice for viewers, the quality can sometimes suffer, leaving many overwhelmed by the options available.

How Documentary Went Off the Rails

The Ankler • 353 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Streaming
  1. Documentaries at the Sundance Film Festival were bold and commercial.
  2. Last year's Sundance had few notable documentary sales, signaling a downturn.
  3. Despite industry pessimism, filmmakers at this year's Sundance found hope for the genre.

This company is building the world's biggest streaming network for baking creators

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Streaming
  1. A company is creating a big streaming network just for baking creators. This could help bakers reach a wider audience and share their skills.
  2. The Washington Post might be trying a new model for publishing more opinion pieces, even from non-professionals. This could attract more readers but might also hurt the paper's reputation if quality drops.
  3. Hollywood should stop viewing YouTube as a competitor and start using it as a way to share content. By partnering with YouTube, traditional media can reach more viewers and monetize better.

Google throws publishers a bone

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 28 May 25
💼 Business Streaming
  1. Google's Discover feature is helping some publishers offset losses from search traffic. This shift shows that not all platforms are the same and offers a small boost to those adapting.
  2. Ghost, a publishing platform, has hit a milestone with over $100 million in subscription revenue. This highlights the growing importance of independent platforms for publishers.
  3. The growing popularity of IMAX theaters is great for premium experiences, but it could hurt traditional cinemas. It's a tricky balance between offering luxury options and keeping it affordable for everyone.

And We're Back! Call-In Show Tonight at 8:30 PM Eastern.

Default Wisdom • 55 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🎙 Podcasts Streaming
  1. Pregnancy with multiple babies is causing major fatigue and limited bandwidth, so many commitments are being declined temporarily; availability should improve after the holidays and into the second trimester.
  2. The weekly call-in show is still happening tonight at 8:30 PM Eastern with a nautical theme, streaming on Substack, Twitch, and X, and listeners can participate by phone.
  3. Recent work has appeared in outlets like The Spectator and The New York Times, and people are asked to reach out again in a couple weeks for collaboration or requests.

"We're In The Discovery Business"

TSOH Investment Research Service • 511 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
💼 Business Streaming
  1. Spotify's MAU growth has been strong, with 88 million net MAU's added in FY22
  2. Spotify reached a milestone with over 200 million premium subscribers in Q4 FY22, having quadrupled since 2016
  3. Spotify's profitability is a concern, but the company's scale positions it for potential advantages in the future

Why do entertainment executives hate entertainment?

Read Max • 3108 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Streaming
  1. Entertainment executives may lack love for movies and TV, affecting the quality produced.
  2. Industry trends show a shift towards prioritizing 'prestige' over more traditional entertainment.
  3. There is a growing disconnect between what audiences enjoy and what executives believe is valuable content.

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

Dada Drummer Almanach • 57 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🎶 Music Streaming
  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.

The Year AI Broke

Dada Drummer Almanach • 57 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🎶 Music Streaming
  1. The music business is betting heavily on AI as the main future, with no new technology or artist-development plan to replace streaming.
  2. Relying on AI risks pushing music away from real human musicians and the fans who care about them, which is a short-term approach that undermines music's long-term health.
  3. Artists should lead the creative thinking and efforts to protect music's long-term viability, because healthy music ecosystems matter for communities and the economy.

Should the NFL All 22 Itself?

House of Strauss • 17 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🎾 Sports Streaming
  1. Many viewers dislike the QB-focused broadcast because it hides receiver routes and context, and they prefer All-22 or sky-cam views that show what the QB sees.
  2. Amazon already offers a Prime Vision All-22 feed that some fans find superior, and an exclusive, well-promoted test (like a Thursday Night game) could show whether viewers will adopt it.
  3. The NFL’s massive popularity makes broadcasters conservative, but a gradual, promotional testing strategy could slowly shift viewing habits and eventually mainstream better camera options.

How Netflix’s $5B WWE Deal Could Body-Slam Reality's Slump

The Ankler • 255 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
💼 Business Streaming
  1. Netflix's $5 billion deal with WWE is creating hope for unscripted producers and executives.
  2. Despite a slowdown in reality TV business due to tight budgets, recent announcements from Netflix and Comedy Central are sparking fresh prospects.
  3. The unscripted genre is seeing a revival, with Netflix's move beyond just sports signaling potential ripple effects on the industry.

Has Bullying People Into Buying an Inferior Product Ever Worked?

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Streaming
  1. Going to the movies is often expensive, inconvenient, and less comfortable than streaming at home, so many people see the theater experience as inferior.
  2. Trying to shame or bully people into buying a worse product rarely works, because consumers tend to choose whatever gives the best value.
  3. Tech and cultural shifts like streaming and podcasts have already replaced older formats such as late-night TV, and nostalgia or ads are unlikely to reverse that change.

The biggest creators are no longer in the merch business

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 648 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💼 Business Streaming
  1. Top creators are moving away from selling low-quality merch and focusing on high-quality products that can compete with retail brands. This shift is about attracting a broader market beyond just their fans.
  2. Apple News has a huge user base and is likely the biggest source of traffic for traditional news outlets after Google. It highlights the importance of being present on major platforms to drive audience engagement.
  3. The current sports streaming landscape is complicated, with fans needing multiple subscriptions to access all games. A more straightforward solution could improve viewer experience and access to content.

Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in $72 Billion Deal

philsiarri • 44 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
💼 Business Streaming
  1. Netflix is buying Warner Bros. Discovery’s film, TV, and streaming assets (including HBO and DC) in a roughly $72 billion deal, creating a massive global streaming powerhouse.
  2. The merger will face heavy regulatory and union scrutiny and could be challenged over antitrust concerns, potential job losses, and reduced bargaining power for creators.
  3. If approved, consumers might need fewer subscriptions but could face higher prices and less content diversity, and the deal signals a major shift toward streaming dominance in Hollywood.

The (Truly) Greatest Hits Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1628 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎶 Music Streaming
  1. Greatest Hits compilations in the music industry have historically shaped artist canons.
  2. Streaming platforms now use curated playlists like 'Essentials' instead of traditional Greatest Hits albums.
  3. Artists should consider creating their own curated Best Of playlists to guide fans through their catalog.

Introducing live video in the Substack app

Substack • 833 implied HN points • 18 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. Substack has added a live video feature that lets creators engage with their audience in real time. This means you can share news, behind-the-scenes moments, or host interactive sessions directly from the app.
  2. When you go live, your subscribers will get automatic notifications, making it easy for them to join. You can even limit access to only paid subscribers if you want to create exclusive content.
  3. Collaborating with other creators during live videos can help expand your audience. You can invite someone else to stream with you, which is a great way to share different perspectives and increase engagement.

The newsletter platform wars heat up

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 548 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Streaming
  1. The newsletter market is competitive as platforms like Substack and Beehiiv fight for creators. Beehiiv aims to help creators monetize with ads better than Substack, which focuses on subscriptions.
  2. Big media companies see theatrical releases as a way to boost streaming views. They think that cinema buzz can lead to more interest in streaming the same content later.
  3. Forbes is moving away from freelance writers due to changes in Google's policies. They're focusing more on their internal content to adapt to new search engine challenges.

The taming of the Shredder

Disaffected Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🎙 Podcasts Streaming
  1. You can learn to manage difficult situations better. It's about finding ways to handle challenges in life.
  2. Understanding the history behind a problem helps in solving it. Knowing how things got to where they are can guide your actions.
  3. Emotional awareness is important. Recognizing your feelings and reactions allows for better decision-making.