Substack is a publishing platform where writers and creators can build an audience through newsletters, articles, podcasts, videos, and other content.
The main way creators make money is through paid subscriptions. You can publish free posts to attract readers, then offer paid content to people who want more from your publication.
You choose your subscription prices and can offer monthly, annual, and founding member plans. Substack currently allows paid subscriptions starting at $5 per month or $30 per year for US dollar Stripe accounts.
You can also keep your publication completely free. This makes Substack useful for building an email audience before you decide to add paid content.
Creators can publish different types of content, including written posts, podcasts, videos, and discussions. You can also use comments, chats, and other community features to keep readers involved.
Substack does not charge a monthly fee to publish. Once you enable paid subscriptions, Substack takes 10% of each paid transaction. Stripe then charges its own payment processing fees.
Your income depends on your audience size, subscription price, and how many free readers become paid subscribers. A writer with 200 readers paying $5 per month would have $1,000 in gross monthly subscription revenue before platform and payment fees.
Substack can also earn money through other creator activities. Depending on your publication and eligibility, you can use paid subscriptions, one-time purchases, recommendations, and other tools to grow your audience and income.
The platform does not guarantee that you will get subscribers. You still need useful content and a way to attract readers from search, social media, podcasts, existing audiences, or other channels.
Payments are handled through Stripe. Substack says paid subscription payouts usually reach your bank account within 48 hours of each transaction, although the first payout for a new Stripe account can take 7 to 14 days.
Country access depends on what you want to do. Free publications can start from anywhere, while paid subscriptions depend on Stripe support in your country.
Substack is a strong option for writers and creators who want to build an audience they can reach directly. It works best when you have a clear topic and can publish useful content on a regular basis.
Pay
Your income depends on your subscription price and number of paying subscribers. Substack takes 10% of paid transactions, while Stripe charges separate payment fees.
How You Make Money
You publish free and paid content, build an audience, and encourage readers to become paid subscribers. You can also use other creator features to earn from your audience and grow your publication.
Withdrawal Speed
Substack says payments usually reach your bank account within 48 hours of each transaction. The first payout from a new Stripe account can take 7 to 14 days.
Pros
• You can start publishing without paying a monthly platform fee.
• You can build a free email audience before introducing paid subscriptions.
• You control your subscription prices and can offer monthly, annual, and founding member plans.
• Substack supports written posts, podcasts, videos, chats, and other content formats.
• Paid subscription payouts are handled through Stripe rather than requiring you to process payments yourself.
• You can build a direct relationship with your readers instead of relying only on social media platforms.
Cons
• Substack takes 10% of paid subscription transactions before payment processing fees.
• You need to attract readers yourself because publishing does not guarantee subscribers.
• Income can fall if paid subscribers cancel their memberships.
• Paid subscription availability depends on Stripe support in your country.
• Building a large paid audience can take considerable time and consistent publishing.
Best For
Writers, journalists, bloggers, newsletter creators, podcasters, and other creators who want to build an audience and earn from paid subscriptions.
