This guide explains how to create and publish video posts directly on your Substack publication, including leveraging features like transcripts, podcast integration, free previews, and clip sharing.

Note: These features apply only to video posts, not videos uploaded and embedded into regular posts.

With video posts, you can:

• Automatically generate transcripts
• Share video audio to your podcast RSS feed
• Offer exclusive content to paid subscribers and free previews to all viewers
• Easily share video clips on Notes and social media

Creating a Video Post

1. From your Home or Posts tab, select "+New post" and choose "Video."

2. Click "Record" to record a video using your device or "Select file" to upload a video file.

• Recording: Your webcam will activate (you may need to grant browser permissions). Click the red circle to start and stop recording.
• Uploading: The upload will start automatically, and the video settings dashboard will appear.

Tip: Accepted video formats: 1080p/2K or smaller, MP4, H.264, and AAC. Maximum recommended size: 20 GB.

3. Write and edit your post while the video processes. Click "Done" once uploaded. You can access the settings dashboard anytime.

For Substack podcasts, you can add a separate, higher-quality audio track for RSS feeds. Toggle "Use different audio track for RSS" and upload your audio file.

4. The video appears at the top of your post. Use these icons to manage your video:

• Sparkle Icon: Create shareable video clips. Learn more about creating clips
• Settings Icon: Replace/delete the video, add hosts/guests, or generate a transcript.
• Lock Icon: Set a free preview for non-paying viewers (if you have payments enabled).
• Image Icon: Set a thumbnail image (upload or choose a still from the video).
• Three Dots: Download or delete the uploaded video.

Click "Continue" when ready to publish.

5. For Substack podcasts, toggle "Add audio to podcast RSS feed" to make the video's audio available on podcast players. Edit episode notes as needed.

6. Adjust publishing settings (audience, tags, preview image) and click "Send to <audience> now."

Tip: To remove a video post from your Podcast tab, disable "Add audio to podcast RSS feed" in the video post settings.

Creating a Free Preview

Offer free subscribers a preview of paid video content.

Video demonstrating how to set up a free preview

To create a free preview:

1. Click the lock icon and select the desired preview portion from the video timeline.
2. Click "Set free preview."
3. Free subscribers will see an upgrade prompt to access the full video.

Interactive AI-Generated Transcripts

Video posts with audio automatically receive AI-generated transcripts. These are included on the post page, allowing viewers to jump to specific sections in the video by clicking on the corresponding text in the transcript.

To edit a transcript:

1. Click the Transcript tab.
2. Click the three dots, select "Correct transcript," make your edits, and click "Save."
3. Use the magnifying glass icon to search the transcript.

To remove the transcript from the published post, disable "Show transcripts and captions" in the transcript settings.

Tip: Upload your own transcript (.txt, .vtt, or .srt) using the "Upload transcript" option. Captions and timestamps will sync with your uploaded transcript.

What Your Viewers See

Custom Shareable Clips:

Viewers can create and share custom clips as links (driving traffic to the full video) or download them for sharing on other platforms.

To create a clip:

1. Click the share menu next to the video (on the web).
2. Select the desired portion from the video timeline and click "Create clip."
3. Optionally enable subtitles.
4. Copy the clip link or share directly to social media. The clip link will also be emailed to you.

Easier Controls:

• Closed captions/subtitles (cc icon)
• Keyboard shortcuts (e.g., command+k to pause, command+m to mute)
• Floating window viewing (two screens icon)
• Timestamp sharing (hover over the timeline and click "Share from...")

Tip: The Substack app features an inline player for seamless reading and viewing, preserving video progress even when navigating away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I see video play counts?

Expand the video post on your Posts page to view detailed stats, including play count, hours watched, new subscriptions, and shares.

How long does video processing take?

Processing time depends on file size. You can draft your post while the video processes. Cancel uploads by clicking "X" on the video settings page.