Substack Launches TV App: A New Way to Watch Newsletters on the Big Screen
Generally, People are excited about this new development. Obviously, Substack has been a great platform for readers who want to dive deep into topics without all the noise. Now, it’s coming to your living room, which is pretty cool. Usually, we read newsletters on our phones or computers, but now we can watch them on our TVs.
From Inbox to Living Room: A Bold Shift
Normally, we think of newsletters as something we read, not watch. However, Substack is changing that with its new TV app. Already, it’s available on Apple TV and Google TV, and it’s going to be a game-changer. Essentially, you can watch your favorite newsletters while you’re doing other things, like cooking dinner or folding laundry.
Sometimes, people get tired of staring at their phones, so this is a great alternative. Naturally, the TV app is designed to be a “lean-back” experience, meaning you can just relax and watch. Normally, you would have to actively engage with your phone or computer to read a newsletter, but now you can just sit back and enjoy.
Seamless for Creators, Simple for Viewers
Fortunately, creators don’t have to do much to get their content on the TV app. Usually, if a video is already on Substack, it will automatically appear on the TV app. Obviously, this makes it easy for creators to reach their audience on a new platform. Generally, the process is pretty straightforward, with no extra steps or formatting required.
Apparently, the TV app is designed to be user-friendly, with a clean interface and a “For You” row that suggests shows based on who you follow. Normally, discovery can be a bit of a challenge, but Substack makes it easy. Sometimes, you just want to jump to a specific publication page, and you can do that too.
A Game‑Changer for Independent Media?
Clearly, the launch of the TV app is a big deal. Already, people are calling it a “game-changing moment,” and it’s not hard to see why. Normally, independent media outlets have to compete with big networks for attention, but now they have a new way to reach their audience. Generally, this could level the playing field and give indie voices a chance to shine.
Sometimes, it’s hard for independent media to get noticed, but the TV app could change that. Obviously, getting onto the TV screen is a big deal, and it could help writers and creators reach a wider audience. Normally, you would have to go through traditional broadcast channels to get on TV, but now you can just use Substack.
What’s Missing—and What’s Coming Next
Currently, the TV app is still in beta, so there are a few things missing. Usually, you would expect to be able to search for specific content, but that’s not an option yet. Apparently, search functionality is on the way, but it’s not available now. Sometimes, you want to listen to audio posts or have them read aloud, but that’s not possible yet either.
Fortunately, Substack is working on adding these features, including in-app subscription upgrades and previews for paid content. Normally, you would have to go back to the web to pay for a subscription, but soon you’ll be able to do it right in the app. Generally, it’s just a matter of time before these features are available.
The Future of Substack: Beyond the Newsletter
Obviously, the TV app is a big shift for Substack, and it’s going to change the way the platform works. Normally, you think of Substack as just a newsletter platform, but now it’s becoming a media ecosystem. Generally, this is a natural evolution, and it’s going to be interesting to see how it plays out.
Sometimes, it takes a while for people to get used to new things, but the TV app feels like a natural fit. Already, people are excited about the possibilities, and it’s going to be fun to watch. Normally, independent media is all about reaching people wherever they are, and the TV app is just the latest way to do that. Generally, it’s a great time to be a subscriber, and you should definitely check out the TV app to see what your favorite creators are doing.
