Substack Rankings
A list of top-performing newsletters.
What is Substack Rankings?
Substack Rankings is a system that ranks newsletters on the Substack platform based on their popularity and subscriber count. Substack is a platform that allows writers to send digital newsletters directly to their subscribers and monetize their content. The rankings provide an overview of the most popular and successful newsletters on the platform, giving potential subscribers an idea of what content is trending or in-demand.
The rankings can be sorted by various categories such as paid subscribers, free subscribers, and total subscribers. They can also be categorized by different topics like politics, technology, culture, and more. This allows users to find newsletters that align with their interests. The Substack Rankings system is a useful tool for both writers and readers on the platform, helping writers to gauge their performance and readers to discover new content.
How are Substack rankings determined?
Substack rankings are determined based on the number of subscribers that a particular newsletter has. The platform uses this metric to rank newsletters in their directory. The more subscribers a newsletter has, the higher it will rank on Substack's list. This is a simple and straightforward way for Substack to measure the popularity and reach of a newsletter.
However, it's important to note that Substack does not publicly disclose the exact number of subscribers for each newsletter. The rankings are updated regularly to reflect changes in subscriber numbers. Additionally, the quality of content and engagement level can also influence a newsletter's popularity and ranking, although the primary factor is the number of subscribers.
Who are the top ranked writers on Substack?
As of my last update, the top-ranked writers on Substack vary across different genres and topics. However, some of the most popular include Heather Cox Richardson, a historian who writes "Letters from an American," which provides historical context to current events. Another top-ranked writer is Matt Taibbi, a journalist who covers politics and media. His newsletter, "TK News," is one of the most subscribed on the platform.
In the tech industry, Casey Newton's "Platformer" is highly ranked. He covers social media and its impact on society. Emily Atkin's "Heated" is a popular newsletter on climate change. Other notable writers include Glenn Greenwald, a journalist who covers politics and civil liberties, and Judd Legum, who writes "Popular Information," a newsletter about politics and power. Please note that rankings can change over time and may vary depending on the criteria used for ranking.
Can you make money from high Substack rankings?
Yes, it is possible to make money from high Substack rankings. Substack is a platform that allows writers to monetize their content directly through subscriptions. If your newsletter ranks high on Substack, it means you have a significant number of subscribers or readers, which can translate into higher earnings. The more subscribers you have, the more money you can potentially make from subscription fees.
However, it's important to note that high rankings alone do not guarantee earnings. The quality of your content, consistency in publishing, and your ability to market your newsletter effectively also play crucial roles in your earning potential. Additionally, Substack takes a 10% fee from your earnings, so you'll need to factor that into your calculations.
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