Substack

American online platform providing publishing, payment, analytics, and design infrastructure for subscription-based content including newsletters, podcasts, and video.

Official Website

Internet / Publishing

1 Episode

The Story

Substack is an American online platform that provides publishing, payment, analytics, and design infrastructure to support subscription-based content, including newsletters, podcasts, and video. Founded in 2017 by Chris Best, Jairaj Sethi, and Hamish McKenzie, the company is headquartered in San Francisco.

The platform allows writers to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and send digital content directly to subscribers. Substack has been credited with helping independent journalists and creators build sustainable businesses through reader-funded models. As of 2024, the platform reports over 5 million paid subscriptions.

Substack has faced criticism for its content moderation policies, including decisions to keep controversial writers on the platform. The company has also experienced security breaches involving user data. Despite challenges, it remains one of the leading platforms for independent newsletter publishing.

Key Facts & Metrics

📅 Founded 2017

📍 San Francisco, California

Platform

Substack Platform

Subscription-based publishing platform for newsletters, podcasts, and video.

Newsletter publishing and design tools

Paid subscription management

Podcast hosting and distribution

Reader analytics and engagement metrics

Mobile apps for iOS and Android

Community chat and Notes

Direct-to-inbox content delivery

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Company Timeline

2017 — Founded Substack
Chris Best, Jairaj Sethi, and Hamish McKenzie founded Substack in San Francisco.
2019 — 1 million paid subscribers
Substack reached 1 million paid subscriptions across its network of independent newsletters.
2022 — 5 million paid subscriptions
Substack reported over 5 million paid subscriptions, with top writers earning hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
2023 — Content moderation policy criticism
Substack faced criticism for its hands-off approach to content moderation, including hosting controversial figures.

Episodes Featuring Substack

EP 729

Substack: Chris Best and Hamish McKenzie

Chris Best

Substack

Chris Best and Hamish McKenzie built Substack to give writers a direct relationship with readers, bypassing legacy publishers. After early skepticism, the platform grew to over 35 million active users and 5 million paid subscriptions. The co-founders discuss why writers are willing to pay for newsletters, how Substack weathered a potential threat from Elon Musk, and their vision for independent media. Their journey shows that building a "getaway vehicle" for journalists requires conviction, a sustainable business model, and the willingness to let writers own their audiences.

May 12, 202578 min

Founders Featured

Chris Best

Canadian entrepreneur and software engineer. Co-founder and CEO of Substack, the subscription publishing platform launched in 2017. Previously co-founded Kik Interactive.

1 episode

Hamish McKenzie

Co-founder and Chief Writing Officer of Substack. Journalist and author of Insane Mode, the Tesla story. Former lead writer for Tesla and editorial advisor at Kik.

1 episode