If You Are a YouTuber, TikToker, or Podcaster, You Might Do Well on Substack
For example, a successful TikToker recently joined Substack gained thousands of paid subscribers and interviewed by the CEO of Substack which can inspire you to start.
My friends from Medium can read this story in my Videos/Podcasts publication. You are welcome to join and share teasers of your Substack videos or podcasts in that special pub. I also published it on my blog site to inspire more readers and writers.
Dear friends, recently, I found many of my friends who contribute to YouTube, TikTok or Podcasting platforms like Spotify or Apple have started coming to Substack. Interestingly, in a few days, their subscribers significantly increased.
With this inspiration, I want to write a short post to invite writers with media backgrounds to consider Substack as it is still not mainstream like those gigantic platforms.
TikTokers, YouTubers , or Podcasters, know how to capture attention, share compelling stories, and connect with people. However, social media algorithms can be unpredictable.
One day, your content is thriving; the next, it is nowhere to be seen. Substack offers something different — a platform that puts you in control of your content and lets you build lasting connections with your audience.
Of course, building meaningful connections is not just for TikTokers or YouTubers. Substack is for anyone who wants to turn their ideas into lasting impact, whether you are an artist, scientist, teacher, activist, or entrepreneur. It is for anyone who believes their work deserves more than just fleeting likes and comments.
However, if you know how to create engaging TikTok or YouTube content, you already have the skills to succeed on Substack. The challenge is understanding how to apply those skills in a new space. Substack’s unique tools make that easier than you might expect.
Your storytelling skills are valuable. The ability to grab attention in a TikTok clip or keep viewers engaged in a YouTube video translates perfectly to Substack.
By expanding your most popular content into text-based stories, you can offer deeper insights, meaningful reflections, and richer details that your audience will appreciate. Substack’s format encourages this kind of thoughtful content, giving you the space to write longer pieces that add value to your creative work.
Even if you are not a TikToker or YouTuber, your ability to explain ideas, connect with people, and build curiosity can thrive on Substack. A teacher sharing lesson insights, a hobbyist sharing tips, or a business owner giving practical advice can all find their voice and audience here.
Substack’s flexibility makes this possible. You are not bound by trends or viral demands. You can combine text, video, and visuals to suit your own creative style. The freedom to create without algorithmic limits is a rare gift in today’s content world.
Recently I came across,
, a successful TikToker and video creator who is is a good example of how media creators can thrive on Substack. After trying various platforms, Aaron found Substack the most flexible and rewarding option.Aaron gained over 364K subscribers and thousands of them are paid members. He shared his experience in a video interview with
CEO of Substack. I link it here if you want to watch it.
Combining long-form videos with repurposed TikTok content created a space for his audience to engage with him more profoundly.
When I checked some comments, I noticed that his readers appreciated the opportunity to connect with his content and each other, forming a loyal and supportive community. Substack’s tools helped Aaron expand his influence, giving him creative freedom and direct control over his work.
Aaron’s success highlights why Substack is so appealing. On platforms like TikTok, trends and algorithms control what succeeds. On Substack, there are no such limits. Readers discover content based on their interests, and your growth depends on the value you provide, not on chasing viral trends.
If you are ready to build your presence on Substack, the best starting point is to expand your content. Think about your most popular ideas — the ones that got the most comments, shares, or questions — and explore those ideas in more depth.
Sharing behind-the-scenes insights, answering common questions, or offering exclusive tips will deepen your relationship with your readers. This kind of engagement turns casual followers into a loyal audience.
Exclusive content is another powerful strategy. Sharing bonus insights, early access to ideas, or members-only tips encourages readers to subscribe and keeps them engaged. Substack’s format gives you the freedom to combine video, text, and visuals in ways that match your creative style.
For creators seeking stability, Substack offers lasting growth opportunities. Its recommendation system helps new readers discover your content naturally. Paid subscriptions give you the option to earn directly from your most devoted fans. Most importantly, Substack allows you to build an audience you own without relying on changing algorithms or platform rules.
