The hottest Streaming Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Music Topics

Beware value capture

SatPost by Trung Phan • 201 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. Tech apps influence our behavior through metrics, so don't blindly follow them
  2. Metrics like rankings, step counts, and likes can lead to 'value capture' influencing our decisions and behavior
  3. Be aware of how external metrics set by institutions in apps can guide our values and behaviors without us realizing

The Living Wage for Musicians Act

Dada Drummer Almanach • 178 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎶 Music Streaming
  1. The Living Wage for Musicians Act was introduced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Rep. Jamaal Bowman to address fair pay in the music industry.
  2. The bill was a collaborative effort involving UMAW, the Cyberlaw Clinic at Harvard Law School, and various legal experts and industry stakeholders.
  3. Musicians and supporters can participate by learning about the bill's goals and advocating for it to their representatives.

The World is Wrong, Volume 4: At Home With Amy Sedaris

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Streaming
  1. At Home with Amy Sedaris is a woman-created, woman-led alt-comedy that prioritizes quirky, sketch-driven humor over actual homemaking tips and leans into a deliberately retro '50s aesthetic.
  2. Despite solid reviews and awards, the show never developed a big cult following or mainstream impact—likely because it aired on low-profile TruTV, was hit by the cable-content collapse, and felt more Gen X/older-millennial than what younger tastemakers preferred.
  3. The series still helped raise the profile of performers like Cole Escola, and it could be rediscovered or revived on streaming now that studio catalogs are being reshuffled.

3 Cool Paramount+ Originals I Saw While Flying Delta 

Textual Variations • 265 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Streaming
  1. Flight streaming on Delta Airlines offers a unique way to watch limited but interesting TV shows and movies.
  2. Delta Airlines' partnership with Paramount Plus brings exclusive shows like 'Pink Ladies' and 'Star Trek Prodigy' to passengers.
  3. Shows like 'School Spirits' stand out as must-watch options with emotional depth and strong storytelling.
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The New Sports-Only Streaming Service Ignores Traditional Media's Biggest Problem

Huddle Up • 175 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
💼 Business Streaming
  1. A new sports-only streaming service is being launched by ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery, bundling various sports rights into one package.
  2. The pricing for the new service hasn't been finalized but is expected to be more than ESPN+ and cheaper than YouTubeTV, likely around $40/month.
  3. This move highlights the trend in the industry where companies either bundle or unbundle content to make money, showcasing the evolution in how media services are structured.

PARAMORE By The Numbers

Stream N' Destroy • 39 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🎶 Music Streaming
  1. Paramore has a huge online following with millions of listeners and social media followers.
  2. Their top songs like 'Misery Business' and 'Still Into You' have hundreds of millions of views and streams.
  3. Paramore has achieved multiple platinum and gold certifications for their albums and singles.

The New Cue #322 September 29: Steven Wilson, Mutual Benefit, Simon Williams, The Murder Capital, Really Good Time, VLURE, Wilco, Underworld

The New Cue • 39 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🎶 Music Streaming
  1. Steven Wilson created his latest album with no specific agenda in mind, leading to a surprise-filled and diverse record.
  2. The album was born out of a period of lockdown-induced isolation, allowing Wilson to experiment without external pressure.
  3. Wilson's creative process for this album was organic and uncontrived, with no predetermined genre in mind.

Feed experiences

Internal exile • 67 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎶 Music Streaming
  1. Many artists, like Catbreath, use clever tricks to get listens on streaming platforms. This shows how the music industry can sometimes reward unconventional strategies over traditional talent.
  2. Streaming services like Spotify may prioritize ads over genuine music experiences. This can lead listeners to rely on algorithms to pick their music, which might reduce their enjoyment and personal connection to songs.
  3. The rise of AI in content creation can lead to a lack of authentic experiences. Instead of meaningful interactions, people might just consume whatever the algorithms suggest, which can make everyone feel more isolated.

Bet on YouTube

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 46 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. YouTube is growing and could become the main streaming service, taking over traditional TV as more people cut their cable. It’s very popular and has a huge library of music and videos.
  2. While many tech innovations are disappointing, YouTube stands out as a great platform for finding unique content like deep cuts in music and various genres of videos.
  3. Even though big companies like Google and Meta seem powerful, there’s a lot of creativity and energy in smaller communities on YouTube that could change things in the future.

The Coming Disney Breakup

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 39 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
💼 Business Streaming
  1. Disney is speculated to undergo a breakup with various divisions being sold or spun out.
  2. The traditional entertainment and streaming business model of Disney is facing challenges and changes due to factors like climate change, labor issues, and evolving consumer behaviors.
  3. The impact of technological advancements and changing consumer preferences is forcing businesses like Disney to adapt, evolve, and find new business models to remain relevant.

