Substack expands beyond newsletters with a new Apple TV app enabling subscribers to watch video posts and livestreams from their subscriptions, despite significant creator pushback against the platform's video pivot.
Newsletter platform Substack has launched a dedicated Apple TV application, marking a significant expansion of its video capabilities beyond traditional text-based newsletters. The Substack TV app, currently in beta, delivers video content from publications users subscribe to directly to television screens.
The move represents Substack's continued evolution from a newsletter-focused platform to a multimedia content hub. Since 2023, Substack has gradually introduced video features allowing creators to publish lectures, interviews, documentaries, and other visual content alongside written posts. These videos can include both free previews and paywalled content accessible only to paying subscribers.
The Apple TV app enables users to:
- Watch video posts and livestreams from their subscribed publications
- Browse a "For You" recommendation section featuring content from subscriptions
- Access dedicated pages for each publication to explore their video libraries
Substack product manager Zach Taylor emphasized the app's focus on longform content: "Substack is the home for work creators put real care into. These thought-provoking videos now have a natural home on TV where subscribers can settle in for extended viewing."
The app supports both free and paid subscribers, with content accessibility determined by subscription level. Substack confirmed upcoming features including paid content previews for non-subscribers, audio post support, improved search functionality, and in-app subscription upgrades.
Despite these developments, Substack's announcement faced immediate criticism from its user base. The official announcement post received overwhelmingly negative comments, with creators and subscribers expressing frustration about the platform's shift toward video. Many argue this dilutes Substack's core value proposition as a text-first platform and creates additional production burdens for creators.
Substack hasn't publicly addressed the backlash but continues to develop video capabilities. The company faces the challenge of balancing platform evolution with creator preferences as it expands beyond its newsletter roots. The Apple TV app is available through tvOS App Store alongside the previously launched Google TV version.
For technical details, visit Substack's TV App Overview.
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