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Substack vs Beehiiv

Paid newsletters focus vs creator growth focus.

Substack pioneered paid newsletters with a built-in audience. Beehiiv leans into growth tools (referrals, ads, cross-promotion).

At a glance

SubstackBeehiiv
Paid subsCore featureSupported
Growth toolsLimitedStrong
DiscoverySubstack networkSEO + referral tools
Revenue share10%None on paid plans

When to pick Substack

Paid subscriptions, Substack's built-in discovery.

When to pick Beehiiv

Growth tools, sponsorship revenue, SEO focus.

My verdict

Substack for paid newsletters in established niches. Beehiiv for newer newsletters focused on scale.

Further reading