Video Kills the Writing-Star
Substack is trying to be the next destination, but does that mean for the writers who made Substack what it is?
Video coming to Substack means one thing for the once-editorial-facing platform destination for writers seeking readers of essays, fiction, and more— and it doesn’t mean more writing or diverse content. It means, likely, less.
In the world of algorithms and fast-paced deadlines, writers have had it tough out there recently to get the word out and build communities. It truly seems a shame to watch Substack moving with the times away from the written word for reasons of attention and trends.
On May 7th, 2024, Austin Tedesco introduced a new feature that will be coming to Substack soon. Tedesco posted (in writing) through News & Views that Substack will begin “open applications for Substack Creator Studio, a fellowship for the next wave of video stars to turn their TikTok channels into Substack shows and communities.”
They continued to state, “This is an opportunity for video-native creators who want a more direct, intimate relationship with their audience and to make money from subscriptions.”
And the ten fellows who are chosen? They’ll be pushed harder into the Substack algorithm than the writers writing newsletters on Substack. Video content fellows will be receiving, “access to world-class strategic support and promotion,” according to Tedesco.
Since Notes was introduced to Substack, it only shows me that Substack is more alive than ever. Writers are determined to thrive and readers want to find them. It has created a welcoming and enticingly mindful platform and community. It connects writers with their readers.
Substack feels almost like a haven for writers and those within the literary community, finding calm from the storm of apps like TikTok and now Instagram ever since Reels were introduced among other clunky features that either can make or break a creator’s account.
It’s an escape from the hustle and bustle.
It’s an escape from the constant screen time filled with attention-grabbing videos that after a while can turn mind-numbing and creativity-draining.
Heartfelt words still matter, and it is a shame that Substack is stepping over that to appeal to short-form video content that is becoming more prevalent (and addicting), than ever before.
So many apps of this kind are cheapening creative value and any thoughtful content being produced by creators here on Substack— with options like Patreon, YouTube, or even the previous OnlyFans also providing the same kind of video options already, though this writer is unsure whether or not they are thriving for it.
Yet, Substack is considering this more prevalent move to encourage video on the platform a “new business model.”
Writers, whether writing for themselves, freelance, or novelists are already finding it more difficult than ever to make a decent living from their talents. No longer can a writer or author just be a writer or author. Writers now don a variety of hats, some they must design themselves.
Writers must be a personal brand, a videographer, or a marketer being forced to perform.
So, the only thing pushing video over writing content takes away from? The original Substack mission and understanding of its users.
According to the personal career development platform, Teal HQ, that mission? Being dedicated to empowering writers.
"Substack's core mission is centered around empowering writers and creators by providing them with a platform to build and monetize their own subscription-based newsletters. By prioritizing simplicity and user experience, Substack aims to revolutionize the way content is distributed and consumed, fostering a direct relationship between creators and their audience. In essence, Substack is dedicated to supporting independent journalism and creative expression, while promoting a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for both creators and readers in the digital age."The outcry of comments on the post should be a wake-up call to Substack. Some things within the platform can be improved, but you need to make sure you are including those who use the platform within these conversations.
Updates such as charging per post are brought up by a few users. The question also was brought forth by a few newsletter writers if this is the time now for them to go in search of another new platform that will respect their writing for what it is as a writer trying to be heard without the flare of video and digital narrative.
Either way, this is certainly going to be a new era for Substack moving forward, and we’ll only see how the writers who built Substack to what it is currently, will be able to move forward with it.
Honestly Kendra, I don't have much hope. The hunger for growth and becoming THE place to be for everything and anything, will ultimately ruin it. It has already begun to degrade and rot, in my opinion. I feel like one of the violinists on the tilting deck of the Titanic.
It's already started. I get tired of seeing something that I want to read, only to open it up and it's a video or audio clip. I want to read articles. That's how I get an understanding of what's going on.
Video is so dead.