Substack terms

Discover

A feature to explore and find new newsletters.

What is Discover in Substack?

Discover in Substack is a feature that allows users to explore and find new writers and newsletters on the platform. It is essentially a directory of all the public newsletters that are hosted on Substack. Users can browse through various categories, including culture, science, technology, and more, to find newsletters that match their interests. They can also search for specific newsletters or writers.

This feature is beneficial for both readers and writers. For readers, it provides an easy way to discover new content and broaden their knowledge. For writers, it offers a platform to increase their visibility and reach a wider audience. It's a tool that enhances the overall user experience on Substack, making it easier for people to connect with the content they love.

How much is a subscription on Substack?

The cost of a subscription on Substack can vary greatly as it is set by the individual writers who use the platform to distribute their content. Some writers offer free content, while others charge a subscription fee. The fee can range from a few dollars per month to over $50 per month, depending on the writer and the content they are offering.

Substack also offers a platform fee for writers who want to monetize their newsletters. The platform takes a 10% fee from the subscription revenue generated by the writer. For example, if a writer charges $5 per month for a subscription, Substack would take $0.50, leaving the writer with $4.50. However, it's important to note that payment processing fees are also deducted from the total revenue.

What is the average income for writers on Substack?

Substack does not publicly disclose specific data on the average income for writers on its platform. The earnings for writers on Substack can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the size and engagement level of their subscriber base, the price of their subscription, and the frequency of their posts. Some top writers on the platform reportedly earn hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars per year, but these are outliers and not representative of the average writer.

It's also important to note that Substack operates on a subscription model, where writers charge their readers a monthly fee. This means that a writer's income is directly tied to their number of subscribers. Therefore, writers with a larger following or a more niche, dedicated audience are likely to earn more. However, for many writers, especially those just starting out or without an established audience, earnings may be much lower.

Is Substack free to use?

Yes, Substack is free to use for writers. It allows writers to publish newsletters and articles without any upfront cost. However, if a writer chooses to monetize their content by offering paid subscriptions to their readers, Substack takes a 10% fee from the subscription revenue. This means that if a writer charges their subscribers $5 per month, Substack would take 50 cents.

In addition to the 10% fee, there are also payment processing fees which are typically around 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction. These fees go directly to the payment processor, not to Substack. Despite these fees, the majority of the subscription revenue goes to the writer. Therefore, while Substack is free to use, there are costs associated if you choose to monetize your content.

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