Former (moderately successful) Youtuber and Instagrammer here. I left the former because long-form, heatfelt videos went the way of the dodo and I left the latter because I was sick of being force-fed short-form video content when all I wanted to do was read people's heartfelt words. Looks like Substack is doing what every other platform has ever done, which is hop on the short form video band wagon and drag everyone who loves (or is addicted to) short form video along for the ride.
I came to Substack because I was sick and tired of overloading my brain on digital crack. Can we not just have one place where we can connect with others on a deeper level?! Can we just leave TikTokers to TikTok and Youtubers to Youtube? I'm not knocking them--some of them do beautiful and amazing work on their platforms. I'd just like to read and write on a reader's and writer's platform if it's not too much to ask.
I'd also like to add that video doesn't really have an urgent need for a new business model--Patreon fits this bill perfectly. I was on Patreon once upon a time too, and I was excited by Substack because it largely attracts writers and readers in a way that Patreon doesn't seem to do.
This is so thoughtful. My fear is that there is very little that is intentional or deep about short-form. I think video can belong on Substack, for sure, but the specific call-out for short-form (and the hackles-raising caveat of "pre-existing, engaged communities") feels so antithetical to what is fostered here. Like you say, digital crack. I want to be the Cure for the Common Content, not doggy paddling in ANOTHER ocean of derivative attention-bait.
I have over 34,000 followers on TikTok and I agree with you 1,000,000%. I thought the voiceover/podcasting for the Substack was amazing because it opens up opportunities for people to “read“ while they’re cleaning their kitchen as well as people with disabilities to hear your voice read your own story.
But trying to “duplicate” a competitor that set the stage for video this is both stupid and is going to piss off every Substack user before it makes them excited. I know very few people that actually enjoy reels on Instagram. They felt obligated to perform, not excited to create.
Like I said, I have 34,000 followers on TikTok and I think this is a bad, BAD idea.
Amanda I wish this were louder for the people in the back row. I'm a recovering performer and I hate feeling like a post's analytics are tied to my worth. I transitioned to audio fiction and full time storytelling and it was marvelous for my work ethic and mental health - better than sketchy burlesque venues and long days on set - I thought Substack valued community, not followers. Your POV is so important here, thank you for sharing it.
Totally agree with you!!! Why does everything have to be about making a fortune!!! It’s a BIG turn off! The advertisers ruin everything, interrupting shows, movies, YouTube etc. So sick of having ads shoved down my throat!
Yeah, I tend to agree. Substack has always felt like a place to slow down, be immersed in longer-form written content that is ad-free. That's what I've loved most about this platform.
This platform feels so much calmer than other places to be on currently. I really don't see the introduction of short form videos as a positive direction to be honest. I like how quiet and thoughtful it feels now. I don't want it to become another platform that fries my attention span
We literally asked to allow the possibility to charge certain little amounts to readers, and we were met with silence. We didn’t ask for Substack to become a video outlet and…
Yeah, I’m not against the platform offering video as an option. But the obsession with making it YouTube is not beneficial.
I have often said that Substack should embrace the early YouTube model of the platform. But I didn’t mean go full on into video. What I meant is that they built an organic audience of non-famous people who went viral. To the point that when they tried to attract celebrities, it didn’t work.
Substack has embraced what I call the “popular high school kids” model. They love that establishment writers have come to the platform. What they need is to build writers who owe their success to the platform. Not attract already well known writers who can leave whenever they want.
I've been paying for the pleasure of reading for a long time and I'm going to get a chance to view the Resolute Square soon, without having to wade thought writers I'd prefer not to read. That is a great benefit to me. Best, Leigh
Subscriptions cost more than a magazine. I would LOVE to be able to charge fractions of a dollar per article. This would hugely increase the likelihood of getting paid readers PER ARTICLE!
I feel like paragraph might be worth a gander if you're seeking pay per article possibility (https://paragraph.xyz/vs-substack) but only if you're not allergic to Web3/crypto payment models.
Well I don’t know what they might be talking about. But for me, I have a comic book that I’m writing. I would love to have people be able to buy a copy of the comic by only purchasing a single post. Rather than sign up for a monthly or annual subscription.
