About Substack
Overview
Substack is a publishing platform for independent writers and creators, positioned on its homepage as the app for independent voices. Writers launch newsletters, publish stories, and earn money from paid subscriptions while keeping ownership of their intellectual property, mailing lists, and subscriber payments. Chris Best, Hamish McKenzie, and Jairaj Sethi founded the company in 2017; its headquarters are in San Francisco.
Key Benefits
- Own your intellectual property, mailing list, and subscriber payments
- Earn from paid subscriptions with full editorial control and no gatekeepers
- Grow a publication through recommendations, referrals, and a built-in network
- Reach new readers without heavy marketing: over 50% of new free subscriptions and 25% of paid subscriptions come from within Substack's network
- Host and join discussions with readers attached to every post
How It Works
Writers start a Substack, publish posts, and can switch on paid subscriptions for readers who want to support the work. Substack's network then surfaces recommendations and referrals across publications, so audience growth happens alongside publishing rather than as a separate marketing job.
Use Cases
- Independent journalists and writers monetize regular newsletters with paid subscriptions
- Food writers share recipes, meal plans, and cooking columns with subscribers
- Podcasters and video creators attach episodes and media to their publications
- Columnists build engaged readerships around culture, politics, and commentary
- Niche experts turn ongoing coverage into a sustainable paid audience
Substack Pros & Cons
- Creators own their content, mailing list, and subscriber payments
- Free to start publishing with no gatekeepers
- Network delivers over 50% of new free subscriptions and 25% of paid ones
- Built-in discussions and mobile app for readers
Key Features
Paid subscriptions
Writers can turn on paid subscriptions for readers and keep subscriber payments.
Mailing list ownership
Writers own their subscriber mailing lists outright.
Growth network
Recommendations and referrals help publications grow; over 50% of new free subscriptions come from within the network.
Post discussions
Readers can join discussion threads attached to posts.
Mobile apps
Substack offers a mobile app for reading and publishing on the go.
Editorial control
Writers keep full editorial control with no gatekeepers.