In Substack, restacking refers to the ability for publishers and readers to reshare content, such as posts, notes, and comments, with their own subscribers and followers. It's a key feature within the platform's social layer, "Notes," designed to help content spread organically.
Understanding Restack on Substack
Restacking is essentially Substack's equivalent of "reblogging" or "retweeting." It allows users to amplify content they find valuable or interesting to their own audience, without having to recreate the content themselves. This mechanism fosters greater reach for creators and provides readers with a simple way to curate and share discoveries.
How Restacking Works
The process of restacking is designed to be straightforward and accessible:
- Content Types: You can restack various forms of content, including full posts, shorter notes, and even individual comments.
- Location: The restacking feature is primarily available within the "Notes" section of Substack, which serves as a more dynamic, real-time feed for updates and quick shares.
- Action: To restack content, users simply click on a distinct circle-arrow icon that appears wherever content is shareable. This intuitive icon makes the process quick and easy.
- Customization: When restacking, you have the option to include your own accompanying text or commentary, providing context or adding your unique perspective. Alternatively, you can choose to share the content as is, without any additional text.
Key Aspects of Restacking
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Content Scope | Allows resharing of posts, notes, and comments. |
| Platform Area | Primarily functions within the "Notes" environment. |
| User Action | Initiated by clicking the distinctive circle-arrow icon. |
| Customization | Offers the flexibility to add personal text or share original content. |
| Purpose | Facilitates content discovery, audience expansion, and community engagement. |
Benefits of Restacking
Restacking offers distinct advantages for both content creators and their audiences:
- For Creators: It significantly expands the reach of their work. When someone restacks a post, it's exposed to that person's entire subscriber list and follower base, potentially drawing new readers and subscribers to the original creator's publication. This acts as a powerful, organic marketing tool.
- For Readers/Curators: It empowers readers to become curators. They can easily share valuable content with their own network, demonstrating their interests and helping their audience discover new voices and topics. It allows them to participate more actively in the Substack ecosystem by sharing what resonates with them.
In essence, restacking is a core social feature that helps good content find its audience on Substack, fostering a more interconnected and dynamic publishing environment.