I would love it if people could buy one article for 10 cents. I would get more money like this than have to rely on fewer buying faithful subscribers that have to lash of 5 dollars a month...
I don’t know if I would go as low as 10 cents, but I definitely agree with needing a smaller commitment option. I have seen a few people offer things like “buy me a coffee”. Instead of getting people to move to another platform to get money, they should try and get it all in one place.
I would because this is what the market I am in would pay for my writing. I live and write in a country whose basic salary is 750 euro. 5 euro per month is A LOT.
Unfortunately, I am no established writer and write in an underpaid niche. I am giving out a free subscription to ensure my articles are read, but my reading pool does not have 5 euros to lash on every fantastic newsletter. For instance, I don not read many of you because I would have to spend hundreds a month just to read an article here and there.
Maybe you could do something like post part of the comic, and then provide a link to Gumroad (or similar) where people could buy the whole thing? I'm thinking about trying something like that when a project I'm working on is ready.
Oh I am. The comic is available on Lulu and Amazon. But I don’t really like those platforms. It also brings people away from the Substack, which makes it harder to gain subscribers.
What I am doing is that my posts are the black and white versions of the pages. I also have versions of it without the text but fully coloured. So I have content I can share on Substack. But I would really like to be able to make sales directly on the Substack platform. That way I don’t have to rely on the whims of Amazon or other places.
Yes, I see where having it directly on Substack would be helpful. I think I'm going to try the outside approach, but I'm not sure what'll happen, obviously. An experiment, but if folks don't want to go to another site....
That is a great point. I can completely understand how bringing over video creators who already have a huge following is going to generate money and bring a new audience to the platform, but at the same time those people don't necessarily need the promotion and support this opportunity is offering. It would be amazing if they directed this energy into mentoring a group of writers who show promise and need a break. I would love to see that happen. Maybe one day it will... 😎
For sure, it just makes economic sense. If you’ve staked your company on a small number of writers who make millions of dollars each, any of them leaving can devastate the company’s ability to function.
But if you have hundreds or thousands of small creators making just enough to write on Substack as a living, you don’t put your company in jeopardy of going under of one leaves.
That is very true. It does make things somewhat precarious to be so reliant on a handful of people to generate most of the income. It would make much more sense to balance that out more, and focus on building up some new talent on the platform, which in turn would help more people get the uplift they deserve. It would benefit everyone in the long run... 😎
"It would be amazing if they directed this energy into mentoring a group of writers who show promise and need a break"
They did do that, at the very beginning—but they dropped that kind of thing quietly then leaned hard into attracting bigger names. It was a very sudden shift in tone here.
Ahh, well I've only been here about eight months so I missed all that. There's just so much incredible new talent floating around that could really benefit from being mentored and supported with a programme like this. So it definitely seems like the right time to perhaps try something like that again! 😎
Because they clearly don't care about writers and just want big names to come in and they'll monetize that way. They clearly don't care about people who just want to write.
That is true. New writers have a chance to be seen and heard here and build a community around their work, which is, in itself, a wonderful opportunity. However, it would still be nice if programmes like this that offer mentoring and promotional support, were also available to help nurture fresh voices who show promise and deserve a break, rather than just those who are already well established with large fanbases... 😎
Ok thought about it a bit….I always release a reel with my story so maybe I’m already there…and I believe there’s more than enough creative to go around. I bet there are a whole new genre of multi-media storytellers who emerge. I am excited that Substack has such a cool rep right now. We “the writers” just have to keep...actually writing.
Ugh. I honestly just moved over here to get AWAY from the frenetic world of video above everything. Maybe I should focus my energy on my own website and newsletter instead.
I came here after trying to breathe life into my own website just a heads up. Not trying to be a party pooper but building a website can have its own set of difficulties.
No you're right, I'm sure that's a realistic take, especially with all the Google changes. I guess there's no perfect option really, just gotta make the best of what we can
This is lame, guys. This seals the deal on my choosing to spend my time and effort on developing my website blog instead of my Substack newsletter. The world does not need more competitive garbage video content.
