Quick Answer
- Substack is a newsletter platform that lets you publish writing, audio, and video directly to subscribers
- You own your email list and can export it anytime, unlike social media platforms
- The platform is free to use, taking only 10% of paid subscription revenue
- Writers can earn income through paid subscriptions ($5-20/month typically)
- Growth happens through Substack Notes (short posts) and engaging with other creators
How Substack Works
Substack combines an email newsletter service with a publishing platform. You write posts that go straight to your subscribers’ inboxes and live on your publication website. The platform handles text, podcasts, and videos without needing separate tools or plugins.
The critical difference from platforms like Twitter or YouTube is ownership. You can export your subscriber list and take it elsewhere.
Making Money
Substack charges nothing upfront. They take 10% when subscribers pay for your content. Most creators price monthly subscriptions between $5-20. Some writers earn more than traditional media jobs, while others use it as supplemental income.
Getting Started
Starting from zero means using Substack Notes daily. Find 10-20 creators in your niche, interact with their content, and post 1-3 notes yourself each day. If you already have an email list or social media following, you can import subscribers directly.
Substack also has recommendation features. Other writers can recommend your publication, and the platform can suggest your work to readers with similar interests.
