The hottest Subscriptions Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Finance Topics

Black Friday/Happy Birthday Sale 2025

Computer Ads from the Past • 256 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Subscriptions
  1. Get 39% off annual plans for life if you buy a paid membership between now and December 8.
  2. If you prefer not to use Substack, you can support with one-time donations via Ko‑Fi, SubscribeStar, Cash App, PayPal, Liberpay, or Patreon.
  3. Gift subscriptions are available and on sale for the holidays, and subscribing helps support the reader-supported publication.

Now anyone can pay for a Substack subscription in iOS

Substack • 775 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Subscriptions
  1. Substack now allows in-app purchases on iOS, making it easier for users to subscribe directly within the app.
  2. Over 30,000 Substack publications have this feature, helping to increase paid subscribers due to simpler payment options.
  3. Apple takes a cut from in-app purchases, but Substack adjusts prices to ensure creators earn about the same as they would from web-based subscriptions.

Why this business news outlet ditched advertising to focus entirely on paid subscriptions

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
💼 Business Subscriptions
  1. The National Business Review stopped taking advertising and now only makes money through paid subscriptions.
  2. They have more than 14,000 subscribers who pay about $499 each year, making the business profitable.
  3. The owner, Todd Scott, plans to share his publishing technology with other media outlets around the world.

I'm looking for newsletters that monetize with ads

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
💼 Business Subscriptions
  1. There is a new index for newsletters that want to find brands willing to advertise. It helps connect brands to various newsletters without taking a cut of the money.
  2. YouTube is becoming a popular choice for TV viewers, turning into a go-to place for casual watching. This is threatening traditional streaming services as people prefer YouTube for light viewing.
  3. NBC News is trying something new by offering a subscription that removes ads but doesn’t hide any content behind a paywall. This could change how media companies think about subscriptions.

Thanks to subscribers

Thinking about... • 97 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
📰 News Subscriptions
  1. Subscribers are thanked for their support and for following the newsletter through the year.
  2. Paid subscriptions deliver all written and video posts as they are published.
  3. Paid members also get on-demand access to a five-year archive with hundreds of posts, plus special audio and other subscriber-only extras.
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On My Phone

The Real Sarah Miller • 1120 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🕹 Technology Subscriptions
  1. The author is considering getting rid of their iPhone.
  2. The post is about the challenges the author faces with their phone.
  3. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to access more content from the author.

What's next for Enterprise AI Trends

Enterprise AI Trends • 105 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
💼 Business Subscriptions
  1. Consistent long-form writing is hard but can build credibility and an engaged audience, especially among executives and professional investors.
  2. A new Executive Tier targets executives and institutional investors with focused content on market-sensitive topics, competitive AI strategy, and sales plays, and includes a limited number of one-on-one advisory sessions.
  3. The paid newsletter stays focused on AI market and trends, with annual subscribers automatically upgraded to the Executive Tier and early supporters receiving complimentary upgrades.

The new media, powered by Substack

Substack • 1523 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
💼 Business Subscriptions
  1. Substack is partnering with The Free Press to create better tools for media organizations. This will help them build advanced websites and support larger teams.
  2. The Free Press has a strong audience, with over 1 million subscribers, including many who pay. Substack aims to support similar publishers in the future.
  3. These new tools will make it easier for publishers to grow and connect with readers. Substack's app is already driving a lot of subscriptions for various publications.

For February: 50% off Subscriptions, 50% off DRM-Free Downloads, Lifetime Subscriptions available

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 1148 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Subscriptions
  1. You can get a 50% discount on yearly subscriptions this February, making it only $2.25 a month.
  2. There’s also a 50% off deal on DRM-free downloads of all videos, so you can watch them anytime, anywhere.
  3. If you want lifetime access, you can buy a lifetime subscription for $200 during this month, which supports independent tech journalism.

I’m Pausing for January, Help Keep Going Alive

Startup Strategies • 57 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Subscriptions
  1. The Keep Going podcast and The Innovators will pause for the rest of January so other work can be finished.
  2. The break isn’t permanent but will help decide how much of the show can continue and how often it will appear.
  3. Readers are being asked to become paid subscribers to help keep the show alive, with a 20% discount on the annual plan.

