Substack Video - Substack Course

Founder of Award Winning Substack (Blogging Guide)

December 8, 2023

Substack Video is a new feature that allows publishers to upload or record videos directly into their Substack posts. With this feature, publishers can create engaging video content that can be shared with their subscribers. Substack Video is a natural extension of the platform’s existing text and audio capabilities, and it provides publishers with a powerful tool for building their brand and engaging with their audience.

Understanding Substack Video requires some technical knowledge, but the platform’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone to get started. Publishers can upload videos directly from their device or record videos using their mobile device or laptop. They can also embed videos hosted on Substack into their posts, making it easy to share video content with their audience.

Getting started with Substack Video is easy, and publishers can start creating engaging videos right away. Whether they are recording a video on their mobile device or uploading a professionally produced video, Substack Video provides publishers with a powerful tool for building their brand and engaging with their audience. With the right strategies and techniques, publishers can use Substack Video to grow their audience and monetize their content.

Key Takeaways

Substack Video is a new feature that allows publishers to upload or record videos directly into their Substack posts.
Publishers can get started with Substack Video easily and create engaging video content.
Substack Video provides publishers with a powerful tool for building their brand and engaging with their audience.

Understanding Substack Video

What is Substack Video?

Substack Video is a feature that allows publishers to upload video content to their newsletters. It is a new way for writers to engage with their audience and provide more value to their subscribers. With Substack Video, writers can create video content that complements their written work and provides a more immersive experience for their readers.

Publishers can upload videos directly to their Substack account, and the video will be automatically converted into an audio file that can be distributed as a podcast. This means that publishers can reach a wider audience with their content.

The Importance of Video Content

Video content is becoming increasingly important in the world of online media. It is a powerful tool for engaging with audiences and can help to build a stronger connection between publishers and their readers. Video content can also be more engaging and memorable than written content alone.

With Substack Video, publishers have the opportunity to create high-quality video content that complements their written work. This can help to increase engagement with their audience and provide more value to their subscribers.

Overall, Substack Video is a valuable tool for publishers who want to create engaging and immersive content for their readers. By combining written and video content, publishers can provide a more complete experience for their subscribers and build a stronger connection with their audience.

Getting Started with Substack Video

Substack Video is a great way to engage your audience with dynamic content. Here’s a quick guide on how to get started with Substack Video.

Setting Up Your Substack Account

Before you can start using Substack Video, you’ll need to create a Substack account. Once you’ve created your account, you can start creating posts for your newsletter.

Integrating Video into Your Newsletter

To integrate video into your newsletter, you’ll first need to create a video post. You can do this by going to your Home or Posts tab and selecting “+New post”. From there, select “Video” and either record a video using your mobile device or laptop, or select a video file to upload.

Once you’ve created your video post, you can embed it directly into your text posts. This makes it easy for your readers to watch your videos without leaving your newsletter.

In addition to embedding videos, you can also use the Substack Video feature to record and upload video messages to your subscribers. This is a great way to connect with your audience and keep them engaged with your content.

Overall, Substack Video is a powerful tool for creating engaging content for your newsletter. By following these simple steps, you can start incorporating video into your newsletters and connecting with your audience in new and exciting ways.

Creating Engaging Videos

Creating engaging videos is a crucial aspect of building a successful Substack channel. With so much competition in the market, it is essential to create content that is both informative and entertaining. Here are some tips to help you create engaging videos for your Substack channel.

Content Planning

Before you start creating videos, it is essential to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your content. Start by identifying your target audience and understanding their interests and needs. This will help you create content that is relevant and valuable to them.

Once you have identified your target audience, create a content plan that aligns with their interests and needs. This plan should include the topics you want to cover, the format of your videos, and the frequency of your uploads. Having a content plan will help you stay organized and consistent with your content.

Video Production Tips

When it comes to video production, there are several things you can do to make your videos more engaging. Here are some tips to help you create high-quality videos:

Use high-quality equipment: Invest in a good camera and microphone to ensure that your videos have high-quality visuals and sound.
Keep it short and sweet: Attention spans are short, so keep your videos short and to the point. Aim for videos that are between 3 to 5 minutes long.
Use visuals: Use visuals such as images, graphics, and animations to make your videos more engaging.
Be authentic: Be yourself and let your personality shine through in your videos. This will help you connect with your audience and build a loyal following.
Edit your videos: Edit your videos to remove any mistakes or unnecessary content. This will help you create polished and professional-looking videos.

By following these tips, you can create engaging videos that will help you build a successful Substack channel. Remember to stay consistent with your content and always put your audience first.

Distribution and Promotion

Sharing Your Videos

Once a video is created and uploaded to Substack, it’s important to ensure that it reaches the target audience. One way to do this is by sharing the video on various platforms. The video can be shared on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. It can also be shared via email newsletters or on the creator’s website.

It’s important to note that the video’s title and description should be optimized for search engines. This can be done by including relevant keywords in the title and description. Additionally, the video should have a visually appealing thumbnail that catches the viewer’s attention.

Engaging with Your Audience

Engaging with the audience is crucial for building a loyal following. Creators can engage with their audience by responding to comments and messages. They can also ask for feedback and suggestions, which can help improve the quality of future videos.

