Designing a better reading experience with Matter and Substack

Designing a better reading experience with Matter and Substack

In the digital age, reading online has become a multifaceted process that involves deciding what to read, the act of reading itself, and what we do with the knowledge we gain. As avid readers and users of read-it-later apps, the founders of Matter and Substack recognized the need for a better reading experience and set out to create platforms that address these needs.

One common point between Matter and Substack is the recognition of the importance of prioritization and curation in the reading experience. The first generation of read-it-later apps lacked the smarts needed to help users prioritize, resurface, or decay content. Matter aimed to change that by incorporating features that assist users in making better decisions about what to read. They understood that trust plays a crucial role in deciding what to read, and thus elevated writers as first-class citizens in their system. By curating and highlighting gems that are often overlooked by engagement-based algorithms, Matter provides a better reading experience.

Similarly, Substack recognized the need for better curation and differentiation in the media landscape. They understood that attention had become a scarce resource, and traditional ad-driven media publications were optimizing for users' time rather than their money. To fix this, Substack changed the business model by creating a platform that optimizes for readers' investment in the form of paid newsletters. They focused on niche interests and built a product that competes on the differentiation axis rather than the cost one.

Both Matter and Substack prioritize the needs of their users and aim to maximize the value they get from reading. Matter focuses on increasing the return on investment (ROI) of reading by providing more insight, knowledge, and thrill. Substack, on the other hand, maximizes value creation for each writer by offering a simple and efficient way to monetize their content. They built trust with writers by offering a product that lacks any sort of lock-in, allowing writers to have full control over their content and subscribers.

To further enhance the reading experience, both platforms have incorporated innovative features. Matter introduced audio highlights, recognizing the rise of audio consumption and the convenience it offers. Users can now highlight as they listen without even opening their phones. Substack, on the other hand, offers group subscriptions, allowing readers to subscribe to multiple publications at once. This feature enhances the sense of community and encourages readers to explore and discover new writers within the platform.

In conclusion, both Matter and Substack have set out to design a better reading experience by addressing the shortcomings of traditional read-it-later apps and ad-driven media publications. They prioritize curation, trust, and differentiation, offering users a more valuable and personalized reading experience.

Actionable advice:

1. Prioritize curation: Instead of relying solely on algorithms, seek out platforms or newsletters that curate content based on your interests. This will help you discover hidden gems that you may have otherwise overlooked.

2. Embrace niche interests: Don't be afraid to explore and subscribe to publications or newsletters that cater to your specific interests. By focusing on niche topics, you're more likely to find high-quality, in-depth content that resonates with you.

3. Experiment with different formats: Take advantage of the various formats available for consuming content, such as audio highlights or group subscriptions. These features can enhance your reading experience and provide new ways to engage with the material.

By incorporating these actionable advice into your reading habits, you can make the most of your time and investment in reading, ultimately leading to a more enriching and fulfilling experience.