【21+ Archives】

Substack has been consistently building1+ Archivesits chat function, a way for newsletter creators to chat directly with their subscribers. Now the feature is expanding with a slate of new updates.

The main updates include the possibility of a paywall for the chat feature. Newsletter publishers can now put in a paywall so that chat features are exclusive to paid subscribers only, or to founding members of said newsletter. Free subscribers or non-subscribers will be asked to upgrade if they want to access a newsletter's chat.

Substack is also introducing improved navigation and usability, including a chat search on the web and iOS versions of the platform, easier access to notifications, and an upgrade to real-time messaging so people can participate in chats about live events in real-time. The search feature will also be coming to Android soon.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The point of chat is to engage directly with newsletter writers, allowing writers and their followers to converse about a range of subjects. It's one of the features that is allowing Substack to expand, like its Notes feature that mimics the functions of X (formally Twitter), and the addition of DMs.

• Look out Substack, Ghost will join the fediverse this year
• The ongoing content moderation issues behind Substack's meltdown
• Substack adds 'report' button to app amid moderation controversies

(Editor: {typename type="name"/})