Substack – The Newsletter Platform Powering the Creator Economy
If you’re trying to build a direct relationship with your audience, Substack is one of the best platforms to do it. At Roareye, we’re constantly testing tools that help creators grow smarter. Substack gives writers, journalists, and niche creators a way to share ideas, build community, and earn money, without dealing with algorithms.
Let’s break it down. What is Substack, really? It’s a simple publishing tool for newsletters that lets you send content directly to your readers’ inboxes. You can publish for free, or charge a subscription and keep most of the earnings. Setting up is fast. With just your email, you can start Substacking in minutes, no design, no code, no stress.
What Is Substack and How Does It Work?
What is Substack? Substack is built for writers who want control. It’s where you send emails, post content online, and grow a list of readers who care. Unlike social media, you’re not renting space. You own your list.
Substack in Simple Terms
At its core, Substack is an email newsletter platform. Writers publish posts, and subscribers receive them in their inbox. You don’t need any design skills or technical setup. Everything runs on a clean, simple interface. Whether you’re writing essays, interviews, or updates, Substack lets you share directly with your audience.
Substacking: What Does It Mean?
Substacking refers to the act of running your newsletter on Substack. It can be a side project or a full-time publishing business. For some, it’s a way to break free from traditional media jobs. For others, it’s a tool to build a paid audience around niche content, politics, tech, parenting, you name it. It’s become a verb because the platform now stands for creative independence.
Is Substack Free for Writers and Readers?
If you are wondering, is Substack free? We have got you covered. Yes, it is free to start. Writers don’t pay a cent unless they earn from paid subscriptions. If you’re offering content for free, Substack hosts it, sends it, and tracks it.
Free vs Paid Newsletters
Writers have full control over their pricing. You can publish for free forever or offer a mix of free and paid posts. Many start with free editions to grow trust and then introduce premium content. Substack makes it easy to turn paid subscriptions on or off with one click. Readers choose whether they want to pay or stay on the free tier.
Who Pays and How Much?
The most common pricing is $5/month or $50/year. Substack takes 10% of paid subscription revenue. Stripe also takes about 3%. Writers usually keep 87–90% of what readers pay. That’s much better than ad-based platforms or book royalties. If you’re consistent and serve a niche, even 100 paid subscribers can make it worthwhile.
Substack Login and Account Setup
Getting started on Substack is quick and easy. You don’t need a password. You don’t even need tech skills. All you need is an email.
How to Create a Substack
Go to the Substack login page and enter your email. You’ll get a “magic link” that logs you in. From there, you name your publication, pick a topic, and start writing. There’s no setup fee, and you don’t have to pay unless you make money from subscriptions.
Tips for a Strong Start
If you’re new to writing or audience building, start with regular free posts. Use a simple intro, a clear headline, and a short CTA at the end. Promote your posts on social media. Then, when you’ve built trust, introduce your paid tier. Even if you start small, staying consistent builds momentum.
Should You Start Substacking in 2025?
Substacking works best for writers who want independence and a loyal audience. If you love writing long-form content and want to skip social algorithms, it’s a solid choice.
Who Substack Is Best For
Substack fits creators who write with depth and personality. Journalists, educators, tech experts, coaches, and community builders use it to connect and monetize. You don’t need to be famous, you just need a clear voice and something valuable to say. It’s also a smart move for businesses that want to run thought leadership newsletters without relying on social media engagement.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- You own your email list
- Easy to set up and use
- Subscription-based revenue model
- No upfront cost
Cons:
- 10% platform fee on paid subs
- Limited design and automation features
- Harder discoverability if you’re new
If you’re focused on quality content and long-term audience building, the benefits far outweigh the limitations.
Conclusion: Is Substack Still Worth It?
Substack is still one of the best platforms for creators who want to write, grow, and get paid. It puts you in charge of your content, your list, and your revenue. Whether you’re curious about what is Substack, need help with your Substack login, or are wondering if Substack is free, the answer is clear: it’s simple, direct, and built for serious creators.
At Roareye, we recommend Substack for anyone ready to start publishing smarter. Own your content. Own your audience. And make your voice count.
FAQs
Q: What is Substack used for?
A: Substack is used to send newsletters and get paid by subscribers. It helps writers build direct connections with their audience.
Q: Is Substack free to use?
A: Yes. Writers can use it for free unless they start charging readers. Substack takes 10% from paid subscriptions only.
Q: How do I log in to Substack?
A: Go to substack.com, enter your email, and click the link sent to your inbox. No password required.
Q: What does Substacking mean?
A: It means running your newsletter business through Substack—publishing, growing, and possibly monetizing your writing.
Q: Can anyone use Substack?
A: Yes. You don’t need any background in tech or publishing. If you can write, you can start Substacking today.
