I read an interesting Note on Substack which got me thinking.
https://substack.com/@tugbaavci/note/c-105614118
A platform such as Substack will only be successful if it keeps listening to its users. Play to your strengths. For Substack it was initially writing.
This was what got my attention. I didn’t have a website at the time so this concept was a good one. Write your newsletter and build a community. I tried YouTube but I’m not focused or dedicated or have enough time to make videos on a regular basis. But writing I can do and work into my schedule.
I remember when I started on Substack – there was a chill vibe. Then Notes came in. Still a chill vibe but less so. Then video. Suddenly it feels like another social media platform.
I had a look at the Substack and read this on the about page:
We started Substack because we believe that what you read matters and that good writing is valuable – and as the platform has evolved, we’ve come to expand that view to include all forms of cultural work.
Should people who like to share videos not be part of Substack? Should people who like sharing photos not be part of Substack? They should definitely be part of the platform.
But what draws you to Substack is the writing. When I log on I don’t think “I want to see what photo [random author] posted” or “Can’t wait to see [random author]’s new video.”
Nope. I go there to read.
The future of Substack (imho)
If you want to play in the same league as the traditional social media platforms you have to adopt their tactics. You see what is working for them and do that. And you see what isn’t working for them then stay far away from it.
I think Substack is already on its way to being a social media platform. We already announce all our daily things on Notes. Now we have Reels. My Notes feed is already looking like X which a variety of religious and political battles.
Just like social media.
Instagram used to ban any photographer who dared posting a nipple on the platform. Now you can view super suggestive videos and images. But just don’t like too many posts because it might get you shadow banned. And how often do you see TikTok type challenges on IG. No wonder people are leaving.
All these bad actors are migrating. Soon they will invade Substack. In fact some of them already have. The account with a picture of a blonde who doesn’t post for more than a year then suddenly shows up in your DM’s want to teach you about crypto? They probably do the same on IG, FB and TikTok.
I’d like to continue this discussion somewhere in the future because it isn’t as black and white as we think but for a platform to be successful these types of uncomfortable discussions have to happen. Leave your thoughts here or on Substack.
I think I’ll call it a day here. It’s late and I’m working tomorrow.
Thanks for reading : )