Snout

next big thing • 23 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
💼 Business Subscriptions
  1. Snout enables vet clinics to offer subscription-style wellness plans that cover routine vaccines, monthly meds, parasite screening, and unlimited telemedicine, making care more affordable and predictable for pet parents and clinics.
  2. The timing is strong because rising vet prices and a drop in visits left many pets without routine care, and Snout is showing product-market fit with millions in ARR, 5x year-over-year growth, and 250+ in-network providers.
  3. Investors are backing growth: Footwork led a $10M Series A and Snout secured a $100M non-dilutive capital line to fund clinic payments, giving the company resources to scale and hire across functions.

The mainstream media is no longer mainstream

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 474 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
💼 Business Subscriptions
  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.

A Note from Bari—and Our Best Deal of the Year

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 92 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
📰 News Subscriptions
  1. A strong sense of gratitude for the team and the growing reader community, celebrating how their supporters make the work possible.
  2. A big expansion in content and reach, including new podcasts, columnists, livestreams, an app, live events, major investigations, and a partnership to reach more people.
  3. A direct call to become a paid subscriber with a limited 25% off first-year offer (and a gift option), framed as a way to join a large community committed to plain-speaking journalism.

Is the latest game subscription 'moral panic' justified?

The GameDiscoverCo newsletter • 373 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Subscriptions
  1. There is debate about whether the 'moral panic' around the latest game subscription services is justified.
  2. Subscription services like Game Pass are seen as gatekeeping and may impact the creation of creative first-party games.
  3. The market for games is evolving, with a mix of direct-to-market games, subscription services, and the importance of gamers owning their catalogs.

Open Call 2024

Do Not Research • 359 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Subscriptions
  1. Do Not Research is accepting submissions for their next issue in 2024, including art, essays, videos and more.
  2. All submissions should be work created within the last year, and contributors will be paid an honorarium and receive a complimentary lifetime membership.
  3. The deadline for submissions is January 15th, 2024. Submissions should be sent via email to [email protected].

Turning on Paid Subscriptions

By Reason Alone • 80 implied HN points • 08 Nov 25
💼 Business Subscriptions
  1. Paid subscriptions are now available for the newsletter, and it's a way to support the creator if you appreciate their work. You can choose a monthly or annual subscription.
  2. Subscribers will get some benefits, like priority access to events and possibly the ability to provide feedback on drafts. It's a way to show you're really interested in what they do.
  3. The creator is open about using the income to help with other projects and improve the quality and speed of their content, making it more valuable for subscribers.

Hidden Open Thread 359.5

Astral Codex Ten • 688 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Subscriptions
  1. This post is meant for people who pay for a subscription. It provides exclusive content not available to everyone.
  2. The thread seems to encourage discussion, inviting readers to share their thoughts or comments.
  3. It has a casual tone, suggesting it might be a space for community engagement or sharing opinions.

Update: I've moved from Substack to beehiiv

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 23 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
💼 Business Subscriptions
  1. The newsletter has moved from Substack to beehiiv, and all past and future issues are now hosted on the new site.
  2. Subscribers who signed up on or before December 31, 2025 were automatically migrated, and the newsletter URL did not change.
  3. The Substack archives will remain available for now but won’t get new posts, and you should reach out via email or LinkedIn if you run into any issues.

There’s more room for niche “Morning Brew for X” newsletters

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 523 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
💼 Business Subscriptions
  1. Niche newsletters are on the rise, like the 'Morning Brew for X' concept, targeting specific industries and interests. This means there are more opportunities for unique content in less-covered areas.
  2. Substack's features can help writers grow their audiences, despite some criticisms. Many have seen real engagement and subscriber growth through the platform's tools.
  3. There's a growing market for ghostwriters, as more CEOs and creators seek to produce content. This demand indicates a strong interest in professional storytelling and brand-building.

Reflections on 2024 and Exciting Plans for 2025

Confessions of a Code Addict • 529 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Subscriptions
  1. The community grew a lot in 2024, from 4,212 to about 9,380 readers. This shows that more people are enjoying the content and getting involved.
  2. There will be new perks for paid subscribers in 2025. This includes early access to articles and a new series sharing resources and interesting materials.
  3. Upcoming live sessions will include interactive discussions on research papers. This will help everyone understand complex topics better together.

