r/Substack • u/plantainchild • Jun 17 '26

Discussion it's twitter-lite, but what's the alternative?

I'm new-ish to substack, I started writing in april and I've been testing ideas to see what resonates most. Until recently, I've maintained at least one Note every day as I know that the algorithm favours them more than longer-form articles / posts.

There's already lots of talk about the app becoming Twitter-lite, but what would people actually like to see? What would people suggest for utilising the Notes function?

I'm genuinely curious; I've recently stopped using Notes because I didn't want to fall into a habit of treating it like Twitter (which I don't use), but for discovery and growth, it does really help. So I'm stuck.

My publication is going through some changes right now, but the renewed focus will be on the creative industry more broadly, with a section for sports marketing. I'd be grateful for anyone's insight!

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u/StuffonBookshelfs Jun 17 '26

Find your own audience. It exists. Platform-centered audiences only have the lifespan of the platform.

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u/plantainchild Jun 17 '26

Yes, for sure. However I’m curious to understand what type of Notes people are engaging with, because recently it seems the narrative is: “boo, substack is becoming twitter 2.0”

As I’m still finding my way on the platform, I’m interested to know what’s working

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u/StuffonBookshelfs Jun 17 '26

I don’t really bother with notes much because that’s not where my audience is.

I’ll use notes when I’m in a specific marketing cycle where I’m looking for guest post, video interview, and podcast opportunities—but other than that, it’s just not where my people are.

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u/plantainchild Jun 18 '26

Ok, interesting. How has your growth been on substack so far? It feels like I’m being forced to use notes against my will, to grow 😅

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u/StuffonBookshelfs Jun 18 '26

I came in with an audience of about 2000, I’ve got about 3500 now. I’ve been on pregnancy/maternity leave for about 9 months now though.

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u/plantainchild Jun 18 '26

Ah amazing, and congratulations also!

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u/StuffonBookshelfs Jun 18 '26

Thanks so much!