Substack is a newsletter and publishing platform with built-in paid subscriptions, podcasts, video, Notes and an app with a recommendation network. GTM founders and operators use it to build an audience and thought leadership. Publishing is free; if you turn on paid subscriptions Substack keeps 10% of subscription revenue plus Stripe fees.
Substack
Publishing platform where writers own their subscriber list and cross-promote via Substack's network
Features
- Free newsletter publishing and web archive
- Built-in paid subscriptions
- Recommendations network and Notes for discovery
- Podcasts, video and chat
- Substack app for readers
Pricing
From $50/project
Free planFree to publish; 10% of paid subscription revenue plus Stripe fees; optional $50 one-time custom domain.
Free publishing
$0
Unlimited subscribers
Paid subscriptions
Custom quote
Plus Stripe fees (2.9% + 30c, 0.7% billing)
10% of subscription revenue
Custom domain
$50/project
Optional
One-time fee
Checked against the vendor's pricing page on 16 Oct 2026. See the vendor's pricing page
Strengths and limits
Strengths
- Free to start with no upfront cost
- Simple publishing
- Real discovery via recommendations and Notes
- Built-in payments
Limits
- 10% cut of paid revenue gets costly as you grow
- Little segmentation, automation or integrations
- Limited branding and analytics
Best for and not for
Best for
- Founders and operators building an audience with editorial content
- Writers monetizing paid newsletters
Not for
- Marketing teams needing segmentation and automation
- Brands wanting full design control and integrations
Alternatives to Substack
Compare themSupport
- Help center and docs
Frequently asked questions
- How much does Substack cost?
- Publishing is free. With paid subscriptions, Substack keeps 10% and Stripe charges processing fees (Substack support).
- Can I use my own domain?
- Yes, for a one-time $50 fee.
Sources
Details last updated 16 Oct 2026.
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