Substack
The popular newsletter platform is pushing into video, launching a live video feature to all users on Jan. 14.
Substack began testing livestreaming features In the fall of 2024. The development moves Substack from a platform for text and audio content to video, positioning the company as an alternative to TikTok for creators who wish to engage with their communities on a deeper level.
Pros: Substack has the ability to post both short-form content and long-form content like podcasts. There are also features for creators to monetize content and own their audience.
Cons: Discoverability on Substack is a challenge. Live video is also only available on Substack’s mobile app, which has a smaller audience than the web. A media tab groups all of a creator’s content together instead is separating long-form and short-form content.
Clapper
On Jan. 16, Clapper chased RedNote and ByteDance-owned Lemon8 as the third most popular social app in Apple’s App Store.
The short-form video app has experienced a surge in users amid the threat of a TikTok ban. Clapper founder Edison Chen told Deadline that the app is averaging approximately 200,000 new downloads each week.
The app shares many similarities with TikTok, but there are some differences. Users must be at least 17 years old to sign up for Clapper while TikTok allows users as young as 13 years old. Additionally, Clapper does not feature ads. Bita Motiie, Clapper’s head of operations, told Business Insider that Clapper takes a 30% commission from certain creator earnings and a 5% commission from sales on the Clapper Shop.
Pros: Clapper has a similar user experience and interface as TikTok with a ‘For You’ page. There is also a creator program, no ads to distract users, and a livestreaming capability.
Cons: Clapper’s algorithm doesn’t reflect what content users engage with. The app’s users also skews towards Gen X and millennials.