Another way to engage with the audience is by creating a community around the video content. This can be done by creating a private Facebook group or a Discord server where viewers can interact with each other and the creator. This can help build a sense of community and increase viewer engagement.

Overall, distribution and promotion are crucial for the success of Substack video content. By sharing the video on various platforms and engaging with the audience, creators can increase their reach and build a loyal following.

Monetization Strategies

Substack Video offers a variety of monetization strategies to its users. In addition to the traditional subscription model, creators can also monetize their content through sponsored content.

Subscription Models

Creators can charge a monthly or yearly subscription fee for access to their exclusive video content. This model works well for creators who produce high-quality, in-depth video content on a regular basis. Subscribers can be given access to additional features such as early access to content or access to a community forum.

Analytics and Performance

Tracking Video Engagement

One of the most useful features of Substack Video is the ability to track engagement and performance metrics. With Substack’s built-in analytics tool, content creators can easily see how many views their videos have received, how long viewers are watching, and how many subscribers they have gained.

Creators can also track engagement by monitoring comments and likes on their videos. This can help them understand what content is resonating with their audience and what they should focus on in the future.

Using Data to Improve Content

By analyzing engagement data, creators can make informed decisions about their content strategy. For example, if a video receives a lot of views but few subscribers, the creator may want to focus on creating more engaging content that encourages viewers to subscribe.

Creators can also use data to determine the optimal length for their videos. If viewers tend to drop off after a certain point, creators may want to consider making shorter videos or breaking up longer videos into shorter segments.

Overall, the ability to track engagement and use data to improve content is a valuable tool for Substack Video creators. By understanding what their audience wants and needs, creators can create more engaging and successful videos.

Technical Considerations

Video Hosting Options

Substack has introduced a new feature that allows its users to upload or record videos directly into a Substack post. However, it is important to note that Substack does not host videos directly. Instead, it relies on third-party video hosting services such as YouTube and Vimeo to host the videos.

When choosing a video hosting service, it is important to consider factors such as cost, video quality, and ease of use. YouTube and Vimeo are popular options for video hosting, but there are also other options available such as Wistia and Brightcove.

Optimizing Video Quality

When uploading videos to Substack, it is important to optimize the video quality to ensure that the videos look their best. One way to do this is to compress the video to reduce its file size without sacrificing quality. This can be done using video editing software or online compression tools.

Another way to optimize video quality is to choose the right video format. Substack supports a variety of video formats, including MP4, MOV, and AVI. However, it is recommended to use the MP4 format as it is the most widely supported and offers the best balance between video quality and file size.

In addition, it is important to ensure that the video is properly encoded for web playback. This involves adjusting settings such as bitrate, resolution, and frame rate to ensure that the video plays smoothly and without buffering.

Community Building

Substack Video is not just a platform for content creation but also a tool for building a community around your content. Here are some tips on how to leverage Substack Video to build a strong subscriber base and foster interaction among your subscribers.

Fostering Subscriber Interaction

One of the key benefits of Substack Video is the ability to create a two-way conversation with your subscribers. By enabling comments and discussion threads, you can create a space for your subscribers to engage with your content and with each other. This can help build a sense of community and loyalty around your brand.

To encourage interaction, consider asking questions or soliciting feedback from your subscribers in your videos. You can also create polls or surveys to gather input on topics that matter to your audience. By listening to your subscribers and responding to their comments, you can build a stronger connection with your audience and create a more engaged community.

Building a Subscriber Base

Another benefit of Substack Video is the ability to reach a wider audience and build a subscriber base. To attract new subscribers, consider promoting your videos on social media platforms and other relevant channels. You can also optimize your videos for search engines by using relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions.

To retain subscribers, consider offering exclusive content or incentives for subscribing. This can include access to behind-the-scenes content, early access to new videos, or special discounts on merchandise or services. By creating value for your subscribers, you can build a loyal following and grow your subscriber base over time.

Overall, Substack Video is a powerful tool for building a community around your content. By fostering interaction and building a strong subscriber base, you can create a loyal following and grow your brand over time.

Future Trends in Substack Video

Emerging Features

Substack’s video feature is constantly evolving, and new features are being added to enhance the user experience. One of the most exciting emerging features is the ability to create and publish live videos. This feature will allow creators to interact with their audience in real-time, which can lead to increased engagement and a stronger sense of community.

Another emerging feature is the ability to monetize videos through sponsorships and partnerships. This feature will allow creators to earn revenue through their videos, which can be a game-changer for those who are looking to make a living through their content.

Market Predictions

The market for video content is growing rapidly, and Substack’s video feature is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend. With the ability to create high-quality videos and the platform’s built-in audience, creators on Substack have a unique opportunity to stand out in a crowded market.

As the demand for video content continues to grow, it’s likely that we’ll see more and more creators turning to Substack as a platform for their videos. This will lead to increased competition, but also to more diverse and high-quality content for viewers to enjoy.

Overall, the future of Substack’s video feature looks bright, and we can expect to see more exciting features and trends emerge in the coming months and years.