How writers and creators are using the Substack app to publish from anywhere
Mobile editor is now available to Android users
Android users can now publish directly from the Substack app.
We introduced the mobile editor for iOS users this summer, allowing writers and creators to publish from anywhere. An in-app editor has been one of our most requested features, and thousands have since published posts from their phones.
The initial release includes basic text and image publishing, providing a simple way to connect with your subscribers at any time, from anywhere. This is just the beginning, and we’ll continue to make improvements in the coming months. While it will take some time for the mobile editor to match the advanced features of the web editor, our goal was to offer a convenient way to publish whenever inspiration strikes—whether you’re on the move, relaxing on the couch, or capturing a thought you want to share right away.
Learn more: How to publish a post from the Substack app
Since launching the mobile editor, we’ve seen writers and creators use it to post stories, insights, and updates from surprising spots. In honor of the editor’s launch on Android, here are a few of the exotic, quirky, uncomfortable, and homey places where Substackers have pressed “publish.”
Get inspired
On a train in Thailand
Rachel Devenish Ford of
captured a photo of her daughter, Kenya, on a train to Bangkok. She meditated on motherhood and their relationship as Kenya prepared to set off on her own for the first time.
On a spin bike
While on a Peloton in Las Vegas, Jess Chermak of
reflected on a comically uncomfortable visit to the mortuary following her father’s unexpected death.
Attending a fountain pen show
Baseball writer Joe Posnanski of
attended the Washington D.C. Fountain Pen Supershow, exploring collectible pens while sharing his interactions with pen makers and fellow enthusiasts.
Getting her first mammogram
Jenovia of
shared her experience at her first mammogram appointment, reflecting on the emotions and complexities of navigating health care as a woman.
Enjoying the weather on a summer afternoon
Terry Nguyen of
jotted down her thoughts while at Central Park on what she described as “the most perfect July afternoon (windy, sunny with a light cloud cover, low humidity).” She detailed her weekend recommendations, including ’s collection of stories Because They Wanted To.
Lying in bed after a back injury
Will Watson of
threw out his back but still managed to post on Substack directly from his bed, sharing a gluten-free banana loaf recipe.
Tell us in the comments: Now that the mobile editor is available on Android, where are you most excited to post from? And if you’ve already posted from the app on iOS, what’s the most interesting place you’ve published from?
Never thought my first mammogram would be the one to get me featured but I’ll take it 💥 I had a lot of fun editing at Lenox Hill while I waited.
Queen 👑
🫂❤️🔥
Woot woot!!!!
Yes Queen 😁
❤️🔥🙏
Can attest this was a great feature!
❤️🔥🍒
Haha of all the things I write about it’s my wife’s banana loaf that makes the list! 🤣 Thank you for keeping me humble! 😅
I felt the same about my mammogram! 😂😭🙏
The bright side is it means someone took a real good deep dive to get there! 😂
😂😂😂
aa
Finally, yes! I plan to expand my drafts on phone so that I have a different perspective when I edit on web. And vice versa! Fantastic way to catch mistakes and optimizations!
2 posts coming up for me are thoughts on being diagnosed with ADHD, and a fiction story about a young man who avoids going out because he doesn't want to hear everybody's thoughts.
Correction: apparently drafts are not synced between web and app yet.
I had a similar intention and hopped on the app to test this feature, only to discover the same.
The irony is, the early version of the Substack app already had this feature (mobile editing). I’m very curious about why they removed it, and how long it will take to get to more parity (starting with syncing the drafts).
Great idea on the perspective shift.
Looking forward to reading the story if you share it.
Yeah and I can confirm it works because I do it all the time with my day job (technical writer).
Thank you! I'll come back to this thread and share it (IF I REMEMBER TO).
I resonate hard with the "if I remember to" right now, that made me laugh.
I wish the "edit alt tags" on iOS mobile was better supported. I just get a disappearing "create link" textbox. Keep innovating. Appreciate the upgrades.
Just want to say I love this piece for featuring some smaller ‘stacks! 🫶🏻
Was thinking the same, Samantha!!
I only write from my fortress deep within the earth's crust. So if you see my posts, that's where they come from. I mean, you asked.
Hi
My post about the Chinese government's AI standards was written when I was stuck outside at a nearly-abandoned train station in outback NSW as the sun was setting. It was close to dark and I was still editing.
