Substack wants writers to get into live video streaming

Another move to scoop up audiences from TikTok, YouTube et al.

In a move to scoop up audiences from platforms for illustration TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, and YouTube, Substack is expanding its integrated video tools for creators, adding nan expertise to watercourse live.

Announced Wednesday successful a blog post by Substack merchandise head Zach Taylor, nan unrecorded streaming video instrumentality will fto writers either spell unrecorded solo aliases pinch different writers connected nan newsletter platform. Substack added nan expertise for writers to nonstop videos to subscribers successful July, building connected existing features for illustration video podcasts and shareable clips.

The livestreaming characteristic is disposable for "bestsellers" (top-performing writers pinch paid subscribers) connected iOS and Android, pinch Substack announcing "plans to grow to each Substackers successful nan coming months."

Mashable Light Speed

Substack has launched nan livestreaming instrumentality pinch immoderate of its awesome players including Bill Maher, Hunter Harris, Michael Easter, Jeff Tweedy, Emily Schuman, Katie Sturino, Grace Atwood, Dan Harris, Jenn Lueke, Joanna Goddard, and more. Wake Up to Politics Substack writer Gabe Fleisher livestreamed connected Substack utilizing nan instrumentality during nan Democratic National Convention connected Aug. 19.

"At nan DNC, my readers didn’t request to hold for maine to draught an email newsletter to perceive what I thought astir nan convention: they were capable to log connected to a unrecorded video pinch maine correct arsenic nan balloons dropped, to perceive instant commentary from an independent voice, alternatively of cablegram news pundits being nan only in-the-moment options," Fleisher said successful a connection successful Substack's post.

To spell live, creators and writers tin property nan orangish + fastener connected nan Home surface wrong nan Substack app, and deed "Live video." Subscribers will beryllium notified arsenic soon arsenic nan watercourse begins. Expanding connected Substack's "Collaborations" tool, writers tin besides take to spell unrecorded pinch different writer by inviting them (this is only disposable to iOS users truthful far, but Android users tin subordinate a watercourse if an iOS personification invites them). Writers tin besides customise entree to nan livestream, whether visible to everyone aliases each subscribers, aliases creators tin paywall unrecorded videos, creating a perk for paid subscribers.

Going up against existing livestreaming platforms will beryllium rather nan conflict for Substack, pinch sites for illustration Twitch synonymous pinch nan instrumentality and boasting dedicated organization audiences, not to mention nan likes of Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube having had unrecorded options for years. Exactly really writers usage nan livestream usability to pass pinch their subscribers will beryllium absorbing to watch — on pinch whether group will salary to watch said streams.

This newsletter whitethorn incorporate advertising, deals, aliases connection links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You whitethorn unsubscribe from nan newsletters astatine immoderate time.