Substack’s Meteoric Rise: Why Newsletters Are the New Side Hustle

Not long ago, newsletters felt like relics of the past—something you’d only find buried in your inbox or attached to a corporate memo.

But that perception is changing fast. In recent months, major tech outlets like TechCrunch and

The Verge have been spotlighting one platform in particular: Substack.

What started as a minimalist newsletter tool is quickly becoming a go-to revenue stream for independent creators, writers, journalists, and niche experts.

But what makes Substack so appealing—and why is it taking off now?

Let’s break it down.

Substack 101: The Platform at a Glance

At its core, Substack is a platform where individuals or small teams can publish newsletters directly to their audience.

But it's more than a mailing tool—it’s a business model.

Substack emphasizes:

• - Independent publishing

• - Paid subscriptions

• - Direct relationships with subscribers

Anyone can launch their own newsletter in minutes and decide whether to keep it free or monetize it with a monthly/annual fee.

That freedom is a game-changer for creators looking to diversify income without relying on ads or sponsorships.

What Makes Substack Stand Out?

1. Personalization and Creative Control

Writers can fully customize their newsletter’s style, structure, and tone. Whether it’s a weekly digest of investment tips or in-depth commentary on AI trends, Substack lets you own the experience.

2. Monetization Made Simple

Unlike Medium or most blogs that monetize through ads or affiliate links, Substack leans into subscription revenue. Writers can offer:

• Free content to attract new readers

• Premium posts or perks for paying subscribers

• Exclusive community access or bonus content

And the best part?

Substack only takes 10% of your revenue. The rest goes directly to the creator.

3. Creator–Subscriber Relationship

Subscribers don’t just follow your work—they’re directly connected to you via email. This creates:

• A loyal reader base

• Active feedback loops

• A sense of community around your niche

4. No Technical Background Needed

The platform is built to be beginner-friendly.

You don’t need to understand HTML or CSS.

If you can write an email, you can publish on Substack.

How Is It Different from Medium or Patreon?

Substack is not a bulk mailing tool. It’s a content-first publishing platform with a strong B2C focus, unlike tools like Mailchimp or domestic platforms (e.g. Stibee or Mailry in Korea), which charge senders and are often optimized for B2B marketing campaigns.

Why Creators Love It

Creative Independence

No algorithm dictating your visibility. No brand dictating your tone. Substack lets creators publish exactly what they want, when they want, to people who genuinely care.

Predictable, Recurring Revenue

This isn’t just pocket change. According to TechCrunch, small teams of 3–4 people are earning thousands of dollars per month through niche newsletters.

Perfect for Side Projects

You control the schedule and content length, making newsletters ideal for part-time creators. There’s virtually no upfront cost—just an idea, a laptop, and consistency.

Gateway to Global Reach

Substack supports content in multiple languages and is actively used by global audiences.

Writers from Korea, India, and beyond are reaching new markets with specialized, bilingual content.

And communities like Indie Hackers and Product Hunt are filled with stories of creators launching, scaling, and profiting from their Substack projects.

What’s Next for Substack?

The platform is evolving.

Premium features now support paid podcasts, exclusive videos, and tiered subscriptions.

You don’t need to be a famous author or YouTuber to make it work—just carve out a niche.

Example ideas gaining traction:

• - Weekly tech reviews

• - Curated startup job listings

• - UX/UI design breakdowns

• - Data journalism for beginners

• - All as paid newsletters.

Final Thoughts: A New Era of Publishing

In an age of information overload and social algorithm fatigue, newsletters feel personal again.

Substack is at the forefront of this shift—empowering writers to create, earn, and connect without gatekeepers.

So here’s a thought:

👉 Do you have a story, skill, or niche interest worth sharing?

If so, start a Substack. Launch a mini-newsletter.

Share once a week. You might be surprised how far it goes—not just as a creative outlet, but as a meaningful income stream.