Substack doesn’t seem to care that less and less people are opening our emails and there’s no ability for writers to monetize outside of turning on paid subscriptions in an economy where disposable income is coming down
The Instagram and TikTok video crowd is DESPERATE to get onto Substack, so do exactly the same. How long till the plethora of "I tell you 10 tricks to improve your reach" posts will flood this space alongside "mindful coaches" and crypto bros?
It’s already happening. That’s what Notes is filled with. One writing coach and marketing coach after another trying to get you to doubt yourself while they get followers and get rich.
UGH. I unsubscribed from a (rather famous and Substack-sponsored) author because all they were writing about was...how to grow on Substack (without telling me about the being paid by Substack part....).
I could not tolerate anymore this kind of content, and by removing this source I basically wiped most of the notes coming this way. Cool.
Substack used to be about writers, and in fairness, I guess it still is, at least to some extent. We’re simply no longer their main concern. And you can be sure that the large number of criticisms from writers on this thread will be ignored. Substack wants to become all things to all people, but is especially focusing now on the quick distractions (and addictions) of short videos and notes that they at first were so uprightly against.
Substack raised noble and beautiful ideas (not snarking here, folks) of how social media, as it existed, with its focus on drivel, needed a new path forward. I sure was sold, as were many others, I’m sure.
We were pretty tired of platforms that have as their main goal to keep users scrolling, and scrolling, with endless inane vids of how far a handful of Cheerios blows in the wind, or whatever.
And now? Do you really think that the TikTok creators who are being courted to come over to Substack are actually going to do something different?
As much as I enjoy Substack for its variety of talented writers, and without meaning a pun, I see the writing on the wall. Substack has moved into the heavy monetization phase that ignores the writers who helped make it. It’s too bad that the cycle appears so inevitable, because it *is* possible to maintain your founding ideals.
Harder, yeah, but possible. Easier to invite TikTok into the house, I suppose.
It’s actually worse than that. Instead of opening up more monetization opportunities for writers (followers and free subscribers can see ads for instance, and writers get the same split in revenue that goes to Substack) and opening up the app to allow for upgrades to paid subscriptions, and the other issues creeping up (email opens coming down week after week), they just confirmed they don’t care about writers anymore unless you have a massive following. I saw another comment in a different thread that said it perfectly, that this is turning into high school popularity. It’s why our criticisms are being ignored, that’s coming from the top.
Yeah, a popularity contest. Bit by bit, Substack is converting itself into the very things it was so articulate in expressing were wrong with platforms these days. They proclaimed that the prevalent dynamics of social media weren't good for the soul, so to speak, and then began to implement various features that promote those very dynamics.
I still find a lot of value in Substack, but as they continue to dilute their core mission, they're going to cause more people to reconsider their options, both for publication, and for finding articles to read.
Too much on the Substack plate. Writing and writers getting paid was your unique brand. Audio is one thing but there are already too many social media video sites - there's not a need for another one! Careful or Substack may quickly become jack of all trades - master of none. Maybe just fix the Notes user experience first. Sheesh.
I've said it before, I'll say it again. Substack has ux problems as it is and instead of working on them, it keeps creating more and more features shooting everywhere. I do not understand the thinking behind of this, as it cannot be to become an all inclusive platform: a mix of ig, tik tok, twitter, youtube and spotify (for the podcasts). Wasnt it about WRITERS?
I don’t make videos but I love how Substacks model is based on valuing writers and creators. It should always have been this way but glad it’s happening here!
I don’t like scrolling through a quiet feed and suddenly being blasted with something loud and unfamiliar, or just hooky. Will the shorts be separate to notes? 🙏🏻
Great feedback, Kate! We just launched video on Notes and we're iteratively making the experience better. I'll share your comment with the team. In the meantime, you can read more here: https://on.substack.com/p/video-on-substack-notes-examples
I agree with Kate and noisy video in a still feed is a nightmare for neurodivergent people - I’ve made this point before…. I know we can curate our notes feed to a degree but I would stop all autoplay video if I could. Maybe you could make a button?
Great Feedback? What about the hundreds of other comments you didn't reply to ? Are they irrelevant feedback? Can you please share all comments 'with the team'? You learn more from those who hold an opposing view than from those who mirror you!
Randa, just like the rest of Substack’s so called “leadership” only responds to positive glowing comments and doesn’t care to respond to the real issues writers are facing. Don’t hold your breath.
