Substack TV App Launch: Can Newsletters Conquer the Living Room?
Substack launches its new TV app for Apple TV and Google TV, moving beyond newsletters into long-form video. Discover the features and the controversy behind the shift.
Substack isn't just for your inbox anymore. The platform, synonymous with long-form writing, officially entered the living room on Thursday with the Substack TV app launch. Per TechCrunch, the beta app is now available on Apple TV and Google TV, signaling a massive pivot toward video dominance.
Substack TV App Launch: Video Takes Center Stage
The new application allows subscribers to watch video posts and livestreams directly on the big screen. It features a TikTok-style "For You" row that algorithmically surfaces content from creators. While free and paid users can access the app, content availability remains tied to individual subscription tiers.
Future updates promise to integrate audio posts, "read-aloud" features, and enhanced discovery tools. Substack also plans to enable in-app subscription upgrades, making it easier for viewers to support their favorite creators without leaving their couch.
The Battle for Creators and User Backlash
This move places Substack in direct competition with YouTube and Patreon. The company has been aggressively building its video infrastructure since 2022, followed by monetization tools and a short-form video feed in March 2025.
Substack is the home for the best longform—work creators put real care into. Now these videos have a natural home on the TV.
However, the transition hasn't been entirely smooth. Long-time users are expressing frustration, with top comments on the announcement pleading for the platform to "elevate the written word" instead of chasing YouTube. Critics argue this evolution feels like a "venture capital-fueled idea" that might alienate the original writing community.
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