a16z Podcast
Building Substack: Reinventing Culture through Subscriptions
Jan 9, 2025
Chris Best, co-founder and CEO of Substack, shares insights on redefining media through email, a tech from 1971. He discusses Substack's remarkable rise to over 3 million paid subscribers and the shift creators are making from traditional platforms to direct audience connections. The conversation touches on navigating the impact of AI in media, emphasizing the importance of human authenticity. Best reflects on lessons from his previous venture, Kik, and highlights how Substack empowers creators to achieve financial independence and thrive in a changing landscape.
36:45
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Quick takeaways
- Substack's success lies in leveraging email as a direct communication tool, enabling authentic connections between creators and their audiences.
- The evolution of media towards AI integration necessitates a balance between technological advancement and maintaining genuine human connections in content creation.
Deep dives
Allocating Attention in the Congested Content Landscape
In today's world filled with overwhelming content options, allocating attention strategically becomes critical for individuals. The discussion emphasizes that while content is abundant, the real challenge lies in discerning quality and relevance. People need to identify trustworthy sources to shape their perspectives and understanding of the world around them. This intersection of choice and discernment highlights a fundamental shift in how media is consumed and valued.
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