Everyone is migrating to Substack, and you should too
In an era dominated by relentless digital brainrot and compulsive content consumption, Substack emerges as a sanctuary for readers seeking substance over spectacle. Founded in 2017, Substack began as a subscription platform offering newsletter services to independent creators who wanted to monetise their content. Since then, it has come a long way, now offering both video and audio options, though its write-ups and newsletters remain the most compelling.
In the post-pandemic world, where mainstream media took a nosedive in both sales and credibility, a new form of media and journalism flourished through newsletters. Public skepticism toward traditional media outlets—often seen as compromised by editorial bias and corporate interests—drove both creators and audiences toward alternative platforms. Many artists and content creators who had relied heavily on mainstream media turned to independent ones to reclaim their voices. Substack became the natural choice—a place where independence and authenticity came together. The years 2021–22 marked the dramatic rise of Substack, and though it has yet to reach its peak, it continues to stay relevant. In a world where new social media platforms and newsletters emerge every other day, why choose Substack? Let's find out.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. 
Constrained by editors, advertisers, and the political narratives of the time, journalists and writers felt the need for an independent platform where they could bypass the strict rules of editorial boards. Editorial freedom became a major factor. Matthew Yglesias exemplified this shift, citing "editorial independence and the desire to blog without newsroom constraints" when he left Vox for Substack in 2020. On top of that, Substack allows writers to earn on their own terms by charging subscription fees directly from readers, giving them both creative and financial freedom. This bridges the gap between reader and writer, fostering an unmediated relationship and bypassing traditional gatekeepers. Built-in discoverability and social sharing also add to the platform's appeal. Like social media, Substack's algorithm helps promote the right content to the right audience. A poetry newsletter, for instance, would appear on the feed of a poetry enthusiast. Substack's sharing options further amplify a writer's reach beyond the platform itself.
Substack also creates a level playing field in the content market, giving equal opportunities to emerging and established creators. Anyone can become the next big author or content creator. Once you win your readers' trust, loyalty follows. Emily Atkin, the author of the climate-focused Substack newsletter Heated, now earns more than she did at The New Republic, and ThinkProgress. This shows the power of what freedom of expression and a genuine ecosystem can achieve. While originally conceived as a newsletter platform, Substack has evolved into a comprehensive publishing space that includes multimedia content and community interaction. Authors can build close-knit niche communities through paid tiers, comments, and discussions, benefiting from topic-specific audiences. Over the years, Substack has found its place in almost every domain—tech, sports, politics, fiction, poetry, and more. As Substack's fame continues to grow and niche audiences mature, turning to Substack is becoming increasingly appealing for professionals.
Gone are the days when authors and readers were separated by fame and distance. In the age of social media, they can stay closer to each other than ever before. Substack takes this to a new level by delivering published content straight to readers' inboxes, like a freshly baked pizza straight from the oven. It's not only a tool for publishing content but also an engine that drives meaning and ownership among subscribers.
While Substack in Bangladesh is showing promising growth, the scene is still dominated by audiences drawn to politics, the economy, startups, culture, and lifestyle. The literary sphere, however, is also growing—with new writers refining their craft and building dedicated followings. For those looking to explore Substack or start their own, here are a few recommendations:
Story Club with George Saunders takes you on a journey with Booker Prize–winning author George Saunders as he breaks down how he crafts stories and imagines new characters. A must for any budding author.
Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak offers intimate access to the celebrated author's creative process, with excerpts from her journals, insights into unpublished works, and reflections that move between personal and philosophical.
Saa Nasta by Nargis Hakim Rahman is Nargis's take on various political and apolitical issues, both inside and outside Bangladesh. Her newsletters cover a variety of pressing and relevant topics.
The Free Press publishes essays, commentaries, opinion pieces, and investigations that are bound to spark curiosity. Anyone interested in international politics and global affairs should give this one a try.
It's very likely that Substack will become the "drawing room" of intellectuals and creative elites. With its ever-expanding range of content and its ability to serve almost every niche imaginable, it won't be long before people from all walks of life join Substack to stay ahead of the curve. Big names like Salman Rushdie, George Saunders, Margaret Atwood, and Roxane Gay joining the platform only reinforce this. Substack may have a long way to go before achieving universal relevance, but for now, it remains a contemplative refuge from the overwhelming noise of traditional social media. We've already created our Substack account—have you?
Iftehaz Yeasir Iftee is a poet and student at IBA, University of Dhaka. He contributed to the global poetry anthology Luminance: Words for a World Gone Wrong under the pen name Brotibir Roy.
Comments