Substack is an American online platform launched in 2017 that enables writers, journalists, and other content creators to publish and distribute newsletters, podcasts, videos, and other digital content directly to their subscribers
. It combines features of blogging and email newsletters, allowing creators to build a subscription-based audience with options for both free and paid content
. Key aspects of Substack include:
- It is free to use, and creators own their subscriber data
- Writers can monetize their work through paid subscriptions, with Substack taking a 10% cut of subscription revenue plus payment processing fees
- The platform fosters a direct connection between creators and their audience without ads or algorithms interfering
- Creators can publish various content formats: text posts, podcasts, videos, and discussion threads
- It offers a user-friendly interface that requires minimal technical expertise to start a newsletter and manage subscriptions
Substack is especially popular among journalists and independent writers seeking creative freedom, financial independence, and a direct relationship with their readers, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers
. In summary, Substack is a subscription-based publishing platform that empowers creators to distribute content directly to subscribers while providing tools for monetization and community building
