Substack, a platform well-known for its newsletters, has made a significant move by launching a TV app designed for Apple TV and Google TV users. In an announcement made on Thursday, the company unveiled its beta app, which will enable subscribers to view video posts and livestreams created by authors on the platform directly on their TV screens.
One of the key features of the TV app is the introduction of a “For You” row, similar to TikTok, that will showcase videos from creators on the platform, along with recommended content. Both free and paid subscribers can now access the TV app, with features varying based on their subscription tier. Substack has plans to introduce paid content previews for free subscribers in the near future. Additionally, the platform intends to incorporate audio posts, read-alouds, enhanced search and discovery functionalities, in-app upgrades to paid subscriptions, and dedicated sections for each publication where subscribers can explore all videos from a specific creator.
This move comes as Substack continues to invest more resources in video and livestreaming capabilities, positioning itself to compete with established platforms like YouTube and Patreon for both creators and viewers. The platform initially delved into video content with the introduction of video posts in 2022, followed by the monetization of videos for creators last year. Subsequently, Substack introduced livestreaming capabilities for all publishers. Embracing short-form video content, the platform launched a TikTok-like video feed within its app in March 2025.
In a blog post, Substack emphasized its commitment to providing a platform for high-quality, thought-provoking content that subscribers can engage with. Despite the company’s enthusiasm for its video expansion, comments on the announcement suggest a mixed reaction from users. Some express concerns about the shift from written content to video, urging the platform to maintain its focus on long-form writing.
It’s important to note that Substack is not alone in its venture into the realm of television, as Instagram recently introduced IG for TV, allowing users to watch Reels on TV, starting with Amazon Fire TV. The landscape of content consumption continues to evolve, with platforms exploring new avenues to engage audiences across different mediums.