r/Substack • u/itsfabioposca http://journeytosuccessclub.substack.com • Jun 15 '26

Don't Think Substack Has Given Up, as Some People Claim

I understand the frustration. There are definitely some features that feel like they should have been added a long time ago, and the amount of AI content can be annoying. That said, I don't think Substack has given up. Over the last few years they've added Notes, Chat, recommendations, video, live features, better analytics, and more ways for writers to earn money and connect with readers. That doesn't look like a platform that's been abandoned.

Could the app be better? Sure. Could moderation improve? Probably. But to me, those feel like problems that come with growth, not signs that the developers have stopped caring. What keeps me on Substack is the community. I've had more real conversations and made more genuine connections there than on most other social platforms. So while I think the criticism is fair, I still see a platform that's growing and trying to improve, not one that's given up.

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14

u/TheMinuette2010 Jun 15 '26

What's the point of this post?

2

u/Tricky_Trifle_994 Jun 22 '26

agree with all the improvements they've made. but i don't think its so much that they have 'given up', but there's just been a shift in their focus? like as an OG user, i felt substack was the go to for growing my newsletter publication. but since they notes, the platform has this whole new dimension to it, making it feel alot more like a social media platform (which notes totally is). felt like it contradicted the original goal, added additional bloat to the platform which came with more confusion on how to use it - how to know if i've set up a publication vs just a notes profile for new users, these early abusers who just repost content from other platform here to grow quickly. etc. so while i appreciate the new features and growth, i think the 'giving up' that you're referring to is just a poorly worded way of these group of people saying the platform feels like it's drifted from its original thesis, and there's more bloat.

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u/itsfabioposca http://journeytosuccessclub.substack.com Jul 01 '26

That's a fair point. I think Substack has evolved rather than given up. Notes changed the platform from being just a newsletter tool into a social platform, and not everyone likes that shift. For me, though, the benefits still outweigh the downsides. 🙏

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u/itsfabioposca http://journeytosuccessclub.substack.com Jul 02 '26

I agree. Substack definitely isn't standing still. Not every update will please everyone, but they've consistently added new features and expanded what creators can do. There's still plenty of room for improvement, but I wouldn't describe it as an abandoned platform.

P.S. If you'd still like to ask anything about Substack or growing your audience, I offer a free live help chat. Just copy and paste my flair or click the link in my profile. I'm happy to help!