Substack’s latest updates: Live streaming
Is this platform evolution or dilution of core value?
What’s happening?
Substack, this (!) Newsletter platform is expanding beyond its newsletter roots by launching live video capabilities for all publishers.
Image credit: SubstackWhy this matters
The move shows Substack's evolution from a text-focused platform to a more comprehensive creator ecosystem.
However, it might dilute Substack's core identity as a platform for "slow media."
What did they actually build?
A native live streaming solution in the Substack mobile app that allows:
Real-time audience interaction
Multi-host collaboration (up to 3 people)
Automatic recording storage for integration into future long-form content
AI-powered clip generation for social media promotion after livestreams
Key product insights
1. Building blocks of video strategy
Started by adding video support for posts and expanded to Chat and Notes.
Launched live video beta in Fall 2024, now rolling out to all publishers.
Allows writers to gradually adopt video capabilities.
Retains creators within Substack ecosystem rather than losing to other platforms.
2. Growth through community features
Demonstrated 2x revenue growth with creators using Chats.
Built more intimate engagement through Live Chat since 2022.
Enhances user engagement and excitement with live-streaming.
3. End-to-End Journey Design
Pre-stream: Drives attendance through announcements, direct links, and notifications.
During-stream: Enables creator-audience interaction with multi-host support.
Post-stream: Extends content lifecycle through post integration and AI-powered clips.
Reality check
This rollout has sparked debate about the direction of the platform.
Advocates
“So easy to use and build the sense of community.”
“Some great possibilities to engage with our subscribers this way.”
Opponents
"I came to Substack for quality, long-form content best read slowly and thoughtfully. Don't spoil it."
“Substack’s TikTokification continues unabated.”
“Won't this ‘kill the golden goose’ and feed the instant-attention economy?”
Trade-offs
Market Reality vs. Core Values
Platform evolution is inevitable for survival, especially with video's growing dominance in content engagement.
Substack's approach maintains long-form writing as the primary content while adding video as a complementary tool.
Live streaming format is inherently less refined and thoughtful—qualities that contradict what Substack's core users (both writers & readers) value.
Worth thinking about
When planning a big change,
Map change path: What sequence of smaller changes can prepare users for bigger changes?
Test value alignment: How will this addition strengthen, not weaken, your platform's unique value?
Define guardrails: Beyond growth metrics, what metrics will tell you if you're straying from your core value?