Substack
Newsletter platform with built-in audience discovery and monetization
Founded
2017
Starting Price
Free
Category
Email Marketing
Last updated February 12, 2026
About Substack
Substack is a complete newsletter and content monetization platform that lets writers publish email newsletters, podcasts, and videos while building a paid subscriber base. Founded in 2017, it combines publishing tools with a built-in social discovery network featuring Notes, Chat communities, and an algorithmic recommendation system that connects creators with new audiences.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Zero upfront costs — only pay when you earn from paid subscriptions
- You own your email list and can export it anytime, avoiding platform lock-in
- Built-in discovery network drives millions of new subscribers through recommendations and Notes
- All-in-one combining newsletters, podcasts, videos, and community features
- Simple, distraction-free writing interface with excellent mobile apps
Key Features
Email Newsletter Publishing
Clean editor for writing and sending newsletters with full ownership of your email list, exportable anytime
Notes Social Network
Short-form posts visible in follower feeds, functioning as a discovery engine to reach new audiences
Podcast & Video Hosting
Upload and host podcasts and videos with automatic transcripts, syndication to Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and livestreaming
Built-in Discovery Algorithm
Recommendation system matching content with readers based on interests and subscriptions for organic growth
Substack Chat
Group chat for building community with subscribers through threaded discussions and real-time conversations
Monetization Tools
Paid subscription setup with multiple tiers, free trials, founding member pricing, and content paywalling
Email Automations
Automated email sequences and welcome series to nurture new subscribers
Pricing
Free Publishing
Free/forever
- Unlimited free newsletters
- Email hosting and delivery
- Basic analytics
- Notes and Chat access
- Podcast and video hosting
Best For
Independent Journalism
Journalists building direct reader relationships and monetizing reporting without relying on traditional media outlets
Creator Monetization
Content creators turning expertise into recurring revenue through premium newsletters and exclusive content
Community Building
Writers building engaged communities using Chat, Notes, and newsletters for multiple touchpoints
Multimedia Publishing
Creators publishing across formats — newsletters, podcasts, video, livestreams — from one platform
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