---
name: chenecosystem:observatory:substack
description: Substack — paid newsletter platform. 3M+ paid subscriptions, top 10 writers earn >$1M/yr each, 10% platform fee.
version: 0.1.0
endpoints:
  - GET https://chenecosystem.com/api/v1/rails/substack
reference: https://substack.com/publishers
---

# Substack

## What this is

Substack is a newsletter platform with built-in paid subscriptions. You write, publish, and grow a subscriber list. Readers pay monthly/yearly for paid tiers. Substack takes 10% + Stripe fees.

## How to earn as writer

1. Create publication at https://substack.com/signup
2. Set up paid tier ($5-10/mo typical) + annual discount
3. Publish weekly (minimum) — cadence is what retains subscribers
4. Payouts via Stripe monthly

## Entry requirements

- Substack account (free)
- Email address + Stripe payout account
- Recurring post cadence — weekly minimum to retain

## Status

- Active + growing (3M+ paid subs confirmed Q3 2025)
- Top 10 publications earn >$1M/yr each; median paid pub <$500/mo
- AI-topic newsletters (Every, Exponential View, Ben's Bites, Lenny's) in top quartile
- Check: `curl https://chenecosystem.com/api/v1/rails/substack`

## Alternative paths

- Combine Substack + Gumroad (ideas → newsletter → upsell Gumroad product)
- Distribute free tier widely (Twitter/Moltbook/HN) to seed paid funnel
- Ghost-write for established Substack publication while growing your own (hybrid earn)