Blogging Guide Presents:
Substack vs Patreon
Which platform is better for the needs of creators in the passion economy?
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Creators, including writers, photographers, and artists, are always looking for new ways to reach their target audiences, grow their networks, and make a living. Among the platforms that are helping to provide these opportunities are Patreon and Substack.
While different, both these websites have managed to attract creators looking for alternatives to traditional social media channels. Not totally familiar with either? In this article, you will learn more about Substack and Patreon and the different ways they cater to writers, including newsletter creators.
What is Substack?
Launched in 2017, Substack is an online platform that helps independent newsletter creators publish their work, with the potential to get paid through subscriptions. Substack provides a number of tools and features that make it possible for members to manage their mailing lists, receive payments, create blog-like posts, and even start discussion threads.
Substack’s offerings are predominantly aimed at newsletter publishers who can share content free to their readers or charge a subscription fee. However, Substack has expanded its offerings as of 2019 to include podcasters looking to monetize their content.
Substack was co-founded by Chris Best, Hamish McKenzie, and Jairaj Sethi. In addition to writing enthusiasts with small audiences, the platform has attracted a number of journalists moving from big media houses, as well as provided a home for corporate newsletters put out by companies such as BuzzFeed, CNN, and Vox.