I thought Substack was for WRITERS, not videographers. Why can’t they just focus on writers and writing. They are going to dilute and copy Instagram and Tik Tok. Why? For the advertising, for the billions? 😳
Hi Randa, thanks for your response! I have noticed videos appearing on notes. I love Substack and the notes feature for connection. I like video too and many of my friends use it here. I guess what’s been refreshing here is that there is no sense of intrusion so I hope that will remain 🙏🏻
I was originally excited to read this until I read the full article and FAQ. What I would have been excited about would have been:
1. A fellowship for unknown creators with no following but important things to say to get the mentorship, support etc. to build a new following on Substack.
2. A focus on thoughtful, long-form content, in line with what Substack has stood for so far - i.e. the place where creators can focus on quality over quantity.
We don't need another TikTok/Instagram/Shorts. There's no need for a new business model for video creators. There's already Patreon.
This move makes me very sad, because the way I interpret it is that corporate greed has corrupted Substack. I decided to write on Substack and subscribe to newsletters here because I genuinely believed you all were different from other social media, but this move proves otherwise. I also wanted to highlight two things that left a particularly bad taste in my mouth:
1. "investing in the next wave of video stars" feels misleading. What you are doing is investing in Tiktokers that have a "large, engaged following", and leveraging their fame to bring success to Substack.
2. You mention "This is about helping creators get ownership," but then explicitly set constraints on what these creators will be able to do with their content: "You’ll absolutely still use platforms like TikTok and YouTube for top-of-funnel growth, but Substack should be the destination everything points toward."
I am a multi-disciplinary artist and writer who enjoys making work in all kinds of media, including video. I appreciate the efforts Substack has made to expand and improve the platform, and I can definitely see the need for video creators to have more independence and opportunity. These creators do deserve a place where they can make what they want and earn a living. But Substack isn't that place. I personally don't want Substack to be that place. I come here to read and write things that I hope others want to read. And when I want to create videos and share them, I have TikTok, Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, and far too many other options to choose from. Call me old fashioned, but I feel Substack should be first and foremost a home and a haven for writers and readers.
Former (moderately successful) Youtuber and Instagrammer here. I left the former because long-form, heatfelt videos went the way of the dodo and I left the latter because I was sick of being force-fed short-form video content when all I wanted to do was read people's heartfelt words. Looks like Substack is doing what every other platform has ever done, which is hop on the short form video band wagon and drag everyone who loves (or is addicted to) short form video along for the ride.
I came to Substack because I was sick and tired of overloading my brain on digital crack. Can we not just have one place where we can connect with others on a deeper level?! Can we just leave TikTokers to TikTok and Youtubers to Youtube? I'm not knocking them--some of them do beautiful and amazing work on their platforms. I'd just like to read and write on a reader's and writer's platform if it's not too much to ask.
I'd also like to add that video doesn't really have an urgent need for a new business model--Patreon fits this bill perfectly. I was on Patreon once upon a time too, and I was excited by Substack because it largely attracts writers and readers in a way that Patreon doesn't seem to do.
This is so thoughtful. My fear is that there is very little that is intentional or deep about short-form. I think video can belong on Substack, for sure, but the specific call-out for short-form (and the hackles-raising caveat of "pre-existing, engaged communities") feels so antithetical to what is fostered here. Like you say, digital crack. I want to be the Cure for the Common Content, not doggy paddling in ANOTHER ocean of derivative attention-bait.
I have over 34,000 followers on TikTok and I agree with you 1,000,000%. I thought the voiceover/podcasting for the Substack was amazing because it opens up opportunities for people to “read“ while they’re cleaning their kitchen as well as people with disabilities to hear your voice read your own story.
But trying to “duplicate” a competitor that set the stage for video this is both stupid and is going to piss off every Substack user before it makes them excited. I know very few people that actually enjoy reels on Instagram. They felt obligated to perform, not excited to create.
Like I said, I have 34,000 followers on TikTok and I think this is a bad, BAD idea.
"obligated to perform, not excited to create"--this is IT.
