Software Alternatives & Startups

Substack VS JustWatch

Compare Substack VS JustWatch and see what are their differences

Substack

With Substack, anyone can start a publication that combines a personal website, blog, and email newsletter or podcast. It's quick and simple.

Rating
0 reviews
JustWatch

Compare prices of streaming for movies and tv shows.

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, JustWatch should be more popular than Substack. It has been mentioned 299 times since March 2021.

social mentions
111 vs 299
Blogging popularity
100% vs 0%

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Substack
JustWatch
Website substack.com justwatch.com
Company Startup from the United States —
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Substack 6 features
JustWatch 5 features
  • Ease of Use
    Substack offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for writers to publish and monetize their newsletters.
  • Built-in Monetization
    Writers can easily charge readers for subscriptions, allowing for straightforward monetization.
  • Direct Audience Connection
    Substack allows writers to build a direct relationship with their audience via email, which can lead to a more engaged readership.
  • Discovery and Community
    Features like staff picks and recommendations help writers get discovered by new readers.
  • No Upfront Costs
    Substack does not charge upfront fees; instead, it takes a percentage of subscription revenues, making it easier to start.
  • Content Ownership
    Writers retain full ownership of their content, giving them more control over their work.

Possible disadvantages

  • Revenue Share
    Substack takes a 10% cut of subscription revenues, which can add up for writers with a large subscriber base.
  • Limited Customization
    The platform has limited customization options compared to building a custom website or using more flexible CMS options.
  • Dependency on Platform
    Relying on Substack means depending on its policies and infrastructure, which could pose risks if the platform changes its terms or features.
  • Competition
    As more writers join Substack, it can become challenging to stand out amidst the growing competition.
  • Email Deliverability
    Writers may face issues with email deliverability, as some newsletters may end up in spam folders.
  • Payment Processing Fees
    Besides Substack's fee, payment processors like Stripe also take a percentage, further reducing net earnings for writers.
  • Comprehensive Database
    JustWatch aggregates data from numerous streaming services, making it easy to find where movies and TV shows are available. This is particularly useful for users who subscribe to multiple platforms.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The website and app offer a clean, intuitive interface that makes searching for content a seamless experience. It also features various filters and sorting options.
  • Personalized Recommendations
    JustWatch provides tailored content recommendations based on your viewing history and preferences, enhancing the user experience.
  • Availability Alerts
    Users can set up notifications for when specific movies or TV shows become available on their preferred streaming platform, ensuring they never miss out on new content.
  • Cost Transparency
    The service provides information on the cost of buying or renting content, helping users make informed decisions based on their budget.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Regional Availability
    Some features and content may not be available in all regions, which can be frustrating for users outside of key markets like the United States or Europe.
  • Ad-Supported Free Version
    The free version of JustWatch is ad-supported, which can be bothersome for some users. An ad-free experience requires subscribing to a premium plan.
  • Data Accuracy
    While generally reliable, there can be occasional discrepancies in the availability of content on certain streaming platforms, leading to user frustration.
  • App Performance
    Some users have reported performance issues such as slow loading times or app crashes, which can detract from the overall user experience.
  • Limited Offline Features
    The app offers limited offline functionality, which can be a drawback for users who wish to use the service in areas with poor internet connectivity.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Substack
JustWatch

Overall verdict

  • Substack is a good choice for writers seeking autonomy and a straightforward way to monetize their content. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer working within the framework of a larger publication or those unfamiliar with the challenges of building and maintaining a subscriber base.

Why this product is good

  • Substack is a platform that allows writers, journalists, and content creators to publish and monetize their newsletters. It is praised for its ease of use, built-in subscription system, and direct-to-consumer model which enables writers to retain control over their audience and content. The platform has attracted both independent writers and established journalists seeking the freedom to monetize their work without traditional media constraints.

Recommended for

  • Independent writers and journalists
  • Content creators looking to monetize their work
  • Individuals seeking a direct relationship with their audience
  • Those who appreciate simplicity in publishing

Overall verdict

  • Yes, JustWatch is generally regarded as a useful and effective tool for anyone looking to streamline their streaming experience. It provides a vast amount of information and options in a single interface, which enhances the user's ability to find and access the content they want. Its ease of use, accuracy, and breadth of coverage contribute positively to its reputation.

Why this product is good

  • JustWatch is a popular streaming guide that allows users to discover where to watch movies and TV shows legally online. It aggregates content from a variety of streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and more, saving users time by providing a comprehensive overview of available content in one place. The platform is user-friendly, offering multiple filters to narrow down search results by genre, release year, and ratings, among other criteria. This makes it a valuable tool for users looking to manage their streaming options efficiently.

Recommended for

    Streaming enthusiasts who subscribe to multiple services, viewers seeking to optimize their subscription choices, users interested in discovering new content across different platforms, and anyone who prefers a streamlined approach to managing their streaming options will find JustWatch beneficial.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Substack 5 videos + Add
JustWatch 2 videos + Add

Monetizing Podcasts and Newsletters - Chris Best of Substack and Jonathan Gill of Backtracks

More videos

  • - E1016 Substack CEO Chris Best empowers writers via email newsletter platform, raised $15M from a16z
  • - Why EVERYONE should be on Substack | What it is, How it Works, $$$
  • - Beehiiv vs Substack (2024) - Which is Better?
  • - My Experience with SUBSTACK: An Honest Review of Substack

App Review: JustWatch (Streaming Service Search Engine)

More videos

  • - Android App Review: JustWatch - Movies & TV Shows

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Substack
JustWatch
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
CMS
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Substack and JustWatch. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Substack no reviews yet
JustWatch no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Substack 111 mentions
JustWatch 299 mentions
  • UK Defence Startups Are Being Denied Banking Services Under ESG Rules
    Books have already been written on this, some as early as 1945 (That Hideous Strength, C.S. Lewis). Otherwise I can recommend basically everything by Curtis Yarvin and Kevin Dolan (https://substack.com/@exitgroup,... - Source: Hacker News / 13 days ago
  • Show HN: Sphinx – a hook that quizzes you on your AI agent's code before push
    We built something quite similar 6 months ago called PEAK (Proof of Effort And Knowledge). Blog post and YT video here: https://substack.com/@jeffksmithjr/p-195763168 Our version has its own TUI and was intended for semi-adversarial... - Source: Hacker News / 15 days ago
  • Why Isn't the Industry Freaking Out About DeepSeek 4.1 Flash?
    Https://substack.com/@rubenafo/note/c-332218129?r=26y5kn&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web. - Source: Hacker News / 26 days ago

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  • Show HN: I made an app that helps you find where to stream movies and TV shows
    This is nice! At first I thought it was wheel-reinvented https://justwatch.com, but unlike that site, this one shows you which services in each country have the content you're looking for, so that you can watch whatever you want, simply... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • I believe the illusion of convenience with streaming is starting to finally break down
    The fact that we need a justwatch.com is just one of the many reasons physical media will always be king. Even WB with their great collection of movies and subsidiaries can't keep their own content on their own streaming service all the... Source: almost 3 years ago
  • SD vs HD
    Check justwatch.com to see which services offer your content in HD. Source: about 3 years ago

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Alternatives to Substack and JustWatch

When comparing Substack and JustWatch, you can also consider the following products.