Platform details checked on official pages on October 18, 2026.
Why should a YouTuber have a newsletter?
Because YouTube decides who sees your next video, and a newsletter doesn't. Every subscriber is someone you can reach directly, whether the algorithm is kind this month or not.
Newsletter platform or email service?
| Newsletter platforms | Classic email services | |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Substack, beehiiv | AWeber, ActiveCampaign, GetResponse |
| Strengths | Built-in discovery, referral and recommendation networks, web archive | Automations, tagging, funnels, landing pages |
| Pricing style | Substack is free to publish and keeps 10% of paid subscriptions; beehiiv is free up to 2,500 subscribers, then paid plans | Monthly plans, usually priced by list size |
| Best for | Writers, paid newsletters | Selling services, courses and coaching |
Next step: the guide to starting a newsletter.
What should a newsletter include?
- One useful idea per issue. A tip, a lesson or a story.
- A link to your latest video when it's relevant.
- An occasional offer. Help first, invite sometimes.
How big does a newsletter need to be?
Smaller than you'd think to matter. I teach the "1,000 raving fans" idea: a modest number of people who genuinely love what you do can support a real business. You won't get there with a big list of strangers. You get there with steady, useful issues.
Example
Worked example: a YouTuber's newsletter format
A woodworking channel sends one newsletter every Thursday with the same four parts:
- This week's video with one sentence on why it's worth watching.
- One shop tip that isn't in the video.
- A reader question answered in a few lines (with the reader's permission, first name only or anonymous).
- One link: a tool review, a plan download or a workshop invitation.
Because the format is fixed, each issue takes under an hour. Readers know what to expect, and the shop tip gives them a reason to open even when they've already watched the video.
Newsletter formats that work for business owners
| Format | Best for | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Video digest | Channels publishing weekly | Low |
| One tip | Service businesses, coaches | Low |
| Curated links | Consultants who follow an industry closely | Medium |
| Essay or story | Personal brands, writers | Medium to high |
| Behind the scenes | Makers, course creators | Medium |
Choose the one you could keep up for a year.
Watch out
Mistakes new newsletter writers make
- Starting too ambitious. A 2,000-word weekly issue burns most people out. Start short.
- No consistent day. Pick one and keep it.
- All promotion. Readers subscribe for value; invitations should be occasional.
- Never asking for replies. One question per issue builds relationships and topic ideas.
- Switching platforms repeatedly. Moving lists is possible but disruptive. Choose deliberately.
How to grow it from YouTube
Mention the newsletter by name, say what readers get, and put the link first in the description. A free offer, such as a checklist, often converts better than "join my newsletter," but a plain newsletter mention can work after a very helpful video.
Dave’s take
A principle I keep coming back to
"Until you get them on your free newsletter, you don't own that audience. YouTube continues to own that audience." (Dave)
AI shortcut
How can AI speed this up?
AI tools and plans checked October 18, 2026. They change often, so confirm on each tool's own page. No affiliate links.
- Pick a platform. Ask ChatGPT to compare beehiiv, Substack and AWeber for your exact goal, then confirm on their pricing pages.
- Draft issues. AWeber's Newsletter Assistant or ChatGPT can turn a video transcript into an issue.
- Name it. Ask for ten plain newsletter names that say who it's for.
Tools mentioned:
- beehiiv: free up to 2,500 subscribers; paid plans add more tools; takes 0% of your subscription revenue.
- Substack: free to publish; keeps 10% of paid subscription revenue, plus Stripe fees.
- AWeber's AI Writing Assistant: built into AWeber's message and landing-page editor (currently labeled beta), plus a Newsletter Assistant.
- ChatGPT: free plan, Go ($8 a month in the US) and Plus ($20 a month).
AI is great for first drafts. Always edit the result so it sounds like you and is accurate for your business.
Key takeaways
- A newsletter is the audience you own; YouTube's audience is borrowed.
- Newsletter platforms (like Substack and beehiiv) add discovery and referral tools.
- Classic email services (like AWeber) are stronger at automation and funnels.
- Pick the one that fits how you sell, then publish on a steady rhythm.
