Substack Launches a Dedicated TV App
▼ Summary
– Substack is launching a TV app for Apple TV and Google TV, allowing subscribers to watch video posts and livestreams from creators on their television.
– The app includes a TikTok-like “For You” recommendation row and will be accessible to both free and paid subscribers based on their tier.
– This move is part of Substack’s significant investment in video features to compete with platforms like YouTube and Patreon for creators and viewers.
– The announcement has been met with criticism from some users who feel the platform is shifting away from its original focus on longform writing.
– Substack is not alone in this push, as other platforms like Instagram have also recently launched TV-focused video experiences.
Substack is expanding its reach beyond the inbox with the launch of a dedicated television application for Apple TV and Google TV. This new beta app allows subscribers to watch video posts and live streams directly on their television sets, moving content from the platform’s creators into the living room. The app includes a TikTok-like “For You” recommendation row designed to surface engaging videos from various writers and podcasters.
Both free and paid subscribers can access the TV app, with content availability tied to their subscription level. Looking ahead, Substack intends to introduce previews of paid content for non-paying users. Future updates will also bring audio posts, read-aloud features, improved search functionality, and the ability to upgrade subscriptions directly through the app. Each publication will have its own dedicated section where viewers can browse all available video content from that specific creator.
This strategic push into television represents a significant investment in video and live streaming as Substack positions itself to compete more directly with platforms like YouTube and Patreon. The company’s video journey began with the introduction of video posts in 2022, followed by creator monetization options and a full rollout of live streaming capabilities. Earlier this year, it debuted a short-form video feed within its mobile app, mirroring the popular format of social media platforms.
In a recent blog post, Substack framed the TV app as a natural evolution, stating it provides a proper home for the thoughtful, long-form video content its creators produce. However, the announcement has sparked a notable backlash from a segment of its user base. The top comment on the company’s post pleaded, “Please don’t do this. This is not YouTube. Elevate the written word.” Another highly-rated response criticized the apparent shift in company messaging, viewing the move as a venture capital-driven pivot away from the platform’s core identity as a sanctuary for writers.
The reaction highlights a tension within the Substack community, with many users questioning why the platform seems to be de-emphasizing its roots in written journalism and newsletters in favor of video expansion. Substack is not alone in targeting the television screen; other social platforms like Instagram have recently launched similar TV experiences, such as IG for TV on Amazon Fire TV, indicating a broader industry trend toward bringing mobile-first video content to larger displays.
(Source: TechCrunch)
