How Substack is Modernizing Journalism

Substack has become a media giant in recent years, causing a noticeable dynamic shift in the world of media and journalism.

Substack’s Unique Model

In 2017—adjacent to the social media frenzy—a new type of media platform arose. It began as a space for writers to publish newsletters directly to their readers, and evolved into a unique, subscription-based network that gives a voice to creatives everywhere.

Substack’s model is something that we haven’t quite seen in the media before. Yes, apps like Tumblr share similar formats, but there are certain aspects of this platform that are trailblazing the world of journalism.

A screenshot of my Substack homepage. Source: *Substack*

A typical “scrolling” app, Substack has all the draws of a regular social media site, like Instagram or TikTok, but with different content. Podcasters, artists, writers, and even celebrities are all on Substack, each sharing their own authentic work.

Total Creative Freedom

With Substack, there’s no more battling with editors to get your article published. There is no typical newsroom moderator, like at a publication, and each individual person is in charge of their own content. There is no worry about censorship or fear of being boxed into a certain niche. Substack writers make their own schedule, choose their own content, and have full creative freedom over their work.

To gain insight from a creator perspective, I spoke to Kristine Garrote, a LIM College alumna and freelance writer on Substack.

“I think there’s an easiness to Substack that draws a lot of people in,” says Kristine. “And because of that, the idea of modern journalism is definitely shifting.”

Thanks to Substack, freelancers have the option to step away from the difficulty of getting published by a regular magazine or becoming a staff writer.

“I’d love to at least try a career as a staff writer for a fashion magazine before choosing one, but right now, I’m definitely more drawn to Substack… I can make my own schedule and write about anything I want,” Kristine says. “It’s more freeing in that way.”

A monetized platform, Substack’s removal of a “middleman” has been a main draw for creative professionals. Every writer has full autonomy over their work and is in charge of their own email list. This allows them to keep control of their own audience in an efficient and personal way.

Building Community

Additionally, there is a sense of community on the platform that has come to fruition.

“While other platforms like Instagram feel more individualized, Substack is purely about making good connections with other writers and readers, building a community that aligns with you and your content,” Kristine says.

Substack has amassed a great number of communities on its platform, all with different interests. Lifestyle culturists, fandoms, working professionals, business-people, and many other groups find their place on the platform.

Substack has become not only an outlet for niche communities to find their people, but also a space for creatives to meet and connect—a great tool for new writers to take advantage of and advance their connections.

Kristine has found Substack to be a place to network with other writers and, hopefully, make connections to propel her in the media and journalism space.

The Drawbacks

Nothing is without fault—including Substack. With the platform's lack of censorship, there is growing concern over the spread of misinformation. Anyone can say practically anything they want, including falsehoods and inaccurate information that is falsely stated as fact.

There are no promises that a writer's work will be seen or popularized. There is an issue of visibility for newer writers. Typically, on Substack, more popular, established journalists are often the ones generating income and getting views on their content.

Media puritans are also drawing concerns about the fall of the typical newsletter and publication format as Substack becomes more mainstream. But, who’s to say it’s not just evolving into something more efficient and beneficial for all parties?

In Conclusion

Although it is still a work in progress, Substack is an explosive platform that is giving a voice and an income opportunity to new journalists. It’s model is current and accessible, and it is a space for writers to take full creative freedom over their work. Substack is here to stay and is slowly changing the way we consume journalism and media.

Do you have an account on Substack? Leave a comment below.