Semafor proved the haters wrong

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
💼 Business Subscriptions
  1. Semafor has grown significantly in just two years, with over 80 staff members and 750,000 newsletter subscribers. They stayed focused on key topics, keeping their costs low while attracting a valuable audience.
  2. Costco's magazine is more popular than many big-name publications because it delivers useful tips and highlights its vendors. It shows how a focused approach can yield success.
  3. Political Wire's successful subscription model offers extra content and perks for loyal readers. Building a strong community can really help in retaining subscribers.

Leveling up the Leadership Lab in Year 4

The Leadership Lab • 98 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🚌 Education Subscriptions
  1. The Leadership Lab has evolved significantly over the years, starting from a simple idea to now offering additional features like paid subscriptions and 1-on-1 calls.
  2. The addition of paid subscriptions allows readers to directly support the content created, offering perks like exclusive sessions and contributing to the growth of the platform.
  3. The introduction of Subscriber Chat provides a new interactive space for subscribers to engage directly with the author and suggest topics for future editions.

Another cable news star goes the independent route

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Subscriptions
  1. More cable news stars are leaving traditional networks to start their own independent projects, like podcasts and video channels. This shows a trend toward building direct connections with audiences.
  2. Companies like CNN are facing challenges as they try to shift their focus from linear TV to digital platforms. They have a big advantage with a large news-gathering team, but changing the company culture will be tough.
  3. Media outlets are seeing a spike in subscriptions whenever notable political events happen, like elections. Publications are trying to leverage these moments, hoping for increased support similar to past trends.

A guide to gift subscriptions and special offers

Substack Blog • 219 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Subscriptions
  1. Gift subscriptions are a great way for your current subscribers to share your work with friends and family during the holidays. It's not just a gift for them, but also helps promote your content.
  2. Special offers and discounts can make subscriptions more appealing for new subscribers. Timing these offers around holidays or relevant events can boost conversions and attract new readers.
  3. Using the holiday season to engage with your audience creatively fosters a sense of community. Celebrating together can help grow your subscriber base and strengthen relationships with existing ones.

We Already Solved Subscription Fatigue

Default Wisdom • 159 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Subscriptions
  1. Subscription models on social media can actually improve the user experience. They may create a better environment by encouraging more intentional use rather than endless scrolling.
  2. The problem isn’t subscriptions themselves, but the overwhelming number of individual subscriptions to small creators. Bundled options could make things simpler for users.
  3. Many people feel overwhelmed by how much they pay for subscriptions online. By making users think harder about what they subscribe to, it might lead to more careful choices.

Black Friday - Happy Birthday sale

Computer Ads from the Past • 128 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
💼 Business Subscriptions
  1. There is a special sale going on for Black Friday and a birthday celebration, offering 38% off subscriptions until December 8th. It's a fun way to mark the occasion and give people a discount.
  2. Readers can also support through one-time donations on various platforms like Ko-Fi or Patreon. There are flexible options for those who want to contribute.
  3. Gift subscriptions are available, making it an ideal present for anyone interested in computer ads or a fun way to share unique content. It's a thoughtful holiday gift for a nerdy friend.

CarDom: the automobile subscriptions lurking in our dystopian driving future

Fight to Repair • 98 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
💼 Business Subscriptions
  1. Automakers are increasingly offering subscription-based services for various features in cars, possibly resulting in consumers paying again for features already included in the purchase price.
  2. Legislators are starting to take action against automakers requiring subscriptions for features that are already installed in vehicles, but more efforts are needed to curb the trend of 'paywalling' car functionalities.
  3. As the future of car ownership might shift towards subscription-based models, there is a concern that almost every feature in a car could be put behind a paywall, prompting discussions on how to regulate and limit this practice.

Join me for a live call on Wednesday

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 99 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎙 Podcasts Subscriptions
  1. The Office Hours calls are making a comeback. It's a chance for subscribers to connect and interact with Simon and each other.
  2. These calls often include special guests who can answer questions. It adds more value and insight for the attendees.
  3. It's a great opportunity for longtime subscribers to engage and catch up with the community.