Companionship Content is King

Working Theorys • 97 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. Companionship content, like long-form video, is more durable and king compared to short-form content.
  2. Short-form videos are becoming saturated and may plateau in terms of consumer attention.
  3. YouTube is a key platform for companionship content, embracing long-form video and the natural, human engagement it offers.

Decoding Bytedance’s strategy to tap India’s music app market

Turnaround • 296 implied HN points • 20 Jan 20
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. The music streaming industry in India faces challenges like messed up unit economics due to high operating costs, prompting companies like Spotify to create their own content to improve margins.
  2. Companies like Resso are introducing unique features like 'Vibes' to differentiate their music apps and engage users in social activities, adding layers of value generation and potentially solving the issue of new user growth.
  3. To tap into the Indian music app market successfully, companies like Bytedance are relying on user-generated content, social sharing, and potential breakthrough features to monetize through advertising in price-sensitive markets.

Sonic reducer

Internal exile • 32 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎶 Music Streaming
  1. Using AI to recreate the voices of dead musicians, like Stiv Bators, raises ethical questions. It can feel disrespectful to the original artists and their contributions.
  2. Many people may quickly consume AI-generated content without paying much attention. This could lead to a culture where everything feels like a gimmick and not worth careful listening.
  3. There's a concern that the rise of AI content might numb viewers and listeners, making us less engaged and critical about what we consume. It creates a flood of 'whatever' content that lacks meaning.

Where could Spotify take Audiobooks?

Making Connections by Jax • 19 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. Spotify could help authors reach a wider audience by leveraging its large subscriber base and marketing tools.
  2. Spotify has the potential to revolutionize book clubs by using playlists creatively and involving celebrities.
  3. Spotify may introduce new narrative formats and revenue streams for authors similar to the music industry's evolution.

Nightmaresforever.tv

Imagination Rabbit (Z) • 19 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. Nightmares Forever TV is a new project integrating procedural/endless cartoon system into a game called Nightmare Puppeteer.
  2. The project is the only one with full Twitch chat api integration allowing viewers to interact and control parts of the cartoons.
  3. The creator runs Nightmares Forever TV 24/7 from a laptop to provide viewers with absurd and berserk animated content.

No Success Among Excess - The Banal of Discovery

The Electric Circus • 2 HN points • 25 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. Discovering content on streaming platforms can feel mundane and lacking excitement, leading to endless scrolling and resigned choices.
  2. Streamers could improve by creating visually engaging and theme-focused browsing experiences like the colorful and meaningful approach of MAX, offering a more theatrical and exciting selection process.
  3. Comparison with Amazon shows that enhancing the presentation and depth of information during content discovery can significantly improve user engagement and confidence in their choices.

Things more likely than Google paying Russia $2 undecillion

The Rectangle • 28 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. Russia fined Google an outrageous amount of $2 undecillion for banning its propaganda channels. This fine is way more than the entire world's economy!
  2. Despite the crazy fine, Google isn't worried at all. They think these legal matters won't hurt their business one bit.
  3. There are many unlikely things that could happen, like batteries in all gadgets being easily replaceable or artists getting paid fairly by music streaming services.

Vinyl's dead

The Rectangle • 28 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎶 Music Streaming
  1. Vinyl records are still selling well, with a reported 6.2% increase in sales from 2023 to 2024. Despite some confusion about a drop in sales, the overall trend remains positive.
  2. The vinyl revival is driven by people seeking authenticity and enjoying the aesthetics of vinyl. Many collectors are drawn to the 'real' feeling of records compared to digital music.
  3. However, the increased demand has made vinyl more expensive, making it harder for small labels and indie artists to compete. Many believe this shift could hurt the indie scene that helped revive interest in vinyl.

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: Netflix's First Live Boxing Match Will Put Up Historic Numbers

Huddle Up • 22 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Streaming
  1. Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are set to face each other in a boxing match that is generating a lot of buzz. This matchup is seen as a big deal in the world of sports, possibly even historic.
  2. Jake Paul has a record of 10 wins and 1 loss as a boxer, but he often picks opponents who aren't professional boxers. This has raised questions about the legitimacy of his boxing skills.
  3. This boxing match is Netflix's first live sports event, and it is expected to attract a large audience. Many people are curious to see how the event will perform in terms of viewership.

YouTube TV is charging more money for a worse product — but what is the next best alternative?

Huddle Up • 11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. YouTube TV started as a great alternative to cable, offering a slim package of channels for a low price, which many people loved.
  2. Over the years, YouTube TV gained huge popularity, reaching nearly all U.S. households and becoming the biggest streaming TV service.
  3. However, instead of improving the service, they have raised prices while not delivering better features, making customers feel it's a worse deal now.

