Substack
Newsletter platform for writers with built-in paid subscriptions
Free to use. Substack takes 10% of paid subscription revenue + Stripe fees.
newsletters creator-economy paid-subscriptions writing
About Substack
Substack lets writers publish free and paid newsletters with zero upfront cost. It handles hosting, delivery, payments, and subscriber management. Substack takes a 10% cut of paid subscriptions — no monthly fee. Ideal for independent writers, journalists, and creators who want to monetize an audience without managing email infrastructure.
Highlights
- ✓ Zero upfront cost — no monthly fees to publish
- ✓ Built-in paid subscription and paywall support
- ✓ Simple, distraction-free writing experience
- ✓ Built-in podcast hosting and community features
Limitations
- ✗ 10% revenue cut on paid subscriptions (plus Stripe fees)
- ✗ Very limited design customization — you get the Substack look
- ✗ No advanced automation or segmentation tools
- ✗ You don't fully own the platform — Substack controls distribution
Replaces
Last updated: 2026-03-10