Software Alternatives & Startups

Substack VS Olvid

Compare Substack VS Olvid 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
Olvid

The most secure messaging app in the world.

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, Substack seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 113 times since March 2021.

social mentions
113 vs 0
Blogging popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 118

Base details

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

Substack
Olvid
Website substack.com olvid.io
Company Startup from the United States —
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Substack 6 features
Olvid 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.
  • Security
    Olvid claims to provide top-tier security by eliminating the need for centralized servers, meaning there are fewer points of failure and potential vulnerabilities.
  • Decentralization
    The decentralized nature of Olvid ensures that communication does not rely on a central authority, which can enhance privacy and reduce risks associated with server breaches.
  • Anonymity
    Since Olvid does not require a phone number or email address for registration, users can maintain a higher level of anonymity compared to other messaging apps.
  • End-to-End Encryption
    Olvid employs end-to-end encryption to ensure that only the intended recipients can read the messages, providing robust protection against interception.
  • User-Friendly
    Despite its high level of security, Olvid offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate for users of all technical backgrounds.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited User Base
    Since Olvid is not as widely known or used as other messaging apps, users may find fewer of their contacts using it, reducing its practical utility for some.
  • Feature Set
    Olvid might lack some of the advanced features offered by competitors, such as large file sharing or integrated voice and video calls, limiting its functionality for certain users.
  • Market Trust
    As a relatively newer app, Olvid may not have established the same level of trust and reputation as more well-known options like Signal or WhatsApp, potentially leading to hesitation in adoption.
  • Dependency on Device Compatibility
    Olvid's performance and usability might be dependent on the compatibility with different devices and operating systems, which could be a concern for users with older or less common devices.
  • Learning Curve
    While the app is designed to be user-friendly, some users might still face a learning curve in understanding and maximizing the security features that Olvid offers.

Analysis

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

Substack
Olvid

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

  • Olvid is an excellent choice for users who prioritize security and privacy in their messaging app. It stands out for its strong encryption and commitment to protecting user data, making it a reliable option for secure communications.

Why this product is good

  • Olvid is considered good because it prioritizes privacy and security without compromising on user experience. It uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that all communications are protected and private. Additionally, unlike many other messaging platforms, Olvid does not require any personal information for user registration, which further enhances user privacy.

Recommended for

    Olvid is recommended for individuals, journalists, activists, and professionals in sensitive fields who require a high level of security and privacy for their communications. It's also well-suited for anyone who is privacy-conscious and prefers minimal personal data usage.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Substack 5 videos + Add
Olvid 1 video + 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

Vicente Fernández - Cruz de Olvido (En Vivo)

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
Olvid
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 Olvid. 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
Olvid no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

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

Substack 113 mentions
Olvid 0 mentions
  • How to Get Substack Newsletter Data: Posts, Comments and Subscriber Counts
    a profile link: https://substack.com/@noahpinion. - Source: dev.to / about 20 hours ago
  • Ask HN: What are you working on? (November 2026)
    A free comedy newsletter that has nothing to do with technology yet mentions it from time to time. https://substack.com/@yelluwcomedy. - Source: Hacker News / 4 days ago
  • 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 / 23 days ago

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Tracking Olvid since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to Substack and Olvid

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