Substack terms

Terms

Terms and conditions for using Substack.

What are terms in Substack?

Substack terms refer to the conditions and guidelines that govern the use of the Substack platform. These terms cover a wide range of aspects including user responsibilities, content ownership, privacy, payment terms, and termination of service among others. They are designed to ensure that users understand their rights and obligations when using the platform.

For instance, in terms of user responsibilities, the terms stipulate that users must be at least 16 years old to use Substack and they are responsible for all activity on their account. In terms of content ownership, the terms state that while Substack allows users to post content, users retain ownership and responsibility for that content. The terms also outline the conditions under which Substack can terminate a user's access to the platform. It's important for users to read and understand these terms before using Substack.

How much does a subscription on Substack cost?

The cost of a subscription on Substack can vary greatly as it is largely dependent on the individual publisher. Substack is a platform that allows writers to monetize their content by charging subscription fees to their readers. Some publishers offer free content, while others may charge anywhere from $5 to $50 per month, or even more. There are also some who offer yearly subscriptions which could range from $30 to $500 per year.

It's important to note that these prices are set by the individual publishers themselves, not by Substack. Therefore, the cost can vary greatly depending on the type of content, the frequency of publication, and the reputation of the writer. Substack does, however, take a 10% fee from the subscription revenue generated by the publishers.

How do I determine the value of my Substack newsletter?

Determining the value of your Substack newsletter involves several factors. Firstly, consider the number of subscribers you have, as this is a direct indicator of your newsletter's reach and popularity. The more subscribers you have, the more valuable your newsletter is likely to be. Additionally, the engagement level of your subscribers, such as the open rate and click-through rate of your newsletters, is also crucial. High engagement rates suggest that your content is resonating with your audience, which can increase the value of your newsletter.

Secondly, the quality of your content is a significant factor. If your newsletter provides high-quality, unique, and valuable content that isn't readily available elsewhere, it can increase its value. Lastly, consider the revenue your newsletter generates. This could be through subscriptions, sponsorships, or advertisements. The more revenue your newsletter brings in, the higher its value. Remember, the value of your Substack newsletter isn't just about numbers; it's also about the impact and influence you have on your audience.

What is the revenue model of Substack?

Substack operates on a subscription-based revenue model. Writers or creators on the platform can offer their content for free or charge a subscription fee to their readers. This allows them to monetize their work directly, without relying on advertising revenue or a third-party publisher.

Substack takes a 10% commission from the subscription fees collected by the writers. For example, if a writer charges $5 per month for a subscription, Substack would take $0.50 and the writer would receive the remaining $4.50. This model allows Substack to generate revenue while also supporting independent writers and creators.

If you also work with videos...

You should try Tella.tv - your all-in-one screen recorder, to create launch videos, product demos, social media videos, 1:1s for customers, and more!

Tella isn't just a screen recorder. It combines the simplicity of Loom with the creativity of Canva to create great looking videos with no effort.

With Tella, you can record your screen and/or camera, combine separate clips and quickly remove mistakes, apply beautiful backgrounds, change the camera layout, add zoom effects - almost instantly.

Tella screen recorder

< Back to Substack glossary

Try Tella today!

Screen recording for creators — simple and powerful.

7-day free trial — no credit card required