Amanda I wish this were louder for the people in the back row. I'm a recovering performer and I hate feeling like a post's analytics are tied to my worth. I transitioned to audio fiction and full time storytelling and it was marvelous for my work ethic and mental health - better than sketchy burlesque venues and long days on set - I thought Substack valued community, not followers. Your POV is so important here, thank you for sharing it.
I wrote this less than a month ago.
I think Substack better fix their neo-Nazi problem before they worry about bringing over TikTokers.
If you don’t get rid of the pests, they will destroy your house. And this house is FULL of cockroaches.
“read” in air quotes, yo get a second look before u post stuff
Oh I apologize. I thought you knew how audiobooks and voiceovers worked.
Totally agree with you!!! Why does everything have to be about making a fortune!!! It’s a BIG turn off! The advertisers ruin everything, interrupting shows, movies, YouTube etc. So sick of having ads shoved down my throat!
I very much agree. I was going to state these exact points, but you beat me to it and articulated them better than I ever could. I am dreading this.
Thank you!
SUBSTANK
The art is all fake, the sincerity is plastic,
the fitness tips are lame, the life advice trite,
the quotes are all regurgitated,
the jokes are all plagiarised,
the bro-marketers keep bro-marketing.
The coaches keep coaching, the hacks keep hacking,
the memes are a virtual showcase
of the wide and enduring truth
that quantity is a poor substitute for quality.
Originality is raped, the message is noise,
the ethic is cringe, the aesthetic is synthetic,
the wisdom is stale, and it is all passed off as fresh;
The flesh is flashed. the small-minded are entertained.
The rest of us?
we’re settling,
for this.
please click like and share.
© Rocco Jarman
https://eyeswideopenlife.substack.com/p/the-cost-of-our-allowing
We came here for ESCAPING the video on Instagram. Didn’t anyone realize it?
I’m thinking I can pack my bags and move somewhere else (video-less) if this trend continues…uff.
Yeah, I tend to agree. Substack has always felt like a place to slow down, be immersed in longer-form written content that is ad-free. That's what I've loved most about this platform.
This just keeps making me go more and more in the direction of Medium or even trying my hand at doing it on my own, which is too bad
Same. I haven't opened paid subscriptions yet, and I might not even do it now.
Me too!!!!
I agree!!!!
This platform feels so much calmer than other places to be on currently. I really don't see the introduction of short form videos as a positive direction to be honest. I like how quiet and thoughtful it feels now. I don't want it to become another platform that fries my attention span
Why not do this for writers instead? It would take a lot less money and reflects the vast majority of people on the platform.
We literally asked to allow the possibility to charge certain little amounts to readers, and we were met with silence. We didn’t ask for Substack to become a video outlet and…
Yeah, I’m not against the platform offering video as an option. But the obsession with making it YouTube is not beneficial.
I have often said that Substack should embrace the early YouTube model of the platform. But I didn’t mean go full on into video. What I meant is that they built an organic audience of non-famous people who went viral. To the point that when they tried to attract celebrities, it didn’t work.
Substack has embraced what I call the “popular high school kids” model. They love that establishment writers have come to the platform. What they need is to build writers who owe their success to the platform. Not attract already well known writers who can leave whenever they want.
I've been paying for the pleasure of reading for a long time and I'm going to get a chance to view the Resolute Square soon, without having to wade thought writers I'd prefer not to read. That is a great benefit to me. Best, Leigh
What do you mean by little amounts? Something different from subscriptions? Like donations??
Subscriptions cost more than a magazine. I would LOVE to be able to charge fractions of a dollar per article. This would hugely increase the likelihood of getting paid readers PER ARTICLE!
I feel like paragraph might be worth a gander if you're seeking pay per article possibility (https://paragraph.xyz/vs-substack) but only if you're not allergic to Web3/crypto payment models.
This is not exactly what you want, but it's kind of an in-between option that Substack offers:
https://on.substack.com/p/pledges
Well I don’t know what they might be talking about. But for me, I have a comic book that I’m writing. I would love to have people be able to buy a copy of the comic by only purchasing a single post. Rather than sign up for a monthly or annual subscription.
I would love it if people could buy one article for 10 cents. I would get more money like this than have to rely on fewer buying faithful subscribers that have to lash of 5 dollars a month...
