Side by side
Substack vs Wattpad
Both stand on writing apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Substack if you want one publishing flow for several content formats, with audience discovery tools and paid subscription options. Look elsewhere if you want to avoid the 10% platform share on paid subscriptions or need a guarantee of complete security.
Visit SubstackChoose Wattpad if you want a free way to read stories across genres, write and share original work, and interact with a reader community. Its offline reading and account sync support reading across devices. Consider the data collection and sharing details if those matter to your choice.
Visit WattpadThe facts
| Substack | Wattpad | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Web | Android, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Custom domain: $50, paid once | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Wattpad |
| Website | substack.com | wattpad.com |
| On writing apps | #5 of 135 | #9 of 135 |
Substack: what it does well
- Supports posts, newsletters, podcasts, video, live streams, and pages.
- Includes scheduling, autosaved drafts, templates, and version history.
- Offers audience segmentation and email automation.
- Creators can export their data and mailing list.
- Automatically distributes podcasts and video to named platforms.
What to know first
- Substack keeps 10% of paid subscription revenue.
- Stripe payment processing fees also apply to paid subscriptions.
- The privacy policy does not guarantee complete security.
Wattpad: what it does well
- Free plan available.
- Stories span romance, fantasy, mystery, and other genres.
- Readers can download stories for offline reading.
- Writers can share original stories with the community.
- Reading lists can be shared with friends.
What to know first
- Premium and Premium+ prices are not provided.
- The app may share location and device or other IDs with third parties.
- Direct messaging is not available.
Alternatives to Substack Alternatives to Wattpad The whole list