What I really want is the voice-based editing from withaqua.com so that I can write and edit while walking the dog.
Oh I like that idea. And I like this train station at sunset office. :)
WOAAHHHHHHHHHH THE WAIT IS OVERRRRRR
Thanks for the shout out! I'm loving the app features!
It’s just not for me. I came to Substack to reconnect with Writing - the Experience.
So the last thing I want to do on my phone is transform the beautiful, elegant physical process of drafting with a pen and typing on a large keyboard and editing with a cup of coffee— with the word’s most frustrating user-input design (ie, the smartphone keyboard) while staring at a tiny six inch screen and trying desperately not to be distracted by the 63 other beeping, blinking apps….
All those smartphone notifications can be turned off, or selectively on (ring phone or notify text message) to limit the notifications to people (phone nos. you know). As an introvert, though, managing the notifications(setting them the way you want) is complex with no tools, like group editing to provision the apps generally ir person-based notification
Like I said: Not for me. It's easier simply not to do it than to spend precious time and energy trying to "make" the phone do what I can already do now: Use a pen and full keyboard and use that time more beautifully.
https://substack.com/@amygabrielle/note/c-66572933
Posted from the Delta Sky Lounge at LAX just before boarding a flight back home to JFK in NYC to be near my husband's ashes on the 3rd anniversary of his death from cancer.
Is it possible to publish note from the app?
I have had to unpublish something while on the road, and was unable. Is that fixed?
That’s nice for people who have that capability. Unfortunately I still don’t have the stats reader via the app feature or any of the features that they have rolled out since.
Still most comfortable posting from desktop. But thank you for the upgrades.
Setting up drafts on phone as inspiration hits, to edit later on web is a pretty good habit to get into.
For me, I need the focus though, so unless I was idle somewhere, like sitting on a train.
Can't really see myself focusing well from just about anywhere.
Guys, I went to Europe and was able to post stories and comments about our trip as we were moving about, and that was back in late May and early June. All I had was the wife's old iPad and the Substack App I'd downloaded on it before we left.
@Substack I'm having trouble using Notes on Android for about a month (including today, after this announcement). When I tap Add Note, no text box appears to type in. There's no next step anymore. Even after the update.
Love this and the list!! :D
New to Substack. I have 4 of the required 10 subscribers? to start posting, which seems very backwards but - please correct me if I'm wrong as I've not been able to post. I'm looking forward to migrating my email list here.
your site asks for too much info. Plus, people get hustled into subscribing into purchases they did not want. I only wanted one service and had to try to navigate to delete the ones desire. I called my credit card company and canceled the order for $200. This is a shake down.
Wonderful
FINALLY 🥳
Finally!
this is interesting
I have written several short pieces about Unity. How do I put them up?
I'm glad that the Substack app has the feature to write and publish posts now. It's something I'd been waiting for, as I get ideas in the oddest on-the-go places.
But I also feel a tension here ...
As a writer and creator, I know the importance of disconnecting at times (from constant input and the felt necessity of output) in order to create something in solitude. To have the space to think and reflect and sometimes let an idea settle and distill and develop before sending it out into the world.
Henry David Thoreau would not likely have written "Walden" if he had a smartphone in hand. Annie Dillard might not have penned "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" if she spent her time browsing the socials.
A question for other writers:
How do you deal with this tension? This ability to be constantly "distracted" by the very device with which we can now create? Do you have rules or guidelines for yourself: No checking updates or feeds during these 45 minutes of "creation"?
I'm curious how you all find your balance here.
I hear you. One of best approaches I have heard was from Cal Newport. He recommends arranging specific times when we check internet based things and keeping to a limited schedule. His book Deep Work was helpful. Otherwise the devices rewire our brains and rob us of focus and productivity.
Thanks for the recommendation. It's often helpful to see how different creatives honor their time to create and fine balance.
you’re welcome…it can be a challenging thing, right?
It is a struggle! That's all I can say about it, without getting mad at myself... I find myself damning my own weakness as I'm sucked into the mundane day to day coma of this primitive punishment-planet that those before us willingly accepted into being. The constant creative urge to write and the lazy habit of mindlessly searching for entertainment, are in some kind of perpetual competition for my attention. In short: It's a struggle!
I understand! I find it challenging, too.
Cool
Yay, I'm so happy to see this.
Thanks team 🧡
How do I unsubscribe from the rare outlying comments which I no longer choose to read.
