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Substack
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Substack is optimised for writers, not readers. Our UX Bites and case studies cover their growth loops, danger-zone settings and deceptive sign-up patterns.
Key takeaways from 1 Case Study and 3 UX Bites
Tells you when someone subscribed because of your share, making sharing feel worth repeating
Groups data-destroying settings into a labelled 'danger zone', away from harmless toggles
Uses deceptive sign-up patterns and uncertainty to push upgrades — growth at readers' expense
Last updated: 27/08/2026
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How Substack uses Deceptive Design to Fuel Growth
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Substack is optimised for writers, not readers. They use deceptive design and psychological exploits to drive growth.
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How Substack uses deceptive design to boost sign-ups
How they exploit uncertainty to drive upgrades
The risks of careless A/B testing
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