A newsletter and media platform where writers and podcasters publish free and paid subscriptions. Writers own their audience list and set their own prices.
Substack is a newsletter platform where anyone can register to start earning, and the work can be done remotely. Fees are 10% of paid subscriptions and you can withdraw via Stripe. Founded in 2017, Substack is based in San Francisco, California, United States. It is available worldwide.
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What people actually earn on Substack
Figures published by Substack or by independent studies and surveys, as dated. Individual earnings vary widely.
Can I join Substack?
People in 46 countries
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, GI, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States
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Paid subscriptions run through Stripe, so you need to live in a Stripe-supported country to get paid.
Official requirements ↗ · Check which platforms you can join →
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How Substack compares
- At 10%, Substack sits near the middle — the median fee across the 9 creator platforms we track that charge a percentage is 10%.
Compared with the creator platforms in our directory. See them all →
Is Substack legit?
Substack is a real, operating platform. What we could verify:
- Operating since 2017 (9 years)
- Headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States
- Has a Wikipedia article
Listing last updated September 2026 · how we verify platforms · Missing or out of date? Tell us
Guides
No step-by-step guide for Substack yet. Browse all guides or find the right way to earn for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Substack charge?
Substack fees: 10% of paid subscriptions. On a $100 payment that leaves you about $90, before withdrawal or conversion costs.
How do you get paid on Substack?
Substack pays out via Stripe.
Which countries is Substack available in?
Worldwide.
How much do people earn on Substack?
More than 50,000 publishers make money on Substack, according to company figures reported by TheWrap in October 2025. Individual earnings vary widely.
Is Substack legit?
Yes, Substack is a real, operating platform: operating since 2017 (9 years), headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States and has a Wikipedia article. As with any platform, check its current terms before relying on it for income.
What are the best Substack alternatives?
Similar platforms include Ko-fi, Gumroad, Patreon and Ghost. Compare their fees and payouts in the alternatives section below.
Compare Substack with…
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