Substack rolls out livestreaming for all publishers

After testing live video features in the fall, newsletter platform Substack announced on Tuesday that it is now making livestreaming available to all publishers. This new feature allows creators to engage with their viewers and collaborate with other publishers. 

The introduction of livestreaming indicates that Substack is following in the footsteps of other platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Given the looming TikTok ban in the U.S., this addition comes at a timely moment and provides creators with a new way to connect with their audiences.

To use the live video feature, users must have at least 10 free subscribers in the app. To host a live video, users can click the orange plus button on the homepage and select “Live.” After adding a title for the video, users can invite guests to join the stream or press the “Go live” button to begin broadcasting.

When the livestream is over, publishers receive a complete recording of the session, which they can then publish as a post on Notes, allowing subscribers who missed it to catch up. Additionally, Substack offers AI-generated clips for social media sharing.

Substack has consistently been a platform for hosting newsletters, however, in recent years, it has expanded its offerings to include video support in several of its products. This began with the ability for publishers to upload or record videos directly in their posts and later included video support for Chat and Notes.

The platform began experimenting with live video in September, initially providing the tool to its bestsellers, which are creators with hundreds or more subscribers.