Yep.
I don’t know if I would go as low as 10 cents, but I definitely agree with needing a smaller commitment option. I have seen a few people offer things like “buy me a coffee”. Instead of getting people to move to another platform to get money, they should try and get it all in one place.
I would because this is what the market I am in would pay for my writing. I live and write in a country whose basic salary is 750 euro. 5 euro per month is A LOT.
Unfortunately, I am no established writer and write in an underpaid niche. I am giving out a free subscription to ensure my articles are read, but my reading pool does not have 5 euros to lash on every fantastic newsletter. For instance, I don not read many of you because I would have to spend hundreds a month just to read an article here and there.
Maybe you could do something like post part of the comic, and then provide a link to Gumroad (or similar) where people could buy the whole thing? I'm thinking about trying something like that when a project I'm working on is ready.
Oh I am. The comic is available on Lulu and Amazon. But I don’t really like those platforms. It also brings people away from the Substack, which makes it harder to gain subscribers.
What I am doing is that my posts are the black and white versions of the pages. I also have versions of it without the text but fully coloured. So I have content I can share on Substack. But I would really like to be able to make sales directly on the Substack platform. That way I don’t have to rely on the whims of Amazon or other places.
Yes, I see where having it directly on Substack would be helpful. I think I'm going to try the outside approach, but I'm not sure what'll happen, obviously. An experiment, but if folks don't want to go to another site....
That is a great point. I can completely understand how bringing over video creators who already have a huge following is going to generate money and bring a new audience to the platform, but at the same time those people don't necessarily need the promotion and support this opportunity is offering. It would be amazing if they directed this energy into mentoring a group of writers who show promise and need a break. I would love to see that happen. Maybe one day it will... 😎
For sure, it just makes economic sense. If you’ve staked your company on a small number of writers who make millions of dollars each, any of them leaving can devastate the company’s ability to function.
But if you have hundreds or thousands of small creators making just enough to write on Substack as a living, you don’t put your company in jeopardy of going under of one leaves.
That is very true. It does make things somewhat precarious to be so reliant on a handful of people to generate most of the income. It would make much more sense to balance that out more, and focus on building up some new talent on the platform, which in turn would help more people get the uplift they deserve. It would benefit everyone in the long run... 😎
"It would be amazing if they directed this energy into mentoring a group of writers who show promise and need a break"
They did do that, at the very beginning—but they dropped that kind of thing quietly then leaned hard into attracting bigger names. It was a very sudden shift in tone here.
Ahh, well I've only been here about eight months so I missed all that. There's just so much incredible new talent floating around that could really benefit from being mentored and supported with a programme like this. So it definitely seems like the right time to perhaps try something like that again! 😎
Because they clearly don't care about writers and just want big names to come in and they'll monetize that way. They clearly don't care about people who just want to write.
Yes but the ultimate end to that strategy is for the company to collapse under its own weight financially.
It's a writer's platform that doesn't really want to be a writer's platform (anymore) because we're not making it the money it thought we would.
if you are a writer - I'm hearing you here, so maybe it's meeting your goals. Just a thought. Best, Leigh Silverton.
What's meeting your goals?
That is true. New writers have a chance to be seen and heard here and build a community around their work, which is, in itself, a wonderful opportunity. However, it would still be nice if programmes like this that offer mentoring and promotional support, were also available to help nurture fresh voices who show promise and deserve a break, rather than just those who are already well established with large fanbases... 😎
And the dilution of the Substack brand continues
It just doesn’t seem to stop.
They just don’t care. And I don’t expect them to acknowledge and respond because the leadership doesn’t acknowledge, respond or care
It is such a pity because, MY GOD, the writers on this platform are pure gold. One could read for hours on end and always find interesting things.
You're absolutely right. I hate to leave because of the community that has created around my little platform, but I feel like I have no choice
Certainly doesn’t come across that way.
Faaaaaaaaaaack. We don’t need more short attention span spam - we came here for LONG FORMAT WRITING. WRITING. BY WRITERS.
AGREED!! Substack you will loose valuable writers!!!!