Substack is a space where you can create with purpose, connect with readers who care, and build something meaningful that lasts. Your ideas matter. Your voice has value.
Substack is where you can turn fleeting moments of inspiration into a lasting impact. So, if you have experience with YouTube or TikTok, I invite you to explore Substack as a new way to expand your creativity, connect with your audience, and create content that stands the test of time.
Last few months, I am working on a media project turning the educational content of Substack Mastery books by
to videos and Udemy courses. I published three levels which can get beginners easily started with Substack. I link them here for those interested in low cost training.I created a discount voucher for it, too. So, I link them for interested readers. My goal is to provide valuable education as there are not many affordable ones, especially for beginners.
From Zero to Substack Hero — Level 1
From Zero to Substack Hero — Level 2
From Zero to Substack Hero — Level 3 NEW
I created 42 training videos and they are also available through the Content Marketing Strategy Insights. Creating and editing videos takes a lot of time, but I love doing them as my students appreciate what I do. Udemy and Substack, unlike Medium, have no algorithmic restriction. Those platforms are fair to creators.
I am now working on Level 4 which includes advanced topics from the book A Powerful Toolkit for Advanced Substack Newsletter Mastery. By the end of the month, I plan to create 10 levels instead of wasting my time here.
I posted the Level introduction on YouTube and will get it published on Udemy and Substack soon.
I am very grateful to my mentor Dr Yildiz introducing me to Substack and allowing me to use his educational and inspiring Subtack books to create these courses and also use his Udemy instructor account to reach a broad audience.
I will soon start a series of blog posts and TikTok videos to give bite size insights from these videos for education and inspiration purposes as give back to the community. I also write less on Medium and will focus more on Substack and Udemy.
Celebrating My First 50 Students on Udemy and First 500 Subscribers on Substack
As an appreciation, I offer a 33% discount (max I can do) to my Medium and Substack Friends, and I also donated my…medium.com
I am also owner of the Illumination Videos/Podcasts publication so you are welcome to share links to your YouTube/TikTok videos and podcasts from Substack. Here is the link to the submission guidelines to get you started.
ILLUMINATION Videos and Podcasts: Submission Guidelines 2023
Guidance to writers, podcasters, and YouTubers to write better stories on Mediummedium.com
Thanks for reading my story and celebrating my first 50 students and 500 subscribers on Substack. I wish you the best as well.
Today
interviewed one of my favourite writers on Substack and Medium. This interview is full of valuable life lessons and can inspire you to start writing on Substack. Here is the link to enjoy and share it:A Glimpse Into the Life of Magdalena Ponurska, a Leadership Expert
About Substack Mastery Boost Pilot
explained the value of the Substack Mastery Boost Pilot in a recent story. I am also member of this community and enjoy the benefits.We Are Building a Creative Support Path for Freelance Writers in 2025
We will offer customized services based on the needs of creators, freelancers, and content entrepreneurs with…medium.com
All funds earned from these courses and books will go to the Substack Mastery Boost Pilot program which we initiated in November 2024 which is planned to take until December 2025. Then in 2026 it will be a low cost education and marketing service for freelance writers.
If you are a new reader, check out some of my most loved stories from different topics from my writing collection on this platform.
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Get an email whenever Aiden (Illumination Gaming) publishes on Medium.
You can find many stories like this on my publications Videos/Podcasts and ILLUMINATION-Gaming. If you are a writer, you are welcome to join us by sending your Medium Id via our writer registration portal here.
Great article! And congratulations on your success! Thanks for the shoutout!
This is such an inspiring story Aiden. I also watched the conversation between Chris and Aaron and enjoyed it very much. I watched several videos of Aaron on Substack and YouTube and recommended his content to my readers. I also believe that YouTubers and TikTokers can shine on Substack as this platform offers more than those platforms with no algorithmic restriction and no censorship, which many creators would appreciate. Thank you for writing this valuable piece and inspiring your readers with passion. I am a fan of your work and admire your courses on Substack and Udemy. I also appreciate your generosity in donating your From Zero to Substack Hero to my publication for the benefit of Substack Mastery Boost members.