Hi there...I'm an android user and for over two months, I haven't been able to post directly from the Substack mobile app.
Is there a reason for this please?
Since Substack chooses to not provide year in their timestamp, the sequence of comments is unclear. I envy your writing process but it would be inefficient and impractical for my needs of urgency and efficiency.
My comment was intended to inform that interruptions from phones and tablets must be managed by users to ensure the user controls interruptions and annoyance rather than ignoring them or turning them off. Work, including writing can be accomplished on phones but loss of input, here so easy and simple, discounts Substack as a valid publishing tool. Input on on the web and in apps can be preserved until completion but not here, unfortunately.
I began writing a fictional story called Dixie. It's about a young teenage girl whose father ran off leaving Dixie to the full-time care of her dying mother. It's an ongoing short story of drama, suspense and twists. Subscribe to Dixie to follow her on her journey. $0
https://open.substack.com/pub/influitive/p/dixie-6ad?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2iyrp1
अगर आप गणेश जी के भक्त हैं और उनकी पूजा में सही शब्दों का प्रयोग करना चाहते हैं, तो हमारे वेबसाइट पर जरूर जाएं। यहां पर आपको गणेश चालीसा के शुद्ध और सही भावार्थ के साथ सारे शब्द मिलेंगे। आप "https://ganeshchalisalyrics.co.in" यहां क्लिक करके और अधिक जानकारी प्राप्त कर सकते हैं।
https://sprunky.cc/ and https://sprunkiphases.org/ Sprunki Phases brings together various popular versions of the Sprunki games, including Sprunki Phase 3, Sprunki Phase 4, and so on.
Well, I was just on Isla Holbox off the coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico posting with the app about my story drop concerning the Trump Inauguration Riots 2016. Pretty fun!
Can I get help to post a strong and effective recommendation for purchase of Retirement Insurance Plan.
I am still trying to figure out how to publish HERE, never mind somewhere else.
And a fountain pen show in a large city?? Oh, I am surely glad I am far, far away. I would just have to leave my platinum card at the door and collect it on the way out…on the way to the poor house!
My sincerest thanks go to the author for their contribution to the intellectual discourse surrounding this topic, as this article adds depth and complexity to https://geometrydashwave.io the conversation, enriching the field with new insights and perspectives.
Please make the Substack app on iPhone backwards compatible, the app is no use at the moment to anyone with an iPhone that doesn't run iOS 16 and users of devices with iOS 15 shouldn't be penalized. The use of Apps should include basic app functionality for different operating systems, within reason.
Loving your body is the best thing before you want to worry about anything else for someone else.
https://slicemasteronline.com
Why only on Android without iPhone platform as well. Would like to post from my iPhone and not from Android. Hope iPhone will be available on this rare opportunity from where we can post and continue to post some interesting thoughts and good ideas as they appear in real time.
With love,
An Android user
Is this possible to published note from the app by Android phone??
LIkE
Pleas friends subscribe me
I think that, at the core of the success of this new feature, is "meeting people where they are." Literally!
How do you cancel a paid subscription on an account if you change your mind, please?
Let’s not forget NO GATE KEEPING 😉
I also appreciate the mention and recognition of the smaller substacks that put everything out there and give us a GREAT read. You guys are great, keep up the good work! 🫶🏽
Good morning
I'd really love to be able to view my dashboard on the app.
How do you add a Time Has Come app to your apps or can you only get to by going through Substack. Does anyone know?
I have another unexpected place to add where inspiration hit: an Auto Dealership Service waiting area. I spent the day in Bible study, which was a very rare day to be able to do that. Unfortunately, I'm unable to log into Substack from my phone without getting an email to follow a link by. When I got into my email after arriving home, I was going to try to set my phone up to log in, but the link wasn't there. I downloaded the app at the Car Dealership, but I wasn't able to get into my email from my phone because I got a new phone and it didn't recognize that it was me, so I had a bit of a problem with that, but when I got home, I did have a link to follow to log in by from the Substack app in my email. I couldn't figure out how to write an article apart from being in Notes on the app because I couldn't get to my Dashboard. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. lol I could see both of my accounts for personal and the Publication, but the app recognized me as a Subscriber or viewer of the material. Thank you for your help in advance, and giving us the ability to write wherever inspiration strikes. It's going to be a game changer. I followed the link above on how to post by using the + icon, so I shall try again at another opportune time. Thank you so much! Have a great day!
