Substack, widely known as a newsletter platform, has launched live streaming features for certain creators. Initially, live video will only be available to Substack’s top creators (who are identified with ‘Bestsellers’ badges) on Android and iOS apps.
In an announcement post, the company said that it will roll this live-streaming feature out to all users in the next few months.
According to the post, when creators are live streaming on the Substack app, their subscribers will be immediately notified. Creators will also be able to choose whether their live stream audience includes all subscribers or just paid ones.
There’s also the option to go live with another creator to expand your audience base.
“Collaborations are a powerful source of growth for Substack writers, and we expect collaborative live videos will be too,” Zach Taylor, product manager at Substack, added in the post.
Live streaming is the latest in a long line of changes Substack is making, presumably to compete with apps like TikTok. From podcasting capabilities to videos and mobile editors, the platform is trying to provide a wide range of content types.
How can I access live streaming features on Substack?
To live stream on Substack, open the Substack app, press the “plus” button, and press “live video.” After allowing microphone and camera access, add a title to the video. And make it a good one, too. It’ll be the first thing audiences see when they are notified that you’re going live.
You’ll then have to choose whether to go live for everyone, for subscribers only, or for paid subscribers only. You’ll also be given the choice of toggling the “email my subscribers” switch on or not.
The final step is to collaborate on a live stream. For iOS users, this can be done by hitting the “invite” button and choosing which creator to collaborate with. While creators can invite Android users to co-host a stream, Android users can’t invite a second streamer themselves at this time.
For maximum convenience, Substack automatically saves live streaming recordings to your drafts. From there, you can then clip the videos to post on Notes or your next newsletter.
“Live video arrives as more writers and creators use Substack to reach their subscribers while events unfold, often hosting dynamic conversations about breaking news and live events via Chat,” Taylor adds. “With publishers requesting ever-richer ways to connect, live video provides a new way to meaningfully engage with your audience.”
Further reading
- Substack Launches Mobile Editor, With a Few Caveats
- You Can Now Send Subscribers Videos on Substack Chat
- Substack Launches ‘Creator Studio,’ a Fellowship for Video Creators
- 1 Year On, Substack Just Revamped Its Notes Feature
- Now Everyone Can Create On Substack, Even Without a Newsletter
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