Notes is a feature where writers can publish short-form posts and share ideas with each other and their readers. Through Notes, writers can share posts, links, images, quotes, and comments with their subscribers and the greater Substack network.
In this guide, we'll show you:
How Notes works
As a writer or reader, let's get you orientated with Notes on the web or the Substack app.
On the Home tab, you'll see short-form content from Substacks you subscribe to and the extended Substack network.
In Home, you'll see notes and activity from:
- People you're subscribed to or follow on Substack
- Other notes from publications recommended by Substacks you subscribe to
- Restacks of Substack content, replies on notes, and comments on posts from people you're subscribed to and follow on Substack
- Reading activity such as likes from writers you're subscribed to and people you follow
In Following, you'll see notes and activity from:
- People you're subscribed to or follow on Substack
- Restacks of Substack content, replies on notes, and comments on posts (all from Substacks you're subscribed to and people you follow on Substack)
Restacking means sharing content with your audience in the Notes space.
How do I post a Note?
When you post a new note, subscribers won't be emailed as they do with newsletters. However, they can view your note in the Home or Subscribed tabs. Subscribers may be notified about notes they've missed in a notes roundup digest or a push notification.
On web:
To post your first note, sign into your Substack account and click on the plus sign in the navigation bar. Share a link to a Substack post, add an image or video, or send a simple hello to your followers.
Tip: See more here on how to format text, add an image, or restack quotes.
On the Substack app:
To post your first note, tap on the Home tab and tap on the plus sign. Select "Note" and enter a message for your subscribers or followers and once ready, tap "Post".
Who can see Notes?
Notes are public and can appear on the web, Substack app, and on a Substack profile. To interact on Notes such as posting, liking, or commenting, one must have a Substack account and be signed in.
If you have a Substack publication, your subscribers can see your activity in one view: your notes, restacks, and engagement in their Home feed.
Tip: Learn more on how to edit or delete an individual note or delete your Notes history.
How to manage Notes
Muting or blocking a user
Need a break from seeing someone's notes and their activity? You can mute their notes and replies on your notes by clicking on the three dot menu and selecting "Mute <Substack profile>".
If you prefer to block someone which will hide their notes as well as prevent them from viewing your notes and Substack profile, click on "Block <Substack profile>" in the same menu.
People that you've muted or blocked can be viewed on your Substack account Settings page in the Privacy section.
What notifications will I receive?
If you're active in Notes, you may receive notifications for likes on your notes, replies on your notes, and when other people restack your notes or Substack posts.
To limit what email notifications you receive, head to your Substack account Settings page on the web. Toggle off next to each feature that you don't want to be notified about.
To limit what push notifications you receive, head to your Notifications settings on the Substack app. Toggle off next to each feature that you don't want to be notified about.
Tip: Learn more on what Notes notifications you may receive and how to disable them.