Couldn’t agree more Mack, as it mirrors what I’ve also been feeling about my time here. I've found myself naturally engaging less on Substack over the past couple of months and couldn't really put my finger on why until you highlighted the issue well.
I've found it more convoluted to find new streams of interesting conversations, and so I just didn't have as much 'fun' as I did when I first started, which in turn meant I didn't open Substack as much anymore.
Thank you, Mack, for writing such a thoughtful piece! This is a great breakdown of how platforms can lose their core identity by chasing growth in the wrong direction. Substack’s strength has always been its focus on writing and deep engagement—doubling down on that would serve both the platform and its users better in the long run. It'll be interesting to see how this shift plays out, and I truly hope Substack continues to prioritize writers like us. Fingers crossed for the best!
Thank you Frey, I agree with everything you said here. Every time Substack mentions more features for video creators, users respond with ‘but what about writers?’
Hopefully they will get the hint! Substack is such a wonderful oasis in an otherwise shouty and superficial social media world. Let’s hope it stays that way.
As a small YouTuber I prefer to keep videos separate from writing - due to the completely different parts of the brain needed to engage with each medium.
That said if I was to do videos here then they would be paywalled - which I think is what is stimulating the growth for Substack - they may be seeing better revenue from videos than articles.
I'm too new here to make an informed opinion - however I suspect readers will gravitate to reading and watchers to videos - the potential for educational videos here is very strong - hopefully not fluff ones they can stay on the other platforms
Hey David, interesting thoughts. Long form video could work if used correctly and I like your example. But we both know most people are lazy and would go the Shorts route. And I could see Substack pushing that as well 🤬
Unfortunately, platforms tend to chase the money, constantly looking for ways to make more of it, and in the process, they lose sight of what they started as. I’m hopeful this one might be different, and I’m going to hold onto that hope—but I’m also realistic. For now, I’ll just enjoy it for what it is.
I'm with you on this - watching Substack chase video creators feels like watching your favorite indie bookstore suddenly install gaming consoles in half their floor space. Like...we came here specifically because it WASN'T that!
Not that I have anything against video content (okay, maybe a little), but Substack's magic is in its focus. The thoughtfulness. The conversations that develop in comments
Substack could be building the ultimate ecosystem connecting writers, editors, and readers - the holy trinity of publishing.
Yes exactly, sis! Let’s start carrying the same products as Barnes N Noble!
It’s so refreshing to see in 2025 that a social media platform has actually create a unique position for itself…and so frustrating to see them want to dilute it to be like all the other platforms that can do the same things better.
Oh well, we need a soapbox movement on this one, thanks for the support, Neela!
Thank you, Mack! I came back after the winter break and noticed that something was different. Now I understand what.
Couldn’t agree more Mack, as it mirrors what I’ve also been feeling about my time here. I've found myself naturally engaging less on Substack over the past couple of months and couldn't really put my finger on why until you highlighted the issue well.
I've found it more convoluted to find new streams of interesting conversations, and so I just didn't have as much 'fun' as I did when I first started, which in turn meant I didn't open Substack as much anymore.
Well said!
Thank you, Mack, for writing such a thoughtful piece! This is a great breakdown of how platforms can lose their core identity by chasing growth in the wrong direction. Substack’s strength has always been its focus on writing and deep engagement—doubling down on that would serve both the platform and its users better in the long run. It'll be interesting to see how this shift plays out, and I truly hope Substack continues to prioritize writers like us. Fingers crossed for the best!
Thank you Frey, I agree with everything you said here. Every time Substack mentions more features for video creators, users respond with ‘but what about writers?’
Hopefully they will get the hint! Substack is such a wonderful oasis in an otherwise shouty and superficial social media world. Let’s hope it stays that way.
As a small YouTuber I prefer to keep videos separate from writing - due to the completely different parts of the brain needed to engage with each medium.
That said if I was to do videos here then they would be paywalled - which I think is what is stimulating the growth for Substack - they may be seeing better revenue from videos than articles.
I'm too new here to make an informed opinion - however I suspect readers will gravitate to reading and watchers to videos - the potential for educational videos here is very strong - hopefully not fluff ones they can stay on the other platforms
Hey David, interesting thoughts. Long form video could work if used correctly and I like your example. But we both know most people are lazy and would go the Shorts route. And I could see Substack pushing that as well 🤬
Shorts make me ill - so I hope not
Yes Bette, enjoy what we have here, and plan for the future. Thank you for sharing and reading!
Unfortunately, platforms tend to chase the money, constantly looking for ways to make more of it, and in the process, they lose sight of what they started as. I’m hopeful this one might be different, and I’m going to hold onto that hope—but I’m also realistic. For now, I’ll just enjoy it for what it is.
KEEP SUBSTACK WORDY AGAIN.
I'm with you on this - watching Substack chase video creators feels like watching your favorite indie bookstore suddenly install gaming consoles in half their floor space. Like...we came here specifically because it WASN'T that!
Not that I have anything against video content (okay, maybe a little), but Substack's magic is in its focus. The thoughtfulness. The conversations that develop in comments
Substack could be building the ultimate ecosystem connecting writers, editors, and readers - the holy trinity of publishing.
Let's start a loud campaign on something bro.
Yes exactly, sis! Let’s start carrying the same products as Barnes N Noble!
It’s so refreshing to see in 2025 that a social media platform has actually create a unique position for itself…and so frustrating to see them want to dilute it to be like all the other platforms that can do the same things better.
Oh well, we need a soapbox movement on this one, thanks for the support, Neela!
I really hope they're paying attention! I'll be checking in all day 😅
Hi Penina! I’ll be stunned if anyone from
Substack replies, It’s really just a frustrated rant. Good to see you being more active here :)
Threads lasted maybe 3 weeks 😅
I never went. I never went to Mastadon either lol