From DVDs to Streaming: Netflix’s Less Enduring Moat

Gad’s Newsletter • 56 implied HN points • 01 May 23
💼 Business Streaming
  1. Netflix's transition from DVD-by-mail to streaming marked the end of an era of innovation and disruption in the entertainment industry.
  2. Operational efficiency and supply chain management were crucial for Netflix's success in the DVD era, but content quality is now the primary focus in the competitive streaming landscape.
  3. Lasting competitive moats are built on human interactions, behaviors, and long-term dependencies, rather than just technology alone.

On Quitting Spotify

Reboot • 38 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Streaming
  1. The author explores quitting Spotify in favor of CDs & radio for a more intentional listening experience.
  2. The obsession with frictionless algorithms on streaming platforms may limit the diversity and depth of music discovery.
  3. Diversifying music consumption with CDs, radio, and live performances can offer unique, fulfilling listening experiences.

The UFC's Next Media Rights Deal + Netflix Cancels Break Point, Fox Adds Friday Night CFB, And Caitlin Clark Collects Another Trophy

Huddle Up • 16 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎾 Sports Streaming
  1. Netflix canceled the show Break Point due to low popularity, highlighting challenges in tennis and sports content on the platform.
  2. Fox will air college football games on Friday nights, expanding primetime football options and potentially impacting high school football.
  3. The UFC's upcoming media rights deal may involve ESPN, Netflix, Amazon, or Apple TV, showcasing its significant growth and value in the sports broadcasting landscape.

Jak Ritger: The Parasocial Spiral

Do Not Research • 19 implied HN points • 15 Sep 21
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. As language connects to consciousness, it blooms in the brain like a flower, regardless of one's native language.
  2. Complex networked conversations lead to a meta-consciousness forming in cyberspace, revealing a meta-language that shapes the digital landscape.
  3. Visualizations like the Eddy Model, Conspiracy Corkscrew, and Parasocial Spiral offer insights into how narrative, data, and capital flow through digital systems, impacting political agency and online communities.

Why Spotify’s Podcast Bet Failed

Divinations • 4 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. Spotify's focus on exclusive podcast deals backfired because many users didn't find them worth switching apps for. Most listeners prefer a variety of content without being locked into one platform.
  2. Spotify ignored the core podcasting community and failed to provide the features creators wanted, like audience growth opportunities. Unlike YouTube, which supports creators with promotion and monetization, Spotify's approach was too limited.
  3. The company misjudged how listeners engage with podcasts. Instead of treating them as just another product, Spotify should have focused on building a community around podcasts and catered to dedicated fans.

Covid-19 Disruption Experiments

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 21 Dec 20
💼 Business Streaming
  1. Covid-19 has forced businesses into experiments, pushing them to face changes they had been avoiding. For example, the movie industry is reevaluating its model post-pandemic.
  2. WarnerMedia is embarking on a disruptive experiment with HBO Max by releasing all 2021 movies on the platform. This move could reshape the industry.
  3. The movie industry is testing a new model by releasing films on streaming platforms first. The outcomes are uncertain but could lead to major shifts in how movies are distributed.

Streaming with Lev Polyakov

Gray Mirror • 11 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Streaming
  1. Lev Polyakov is streaming live on YouTube at 4pm PDT on April 14, 2023.
  2. The streaming event is happening on https://www.youtube.com/live/nrBIjEn5iWU.
  3. The post can be shared through various platforms like Facebook and Email.

Okay, I’ll Bite: Who’s Taylor Swift?

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Streaming
  1. The author questions why Taylor Swift is so prominently featured in media and popular culture.
  2. The level of attention and coverage Taylor Swift receives seems disproportionate to other important global events like the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
  3. The author reflects on the changing landscape of entertainment industry, specifically mentioning challenges in finding quality content and the shift towards a few mega-hits.

✍🏼 Put Down Your Pen

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 7 implied HN points • 02 May 23
💼 Business Streaming
  1. It's harder for writers to earn a living wage due to changes in the entertainment industry.
  2. Writers are facing income inequality and challenges in winning labor actions.
  3. Consumers can support writers by increasing awareness, providing food, and joining picket lines.

Over 140 of the Biggest TV Show Flops, Bombs and Misses for the Second Half of 2022

The Entertainment Strategy Guy • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Streaming
  1. The post lists over 140 TV show flops, bombs, and misses for the second half of 2022.
  2. The analysis covers multiple streaming platforms, highlighting notable failures and disappointments.
  3. Shows from various networks like HBO Max, Disney+, Paramount+, Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV+ are mentioned for their underperformance.