Twenty-three writers left Substack last month, including The Ankler, one of the platform’s most popular publications. This exodus comes after a year of writers citing concerns over Substack’s increased focus on social features and a pricing model that limits their business control.
Key Takeaways
- 23 writers left Substack last month, including The Ankler.
- Concerns over Substack’s focus on social features and pricing model drove the exodus.
- Rival platforms are gaining traction as a result.
- Substack faced talent drain in 2024 over its platforming of Nazi newsletters.
- Sea of Changes, a platform that gives writers more control, is a popular alternative.
Substack’s Shift Focuses on Social Features
Substack, the once-buzzy newsletter platform, is losing writers to rival platforms due to concerns over its focus on social features and pricing model. The platform’s shift in focus has led to a loss of control for writers, who are seeking alternative platforms that give them more autonomy over their content and revenue streams.
In the past year, several writers have left Substack, citing concerns over the platform’s increased emphasis on social features and its pricing model, which puts a significant “tax” on writers’ revenue. This has led to a decline in the number of writers on the platform, with 23 writers leaving last month alone. One notable departure was The Ankler, a popular publication on Substack.
Substack’s business model has been centered around its promise of giving writers the freedom to create and distribute content without the need for intermediaries. However, this model has also led to controversy, particularly in 2024 when the platform was criticized for hosting Nazi newsletters. The backlash led to a talent drain, with several high-profile writers leaving the platform in protest.
Historical Context: The Rise and Fall of Newsletter Platforms
The concept of newsletter platforms is not new. In the early 2000s, platforms like Blogspot and Medium allowed writers to create and distribute content to a large audience. However, these platforms were often criticized for their lack of monetization options and limited control over content.
The rise of Substack in the mid-2010s changed the game for writers. With its promise of giving writers 100% of the revenue from their newsletters, Substack became a popular choice for writers looking to escape the limitations of traditional publishing models. However, as the platform grew in popularity, it also faced criticism for its lack of transparency in its business practices and its focus on social features, which many writers saw as a distraction from the core purpose of the platform.
What the Price of ‘Free’ Looks Like
The concept of free speech has long been associated with Substack, but its business model has sparked controversy over the years. In 2024, the platform faced backlash for hosting Nazi newsletters, leading to a talent drain. Since then, the issue of control and revenue has become a focal point for writers.
As a result, platforms like Sea of Changes, which offer writers more control over their content and revenue streams, have gained traction. With a pricing model that gives writers more flexibility, these platforms are becoming increasingly attractive to writers looking to escape Substack’s “tax”.
What the Data Says
According to data from The Verge, the number of writers on Substack has been declining steadily over the past year. In 2023, the platform had over 100,000 writers, but by 2024, that number had dropped to around 70,000. The decline is not just limited to writers who are leaving the platform, but also those who are reducing their output or taking a break from the platform.
The data also suggests that the decline of Substack is not just limited to the platform itself, but also has broader implications for the wider publishing industry. With the rise of alternative platforms, writers are now having to choose between platforms that offer them more control and revenue, and those that prioritize social features and advertising revenue.
What This Means For You
For developers and builders, this trend has significant implications. As writers flock to rival platforms, the demand for alternative solutions increases. This means that developers will have to adapt to meet the changing needs of writers, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.
However, this shift also raises concerns over the proliferation of hate speech and misinformation on social media platforms. As writers gain more control over their content, the risk of unchecked opinion and propaganda increases.
One concrete scenario for developers is the creation of alternative platforms that offer writers more control over their content and revenue streams. For example, a platform could offer a subscription-based model that allows writers to keep 100% of their revenue, while also providing them with tools to manage their content and audience.
Another scenario is the development of tools and services that help writers to navigate the changing landscape of newsletter platforms. For example, a platform could offer a service that helps writers to find alternative platforms that meet their needs, or to manage their revenue and expenses across multiple platforms.
Competitive Landscape: Who’s Gaining Traction?
The rise of alternative platforms has led to a flurry of activity in the competitive landscape of newsletter platforms. While Substack remains a dominant player, several other platforms are gaining traction, including Sea of Changes and Ghost.
Sea of Changes, in particular, has been gaining attention for its focus on giving writers more control over their content and revenue streams. With a pricing model that allows writers to keep 100% of their revenue, Sea of Changes is becoming an attractive option for writers looking to escape Substack’s “tax”.
Ghost, on the other hand, has been gaining traction for its focus on simplicity and ease of use. With a clean and intuitive interface, Ghost is becoming an attractive option for writers who want to focus on creating content without the need for complex tools and services.
Regulatory Implications: What Does the Future Hold?
The rise of alternative platforms has also led to concerns over regulatory implications. As writers gain more control over their content and revenue streams, the risk of unchecked opinion and propaganda increases.
Regulators are now having to balance the need to protect writers and readers from hate speech and misinformation, with the need to allow writers to express themselves freely. The outcome of this balancing act remains to be seen, but : the future of writing and publishing is changing rapidly.
Adoption Timeline: What’s Next?
The adoption timeline for alternative platforms is uncertain, but : the next 12-18 months will be critical in determining the future of writing and publishing.
As writers continue to flock to rival platforms, the demand for alternative solutions will increase. This will lead to a flurry of innovation and growth, as developers and builders adapt to meet the changing needs of writers.
However, this shift also raises concerns over the proliferation of hate speech and misinformation on social media platforms. As writers gain more control over their content, the risk of unchecked opinion and propaganda increases.
Key Questions Remaining
As the debate over Substack’s business model continues, several key questions remain unanswered. What is the future of writing and publishing? Will alternative platforms become the new norm, or will Substack find a way to adapt and innovate?
: the future of writing and publishing is changing rapidly. As writers and developers continue to navigate this changing landscape, one thing is certain: the next 12-18 months will be critical in determining the future of writing and publishing.
What Happens Next?
The future of writing and publishing is uncertain, but : the next 12-18 months will be critical in determining the outcome of this shift. As writers continue to flock to rival platforms, the demand for alternative solutions will increase.
Developers and builders will have to adapt to meet the changing needs of writers, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth. However, this shift also raises concerns over the proliferation of hate speech and misinformation on social media platforms.
As the debate over Substack’s business model continues, : the future of writing and publishing is changing rapidly. The outcome of this shift remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the next 12-18 months will be critical in determining the future of writing and publishing.
Sources: The Verge
We’re not here to demonize Substack or its founders. The story of a once-thriving platform struggling to adapt to changing needs is a reminder that even the best ideas can have unintended consequences.
