Live video on Substack offers a new way to connect with your audience directly through the Substack app (iOS and Android). This feature provides a simple and engaging way to share real-time updates, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive events, and interactive Q&As. You can even paywall your live videos to offer special access to paid subscribers.
Note: Streaming is currently available to Substack Bestsellers and select paid and free publications on the iOS and Android apps.
This guide covers:
How to Go Live
- Open the Substack app (iOS or Android).
- Tap the orange "+" button on Home and select "Live." Grant camera and microphone access.
- Add a title (subscribers will see this in notifications).
- Choose who can access your live video:
- Everyone: Any Substack app user.
- All subscribers: All your free and paid subscribers.
- Paid subscribers only: Monthly, annual, and founding members only (requires payments enabled on your Substack).
Tip: For your first live videos, consider "Everyone" or "All subscribers" to build your audience. Later, paywalled live videos can be a great perk for paid subscribers.
- (Optional) Invite up to two co-hosts (who also have Substack accounts) after clicking "Next."
a. Search for co-hosts by name or Substack handle (found on their profile).
b. If you can't find a user, they may have disabled live video notifications. Learn more about live video notifications.
c. Tap "Add" to invite your selected co-host(s).
- Enter the preview room to test video and audio before going live. Co-hosts will join automatically after accepting your invitation.
- Click the orange "Go Live" button. It takes a few seconds to actually go live (a red "LIVE" indicator will appear).
Tips for a Successful Stream
Promote Your Live Video:
Announce your live video in advance (via a post or chat) so subscribers know when and how to join. Remind them to get the Substack app and enable push notifications.
Example of a live video announcement post
Ensure a Strong Wi-Fi Connection:
Use a location with reliable Wi-Fi (suitable for video calls). Test your connection beforehand.
Share the Recording:
Substack automatically saves the recording as a draft post. Edit and publish it for those who missed the live stream.
Tip: You can add a paywall and use the clipping tool to edit the recorded video.
FAQs
App Crashes: If your app crashes, reopen it. Your live video will be in your reading queue for up to two minutes, allowing you to rejoin.
Restricting Live Chat: To limit live chat to paid or founding members, adjust the "Allow live chats from" setting on your Substack Account Settings page under Notifications.
How Subscribers Join:
- Notifications: Push and email notifications are sent when you go live.
- Reading Queue: The live video appears in subscribers' reading queues.
- Other Entry Points: Subscribers can also join from your publication (and soon, your profile and chat).
Live Video Preview: A 10-second preview of your live video appears in the reading queue.
Viewer Notifications: A chat message and updated viewer count indicate when someone joins your stream.
Stream Delay: A few seconds of delay between your video/audio and what viewers see/hear is normal for live video.
Leaving the App: If you leave the app during a live stream, participants will see a paused screen. The stream ends if you're gone for more than two minutes.