Ok thought about it a bit….I always release a reel with my story so maybe I’m already there…and I believe there’s more than enough creative to go around. I bet there are a whole new genre of multi-media storytellers who emerge. I am excited that Substack has such a cool rep right now. We “the writers” just have to keep...actually writing.
Ugh. I honestly just moved over here to get AWAY from the frenetic world of video above everything. Maybe I should focus my energy on my own website and newsletter instead.
I came here after trying to breathe life into my own website just a heads up. Not trying to be a party pooper but building a website can have its own set of difficulties.
No you're right, I'm sure that's a realistic take, especially with all the Google changes. I guess there's no perfect option really, just gotta make the best of what we can
This is lame, guys. This seals the deal on my choosing to spend my time and effort on developing my website blog instead of my Substack newsletter. The world does not need more competitive garbage video content.
Substack doesn’t seem to care that less and less people are opening our emails and there’s no ability for writers to monetize outside of turning on paid subscriptions in an economy where disposable income is coming down
Exactly.
I AGREE!!!
Tik Tok creators? Ugh. The last thing I want to see on Substack is some clout chaser making hideous recipes with Prego and Velveta.
The Instagram and TikTok video crowd is DESPERATE to get onto Substack, so do exactly the same. How long till the plethora of "I tell you 10 tricks to improve your reach" posts will flood this space alongside "mindful coaches" and crypto bros?
It’s already happening. That’s what Notes is filled with. One writing coach and marketing coach after another trying to get you to doubt yourself while they get followers and get rich.
UGH. I unsubscribed from a (rather famous and Substack-sponsored) author because all they were writing about was...how to grow on Substack (without telling me about the being paid by Substack part....).
I could not tolerate anymore this kind of content, and by removing this source I basically wiped most of the notes coming this way. Cool.
Could not agree more. This is exactly how I feel about notes. It's LinkedIn 2.0.
NOOOO PLEASE, I JUST GOT HERE! Don't make me leave already. I came here to run away from the videos on other platforms!
Same! Substack and Spotify is the only social media i don't block
Hopefully this whole idea doesn't catch up, hahaha.
Substack used to be about writers, and in fairness, I guess it still is, at least to some extent. We’re simply no longer their main concern. And you can be sure that the large number of criticisms from writers on this thread will be ignored. Substack wants to become all things to all people, but is especially focusing now on the quick distractions (and addictions) of short videos and notes that they at first were so uprightly against.
Substack raised noble and beautiful ideas (not snarking here, folks) of how social media, as it existed, with its focus on drivel, needed a new path forward. I sure was sold, as were many others, I’m sure.
We were pretty tired of platforms that have as their main goal to keep users scrolling, and scrolling, with endless inane vids of how far a handful of Cheerios blows in the wind, or whatever.
And now? Do you really think that the TikTok creators who are being courted to come over to Substack are actually going to do something different?
As much as I enjoy Substack for its variety of talented writers, and without meaning a pun, I see the writing on the wall. Substack has moved into the heavy monetization phase that ignores the writers who helped make it. It’s too bad that the cycle appears so inevitable, because it *is* possible to maintain your founding ideals.
Harder, yeah, but possible. Easier to invite TikTok into the house, I suppose.
It’s actually worse than that. Instead of opening up more monetization opportunities for writers (followers and free subscribers can see ads for instance, and writers get the same split in revenue that goes to Substack) and opening up the app to allow for upgrades to paid subscriptions, and the other issues creeping up (email opens coming down week after week), they just confirmed they don’t care about writers anymore unless you have a massive following. I saw another comment in a different thread that said it perfectly, that this is turning into high school popularity. It’s why our criticisms are being ignored, that’s coming from the top.
Yeah, a popularity contest. Bit by bit, Substack is converting itself into the very things it was so articulate in expressing were wrong with platforms these days. They proclaimed that the prevalent dynamics of social media weren't good for the soul, so to speak, and then began to implement various features that promote those very dynamics.
I still find a lot of value in Substack, but as they continue to dilute their core mission, they're going to cause more people to reconsider their options, both for publication, and for finding articles to read.
Too much on the Substack plate. Writing and writers getting paid was your unique brand. Audio is one thing but there are already too many social media video sites - there's not a need for another one! Careful or Substack may quickly become jack of all trades - master of none. Maybe just fix the Notes user experience first. Sheesh.
