Substack: Paid U.K. Subscriptions Surpass Half a Million (Exclusive)
Charli XCX joined Substack in November.
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
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Paid subscriptions to U.K.-based publishers and creators have officially surpassed half a million on Substack, in exclusive new data released to The Hollywood Reporter.
The milestone comes as Substack evolves beyond its founding newsletter offering into a one-stop platform for writing, podcasting, video and community building. The U.K. is the site’s second-largest market after the U.S., and among the high-profile Brits using Substack — where creators can publish content such as newsletters or blogs directly to subscribers — are Charli XCX, Jamie Oliver and, as of December 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
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Globally, readers are now paying for more than five million subscriptions to publishers on Substack across entertainment, current affairs, film, finance, fashion, food and culture. Over 50 people are making more than $1 million a year on Substack, and last summer, the company reached unicorn status with a $1.1 billion valuation following its Series C funding round.
The bestselling U.K. creators on the platform include London Centric, Philippa Perry, Vittles, Ottolenghi, Comment is Freed and Exponential View, while U.K. screen industry publications — such as The Media Club, The Indie Hustle, Film London, and Business of TV — have also recently set up shop.
It helps that some of the world’s biggest stars have been taken in by the long-form content, too. Brat icon Charli XCX recently used Substack to expand on building the soundtrack for Wuthering Heights, for example, while Lena Dunham incorporated the platform into the launch of her new book, Famesick. Lizzo wrote on Substack about her experience of being “cancelled” at length, and British TV chef Jamie Oliver described the platform as a place where he could “geek out” on topics that would never make it onto television.
Farrah Storr, head of international at Substack and former editor-in-chief of ELLE U.K. and Cosmopolitan, tells THR the recent numbers reflect a wider shift toward audiences seeking out real voices and authenticity online.
“People are becoming more discerning about what they consume,” says Storr. “Individuals and brands alike across the cultural and media landscapes are finding huge benefits from building a genuine depth of lasting relationships with readers on their own terms. We hope many more will find a home here.”
Not long ago, Substack revealed that one in three publishers on the platform are now based outside the U.S., alongside the rollout of new translation features designed to accelerate international growth.
The company is also nearing completion of nine new international hires across markets including France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Australia and Brazil.
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