Substack Chat is available on both the web and the Substack app. This article will guide you through starting a chat thread, adding media, choosing your audience, and managing notifications.

Note: Substack Chat is available on the web and the Substack app.

The easiest way to start a chat thread is by clicking "Chat" from the dropdown menu on your Substack profile.

Tap your row and select "Start a new thread." Each thread can include text, links, videos, or up to six images.

Type your message, and then use the following options to enhance your thread:

• Add an Image: Tap the picture icon to select photos from your device.
• Add a Video: Tap the video icon to upload from your gallery. On the Substack app, you can also record a video directly using your phone's camera. Videos can be up to five minutes long (1080p resolution or lower is recommended). If you allow subscribers to start threads, they can also share images and videos.

• Share a Link: Long-press within the thread body and paste your link. Link previews will appear if available.
• Choose Your Audience: To restrict replies to paid subscribers or founding members, tap the settings icon (on the app) and select your desired audience. All subscribers can preview the initial message, but only the selected audience can reply or view replies.

• Send as Email: Toggle "On" to notify subscribers via email about the new thread. Toggle "Off" to skip email notifications.

Once you're finished, click "Send" (web) or the up arrow (app) to post your thread.

Tip: Edit your chat threads on the web version of Substack by clicking the three dots next to the thread and selecting "Edit."

How are subscribers notified about Chat?

Your first chat thread triggers an email notification to your subscribers. Subsequent threads only trigger email notifications if you've enabled the "Send as Email" option. Subscribers with app notifications enabled will receive push notifications for all new threads.

Can I paywall a chat thread?

Yes, individual threads can be restricted to paid subscribers or founding members. Free subscribers will see a "Subscribers only" message.

Can I paywall my entire chat?

Yes, enable the "Enable chat paywall" toggle in your Settings page and choose whether to restrict access to paid subscribers or founding members only.

Subscribers without access cannot view or reply to any threads and will be prompted to upgrade.

Can my subscribers start a new thread?

Yes, you can allow your community to start threads. In your publication's Settings on desktop, go to the Chat section:

• Payments Enabled: Choose who can start threads (publication contributors, founding members, paid subscribers, or free subscribers). If your entire chat is paywalled, the free subscriber option won't be available.

• Free Publications: Options are limited to publication contributors and subscribers.

Note: While publication contributors, founding members, and paid subscribers can start threads, all subscribers (free and paid) can participate and reply unless your entire chat is paywalled. To prevent subscribers from starting threads, select "Only publication contributors."