I've said it before, I'll say it again. Substack has ux problems as it is and instead of working on them, it keeps creating more and more features shooting everywhere. I do not understand the thinking behind of this, as it cannot be to become an all inclusive platform: a mix of ig, tik tok, twitter, youtube and spotify (for the podcasts). Wasnt it about WRITERS?
They’re making it crystal clear that writers who are trying to grow have no place here. They don’t even care to acknowledge our concerns either.
Everything’s about a niche until there’s money to be had. 🙃
I don’t make videos but I love how Substacks model is based on valuing writers and creators. It should always have been this way but glad it’s happening here!
I don’t like scrolling through a quiet feed and suddenly being blasted with something loud and unfamiliar, or just hooky. Will the shorts be separate to notes? 🙏🏻
Great feedback, Kate! We just launched video on Notes and we're iteratively making the experience better. I'll share your comment with the team. In the meantime, you can read more here: https://on.substack.com/p/video-on-substack-notes-examples
I agree with Kate and noisy video in a still feed is a nightmare for neurodivergent people - I’ve made this point before…. I know we can curate our notes feed to a degree but I would stop all autoplay video if I could. Maybe you could make a button?
Great Feedback? What about the hundreds of other comments you didn't reply to ? Are they irrelevant feedback? Can you please share all comments 'with the team'? You learn more from those who hold an opposing view than from those who mirror you!
Randa, just like the rest of Substack’s so called “leadership” only responds to positive glowing comments and doesn’t care to respond to the real issues writers are facing. Don’t hold your breath.
I just posted my first video yesterday of foxes playing in the yard but somehow I don't think that's what you're looking for😆
Hey if you have an engaged audience of fox lovers, we're here for it ;)
Then you are making Substack into Instagram. Nooooooo😳
Well, I'm a writer, not a videographer, so for me to pull something like that off, it would have to be in accompaniment to a nature journal of essays.
I thought Substack was for WRITERS, not videographers. Why can’t they just focus on writers and writing. They are going to dilute and copy Instagram and Tik Tok. Why? For the advertising, for the billions? 😳
Oh, that would be very, very fun! I might have to improve my video skills.
Hi Randa, thanks for your response! I have noticed videos appearing on notes. I love Substack and the notes feature for connection. I like video too and many of my friends use it here. I guess what’s been refreshing here is that there is no sense of intrusion so I hope that will remain 🙏🏻
Great to see this response :)
I was originally excited to read this until I read the full article and FAQ. What I would have been excited about would have been:
1. A fellowship for unknown creators with no following but important things to say to get the mentorship, support etc. to build a new following on Substack.
2. A focus on thoughtful, long-form content, in line with what Substack has stood for so far - i.e. the place where creators can focus on quality over quantity.
We don't need another TikTok/Instagram/Shorts. There's no need for a new business model for video creators. There's already Patreon.
This move makes me very sad, because the way I interpret it is that corporate greed has corrupted Substack. I decided to write on Substack and subscribe to newsletters here because I genuinely believed you all were different from other social media, but this move proves otherwise. I also wanted to highlight two things that left a particularly bad taste in my mouth:
1. "investing in the next wave of video stars" feels misleading. What you are doing is investing in Tiktokers that have a "large, engaged following", and leveraging their fame to bring success to Substack.
2. You mention "This is about helping creators get ownership," but then explicitly set constraints on what these creators will be able to do with their content: "You’ll absolutely still use platforms like TikTok and YouTube for top-of-funnel growth, but Substack should be the destination everything points toward."
man people are always gonna piss on your leg and tell you it’s raining, shit is sad
This ⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️
I am a multi-disciplinary artist and writer who enjoys making work in all kinds of media, including video. I appreciate the efforts Substack has made to expand and improve the platform, and I can definitely see the need for video creators to have more independence and opportunity. These creators do deserve a place where they can make what they want and earn a living. But Substack isn't that place. I personally don't want Substack to be that place. I come here to read and write things that I hope others want to read. And when I want to create videos and share them, I have TikTok, Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, and far too many other options to choose from. Call me old fashioned, but I feel Substack should be first and foremost a home and a haven for writers and readers.
I feel the same