The hottest Subscription Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Why HBO's YouTube windowing strategy didn't work

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 124 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
💼 Business Media Technology Subscription Marketing Content
  1. HBO's attempt to delay posting John Oliver clips on YouTube didn't help boost views on their streaming service Max. They found that audiences are happy to wait for free content.
  2. Investing in original reporting is key for media outlets as AI grows. Those that focus on unique content will likely thrive, even as AI potentially takes some traffic.
  3. There is increasing competition in the book industry as alternatives to Amazon emerge, with readers and authors seeking more choices and less dependence on a single platform.

The state of B2B monetization in 2025

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 520 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💼 Business Software Pricing Subscription SaaS AI
  1. Traditional pricing models like flat-rate and seat-based are losing popularity. Companies are now favoring hybrid pricing to better match value and costs.
  2. Hybrid pricing is becoming the go-to choice for software companies, providing flexibility and a better upselling opportunity while keeping it simple for customers.
  3. Outcome-based pricing is highly desired but rarely adopted because it's complicated. Most companies struggle with measuring and ensuring consistent results for customers.

The First Hit Generative AI Product After ChatGPT? Somehow, It’s Snapchat+

Big Technology • 17388 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Social media Generative AI Subscription Messaging
  1. Snapchat+ is a popular AI-powered subscription service with generative AI features.
  2. The success of Snapchat+ shows that generative AI may be best as a feature within existing apps rather than standalone products.
  3. Generative AI technology is being utilized to enhance user experiences and could be a new revenue stream for companies.
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A Weekend Electronics Respite

Tom Ryan, Author • 5640 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Mindfulness Subscription
  1. The author advocates for periodic breaks from electronics to enjoy solitude and reflection, touting the benefits of disconnecting and connecting with nature.
  2. There is a promotional subscription offer tied to the author's break from electronics, encouraging readers to subscribe and support Best Friends Animal Society.
  3. The author plans to use the time away from screens to focus on spiritual or reflective activities, such as fasting, pondering, and engaging in 'soul work.'

Judgment Day Has Arrived for the Journalism Business

The Honest Broker • 30220 implied HN points • 07 May 23
💼 Business Journalism Media Subscription Advertising AI
  1. Media platforms struggling with advertising rely on gimmicky clickbait strategies that eventually fail.
  2. Subscription-based models are becoming successful in journalism, shifting the focus back to quality writing.
  3. AI-generated articles, the latest gimmick in media, reduce writing costs but sacrifice quality and are doomed to fail.

This politics newsletter was almost destroyed by Facebook's algorithm changes

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Business Technology Subscription Advertising
  1. Facebook's algorithm changes can seriously hurt online businesses. It happened to a politics newsletter that lost a lot of traffic and income overnight.
  2. Switching to a subscription model helped save the newsletter. This change allowed them to focus on their loyal readers instead of just chasing traffic.
  3. Building a direct relationship with subscribers is important. It helps secure income and creates a more dedicated community around the content.

Some thoughts on the Substack controversy

The Watch • 2631 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
💼 Business Controversy Monetization Platform Subscription Income
  1. Substack has faced controversy over hosting white supremacists and other objectionable content
  2. Switching platforms can be risky for content creators like the author due to potential loss of subscribers and audience
  3. The author suggests direct support via other payment methods for those who want to support writers on Substack without contributing to the company

Thank you for your support of this stack for it means a great deal to me & family; I have left it FREE with no comment restrictions etc & will continue! Can you consider a PAID subscription ($29 year)

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 786 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
💰 Finance Subscription
  1. The author is grateful for support and offers a free subscription but also suggests a paid option for $29 a year.
  2. The author values critical thinkers and encourages sharing the subscription with others.
  3. The subscription model consists of free and paid options for readers to choose from.

Is Substack exaggerating its network effects?

escape the algorithm • 579 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Tech Marketing Analytics Platforms Subscription
  1. Substack's network effects might be exaggerated: Data shows that most new subscribers come from sources other than Substack.
  2. Subscriber growth on Substack may not solely be due to Substack's technology: Many readers find newsletters due to recommendations from other writers or external sources.
  3. The power of a newsletter audience lies more in the people than the platform: Leaving Substack might not drastically impact growth as much as anticipated.

A quick note of thanks

Disaffected Newsletter • 979 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎙 Podcasts Media Subscription Community Content creation Engagement
  1. The author appreciates new paying subscribers for their support. It’s nice to know that people find value in what is being shared.
  2. There’s an acknowledgment of technical difficulties in responding to personal notes from subscribers. The author is aware and apologizes for this issue.
  3. A call to action is included, inviting subscribers to join a community on Discord for further engagement. This offers a chance for fans to connect more directly.

🍿 Netflix Steps into the WWE Ring

How They Make Money • 569 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💼 Business Streaming Revenue Entertainment Gaming Subscription
  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.

Hang out with Peter!

Peter Boghossian • 471 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Event Subscription
  1. Paid subscribers can join a Zoom hangout to chat with Peter, ask questions, and give feedback on February 23rd, 2024 at 1 pm PST.
  2. Subscription at $5/month or $50/year funds the production of content through National Progress Alliance and gives access to the Zoom hangout.
  3. A Zoom link will be sent out on the morning of February 23rd to all subscribers who wish to participate in the hangout.

It's the best time to subscribe to Disaffected

Disaffected Newsletter • 459 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎙 Podcasts Subscription Support Content Community Engagement
  1. The subscription price for Disaffected has been lowered from $10 to $7 a month to help more people afford it. It's important to have your support at a price that works for you.
  2. Paid subscribers get special benefits like access to exclusive essays, the ability to comment, and join the Disaffected Discord chat.
  3. You can also support Disaffected with one-time donations if you don't want to commit to a subscription. Any amount helps and is greatly appreciated.

🧹🧹Housekeeping for Paid Subs🧹🧹

Default Wisdom • 29 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Books Internet Community Subscription Events
  1. The update is meant for paid subscribers and addresses common questions they're asking. It's nice to provide clear answers to avoid confusion.
  2. There's an acknowledgment of communication mishaps, like sending multiple emails. It's important to keep subscribers informed without overwhelming them.
  3. The mention of a book club suggests community engagement is a priority. Engaging with readers can create a stronger bond and enhance the overall experience.

The Mission Burrito...

illyanna Maisonet's Newsletter • 452 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cuisine History Subscription Recipes Culture
  1. The history of the Mission burrito and its connection to the creation of Chipotle by a person named Steve.
  2. Instructions on how to engage on social media platforms like leaving comments and clicking hearts under a video.
  3. Benefits of being a paid subscriber to the newsletter, including exclusive content and perks like recipes, videos, and a list of places to eat.

New Feature Announcement!

So Here’s a Thing • 825 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Author Books Subscription Value
  1. New feature announcement of a growing short story library for paid subscribers only. First story release is free for all.
  2. Stories will be delivered every two weeks in e-book format with new covers designed by the author, offering value for subscribers.
  3. If there is enough interest in the initial series of short stories, a second series may follow, encouraging engagement and growth.

Brainfooders - Join this

Recruiting Brainfood • 805 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Community Social media Subscription Publishing Networking
  1. The future of publishing and community platforms may revolve around LinkedIn, Twitter, and Substack.
  2. Substack Notes is a new feature that got Elon Musk's attention and led to Twitter blocking the sharing of Substack links.
  3. Substack Notes offers an ad-free, spam-free environment for sharing thoughts and only shows content from those you subscribe to.