Substack recently launched a Notes feature that brings a media-like feed with tweet-like posts to the newsletter platform.
Substack is a newsletter platform for writers to share their works and they get to share it on other platforms too.
However, Substack writers began noticing that they were no longer able to embed tweets when creating a post on Substack.
Although it initially seemed like a technical issue, it now appears to be more than that.
This is because, Twitter is now blocking likes, retweets, and comments on tweets that include a link to a Substack newsletter.
While it is possible to quote tweets with Substack links, simply pressing the retweet button brings an error message: “Some actions on this Tweet have been disabled by Twitter”.
Also, Twitter users cannot pin a tweet that includes a Substack link to their profile.
Substack Notes
The timing of these issues, which seem to affect only Substack links, is concerning.
Just before these Twitter errors started appearing Substack announced a new feature, Substack Notes.
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The Notes feature brings a media-like feed with tweet-like posts to the newsletter platform.
Although the new feature is not exactly a Twitter competitor, as it exists within the newsletter platform, it seems Twitter is taking no chances.
Unlike other new Twitter alternatives, Substack has a huge advantage because people actually use the platform, and many writers already have massive followers there.
The Investigation
Substack says it is investigating the reports that writers are unable to embed links
We're investigating reports that Twitter embeds and authentication no longer work on Substack. We are actively trying to resolve this and will share updates as additional information becomes available.
— Substack (@SubstackInc) April 6, 2023
Also, Substack founders in an emailed statement expressed their disappointment over the issue.
“We’re disappointed that Twitter has chosen to restrict writers’ ability to share their work,” the founders wrote.
“Writers deserve the freedom to share links to Substack or anywhere else.
“Their livelihoods should not be tied to platforms where they don’t own their relationship with their audience, and where the rules can change on a whim,” they noted.
Substack is regarded as an alternative to mainstream media, giving writers a platform to earn subscription revenue with very little editorial regulation.
