How to do a Live Video on Substack

When Substack first introduced Live video, I think many writers assumed it was simply another way to create content. While that’s certainly true, I’ve found that Lives serve a slightly different purpose than a written article, podcast, or even a recorded video. They create an opportunity for real-time conversation, allowing you to connect with your readers, and often with a guest, in a way that’s much more informal and interactive.

Unlike a polished article that you spend hours refining before publishing, a Live gives your readers the chance to see the person behind the publication. They can ask questions, respond in the chat, and participate in the discussion as it unfolds. If you invite another creator to join you, you’re also introducing two communities to one another, making Lives one of the most collaborative tools available on Substack.

That doesn’t mean every writer needs to be hosting Live videos every week. If your publication is built around carefully crafted essays and you have no interest in speaking on camera, that’s perfectly okay. Written posts will always be the foundation of most Substacks. But if you’ve ever wished you could answer readers’ questions, teach something visually, interview another writer, or simply have a more conversational relationship with your subscribers, Lives are worth exploring.

One of the things I particularly like about Substack Lives is that they don’t have to feel like a formal webinar. Some of the most enjoyable Lives are simply two writers talking about a topic they both care about while their readers listen in and ask questions. Others are demonstrations, office hours, or casual conversations that deepen the relationship you’ve already built through your writing. Because they’re interactive, they often feel less like broadcasting and more like inviting readers into your community.

The Cricklewood Nature Journal does regular live sessions where the artist, Susannah Fisher walks through drawing and/or painting Nature. (I swear, someday, I will make time to join and tap in to the artist part of myself again!)

There are many different ways and reasons to do live videos, but it’s also perfectly fine if it’s not for you. In the video above, I walk you through the technical side of creating a Live on Substack, including scheduling a session, inviting a guest, sharing your screen, managing the chat, and what happens after your Live has finished recording. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to get past the technical hesitation and decide whether Live video is something you’d like to add to your own publication.