Substack has recently revealed its updated app, including a new “Home” tab and several layout changes. The Home tab aims to help users discover content by providing access to a wide variety of stories, ideas, and individuals on the platform. Featured prominently at the top of the tab is a stack of large cards, which showcase posts from user subscriptions. Below this section, users can find Substack’s Notes feed, akin to tweets, with the ability to organize content under “Explore” and “Following.” Additionally, the updated app presents a fresh design for user profiles, simplifying reader engagement with favorite writers and newsletter subscriptions directly from their profile pages. This user-friendly interface strives to improve the process of finding and consuming content, ultimately elevating the overall user experience on the platform.
How the Card Stack Benefits Both Readers and Writers
The card stack is advantageous for both readers and writers on Substack, as it aims to boost writer retention by prioritizing new posts from paid subscriptions, saved content, and frequently-read publications. This method ensures a superior overall content experience for readers, making it easy to find and access articles from their preferred writers and publications. Writers benefit from increased visibility and engagement, which in turn can lead to higher earnings and sustained growth.
The Inbox Tab: Sorting Subscriptions and Customizable Features
Beside the Home tab is the Inbox tab, which organizes subscriptions chronologically and allows users to save or archive posts with swiping gestures. Filters can be used to view saved posts and audio posts, with Substack assuring that this is merely the beginning of customization features it plans to introduce. In the upcoming months, Substack intends to unveil more tailored options to enhance user experience, including customizable categories and recommendation algorithms. These updates aim to offer subscribers a more personalized and organized way to explore and manage their favorite content on the platform.
Streamlined User Experience with Chat and Notifications Updates
With the chat section of Substack now situated on the far-right tab, notifications have been relocated to a new bell icon at the top of the app. These changes aim to streamline user experience and improve the overall functionality of the app. The redesigned layout facilitates easier navigation, making it more convenient for users to engage with content and stay updated on notifications.
Subscription Library for Easy Subscription Management
By tapping on their profile picture, now displayed on the right side of the screen, users can access their subscription library. Here, individuals can easily manage and customize their subscriptions to better align with their preferences. This enhanced functionality streamlines the user experience, making it more straightforward than ever to discover content relevant to one’s interests.
A Shift From Newsletter to Social Media App Structure
The app’s redesign highlights Substack’s move from its newsletter beginnings towards a more traditional social media app structure, focusing on its feed, app and promoting direct interaction with content on its platform. The intention behind this shift is to create a more engaging user experience, allowing subscribers to easily browse, discover, and engage with their favorite creators and content. By incorporating social media elements, Substack aims to capitalize on the growing demand for content-driven platforms and expand its user base.
Substack’s Mission: Meaningful Connections and Personalized Experiences
Despite these changes, CEO Chris Best emphasizes that, in contrast to other platforms, Substack’s business model aims to deliver the best version of its users by finding success when subscribers engage with their most valued content. In this manner, Substack distinguishes itself by focusing on fostering meaningful connections between content creators and their audience, ultimately resulting in a more personalized experience for subscribers. By prioritizing high-quality content and user engagement, the platform effectively nurtures a sustainable ecosystem for both creators and subscribers, leading to long-term loyalty and satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new Home tab in Substack’s revamped app?
The Home tab aims to help users discover content by providing access to a wide variety of stories, ideas, and individuals on the platform. It features a stack of large cards showcasing posts from user subscriptions along with Substack’s Notes feed, akin to tweets, which can be organized under “Explore” and “Following.”
How does the card stack benefit readers and writers on Substack?
The card stack is advantageous for both readers and writers on Substack, as it aims to boost writer retention by prioritizing new posts from paid subscriptions, saved content, and frequently-read publications. Readers benefit from an improved overall content experience, while writers enjoy increased visibility and engagement, leading to higher earnings and sustained growth.
What is the Inbox tab and what customization features are planned for it?
The Inbox tab organizes subscriptions chronologically and allows users to save or archive posts with swiping gestures. Substack plans to introduce more customization features in the upcoming months, including customizable categories and recommendation algorithms, to offer a more personalized and organized way to explore and manage content on the platform.
How have the chat and notifications sections been updated in Substack’s app?
With the chat section now situated on the far-right tab, notifications have been relocated to a new bell icon at the top of the app. These changes aim to streamline user experience and improve the overall functionality of the app.
How can users manage their subscriptions in the revamped app?
Users can access their subscription library by tapping on their profile picture, now displayed on the right side of the screen. Here, individuals can easily manage and customize their subscriptions to better align with their preferences.
What is Substack’s mission and how does it differentiate itself from other platforms?
Substack’s mission is to deliver the best version of its users by finding success when subscribers engage with their most valued content. It differentiates itself from other platforms by focusing on fostering meaningful connections between content creators and their audience, ultimately resulting in a more personalized experience for subscribers and nurturing a sustainable ecosystem for both creators and subscribers.
First Reported on: theverge.com
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Marek Levak; Pexels; Thank you!