Oh great. More opportunities to type with one finger.
Thank you, thank you thank you...
Niceeee!!!
I keep seeing posts about "my Substack Summer," and all of these posts say "You can find your Substack recap in the app." My app is updated...but I can't find the recap. Can you tell us how to find it? Thanks!
Just getting into Substack. Frankly, it’s just ok…
I wish we could schedule notes and posts from the App. And subscription management. I’d spend more time on Substack if the app was more robust.
I wrote this while picking blueberries in a field and interacting with the local rooster. https://open.substack.com/pub/susankuenzi/p/reaching-for-his-blessings?r=22wfou&utm_medium=ios
Does anyone know how you go live in video on Substack?
I think it’s only available to people with high subscription counts. Personally I don’t have a desire to use this feature.
ah ok. I’ll see if I can find out what the threshold is. Thanks
Dear Mr. Kennedy,
I hope there is a way for you to tune into the soul of your mature, healed father. He has SO much sound advice to give you in this horrible time. He does NOT want you to become another Kennedy tragedy! As long as you stay with peace and light and love you cannot go wrong.
Exit your bubble of non-wisdom and tune into your healed father. He will help you to make sense of today and your many tomorrows. Don't blow this once in a lifetime opportunity! You are SO close! Don't succumb to your fear of success. Your father wants you to surpass him. He wants you to succeed where he couldn't.
The best of everything to you,
John Martine
Your Still Loyal Volunteer
Florence, Mass.
AS SENT TO INFO @ KENNEDY.COM, CHARLES EISENSEIN, THE BEKSHIRE EAGLE AND POSTED ON SUBSTACK & THE KENNEDY BEACON.
I've been trying to cancel my subscription to the Mike Huckabee Substack for over a year. I do not want to be charged $18 for something I haven't received in over a year. Please help me to unsubscribe from this newsletter and get NO MORE CHARGES TO MY CREDIT CARD.
Audrey McWhorter
Try using the help chat button to ask if needed.
I use to post from train going back home after work.
I put music in my pods and start writing 😌
So excited that now there's Android capability. I think I'll be posting more often now that I don't have to set aside a dedicated time, I can do it as ideas illuminate❣️😅 I think cafe coffee time, will frequently become Substack creation time. 😃✍️
As a nomad who writes from wherever the road takes her, I can imagine soooo many possibilities. Ah the vistas from which one could smash that publish button. Thanks for this!!
These seem formatted though, did these authors write them on mobile then format on web?
Substack HELP! I love Heather Cox Richardson's Letters! I also loved Robert Reich's substack for a year! When I was billed for the renewall fee of $50, I didn't mind...except I've never gotten a single
of Robert Reich's columns since! Sunstack, can you help me? Shirley Bennett from Coupeville, WA 98239. Please tell me what to do!
Why do so many Substack authors write repeatedly in the 1st person ?
Are they that obsessed with their own ideas ?
🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️❤️🇮🇷🇮🇷🇮🇷
"Understanding develops by degrees." As in — not this:
"Until the rise of podcasts, twitter, and the various forms of independent media / journalism, people weren’t really aware how legacy media was influencing their thinking. I think people are finally waking up and may surprise you here, especially if more talk about it."
New formats for funneling information that caters to your cravings is not what I’d call enlightened. And those who couldn’t spot clearly dishonest actors before — think they’re wide awake now? The Twitter bio behind that quote begins with “Groupthink averse.”
It would never occur to him that everything in that Tweet is Groupthink 101.
In your rush for #winning: At no point does anyone even bother to ask, “Is any of this working?” (as in making a measurable impact on the atmosphere of America). Anyone who dares to ask such questions — will be met with apathy, contempt, or the kind of half-ass effort that prompted this post. I borrowed the title from an article offering some great points I hadn’t thought of in my original version called The Substack Sector: Where I argue that the “scam” element goes well beyond monetary motives. The far more dangerous and destructive scam is how it’s yet another tool for deceiving yourselves.
It’s not the tool’s fault — it’s yours!
“Substack Is a Scam in the Same Way That All Media Is” — a.k.a. The Substack Sector:
https://liveoutloudandonpurpose.life/2024/09/05/substack-is-a-scam-in-the-same-way-that-all-media-is-a-k-a-the-substack-sector/