23 Comments
User's avatar
Adam Lee's avatar

This is all useful information as I've been wondering about how people add value for their paid subscribers.

I'm still offering everything for free looking to establish a large base, and I like this sort of information so that I can think about and plan what it will look like going paid.

Mary Ann Archibald's avatar

Thank you for the tips. What is a flexible paywall? Are we able to split free from paid content? For example, make the podcast free and then insert a paywall for bonus content under that? Is that what you mean? (That would be amazing btw).

Alisa Kennedy Jones's avatar

Incredibly helpful, but I wonder if this resource shouldn't be delivered in the form of a mini-podcast series? i.e. Use the thing to help us to market the thing??? Or maybe this is being done somewhere and I just missed it--if so--please ignore :)

Ken Cook's avatar

Question - can I put PDF files on my Substack site that would be available only to paid subscribers? Part of the value I want to offer to paid subscribers is access to my wider body of knowledge, available in many different PDF files. I would want both paid and free subscribers to be able to scroll through the file names, but only paid subscribers would be able to download them. Is this possible?

SBLTN's avatar

I disagree with "Consider providing transcripts for paying subscribers". Accessibility should be readily available and not behind a paywall.

Michael Spencer's avatar

I think many of us understand the value proposition, it's setting it up or finding the easiest way for setting this up that is a barrier to entry for many. How about getting podcast native people to explain to actual (low-tech) writers. That I would value.

Theory Gang's avatar

It's such an endeavor. I think Substack is reducing the barrier by making it seemlessly integrated into an existing audience. Kinda brilliant.

Michael Spencer's avatar

They have to give us huge surveys to fill out to better understand our pain points. Clearly. haha.

Reducing the barrier to entry, giving us a "Stack" of tools, a great UX, and we're still greedy for more.

Linda Varos's avatar

So many unanswered questions and no way to work through glitches. Frustrating. I see the potential but getting there is exhausting at this point.

Cole Noble's avatar

One of my favorite monetized podcasts is the NoSleep podcast. They convert listener-submitted stories into radio plays, and then act them out with their team. Episodes usually include five stories, with the last 2 being paywalled.

Retail Capital Trading's avatar

That’s a great post thanks. I never considered doing a podcast but this could be interesting, will definitely dig into it!

Erica's avatar

Oh cool, i love this app so much!!!

Theory Gang's avatar

My question is: how do guests feel about being on a less widely broadcast episode? If I'm going on a podcast that is behind a paywall, I expect an honorarium or something.

Shlomi Ron's avatar

That was exactly my concern as I host the Visual Storytelling Today podcast for the past six years.

From the article, my sense is that your core podcast content that gets a lot of interest like expert interviews I do - you should keep free.

Paid could be q&a or bonus episodes with premium content. Those you can run solo.

Virginia Postrel's avatar

As an author, I go on every podcast that asks me. Producing a podcast is time-consuming but being a guest is pretty easy.

Myq Kaplan's avatar

much appreciated, thank you!

IITHIPHAT TIMSAVARSD's avatar

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Miky Jhon's avatar

One thing I like about this approach is the focus on building a real relationship with listeners instead of relying only on ads. Offering free episodes while reserving extras like bonus content or early access for supporters feels like a sustainable way to grow a loyal audience over time. The same principle applies to online identity small personal touches can make people remember you. I recently experimented with https://stylishnameez.com/ to create a distinctive profile name, and it's a simple way to add a bit of personality across social platforms without overdoing it.

Fareya's avatar

It’s interesting to see how creators are exploring paid podcasting options and thinking about ways to make their content stand out. A small but effective trick I’ve noticed is focusing on personal branding across platforms, something as simple as a unique, stylish name can really boost recognition. Tools like https://stylishnamees.com/ make it easy to create memorable, eye-catching names for social media or gaming profiles, which helps in building a consistent online identity.

Linda Varos's avatar

Such great opportunity here. I've been on Podia for selling my workshops. They have a phenominal program of free video trainings on YouTube. Honestly, I wouldn't have stayed there or been able to navigate very effectively without those videos. Really shows the level of caring for the user because technology has so many layers, FAQ's just don't cut it anymore. I'm hoping Substack will do the same.