So you want to repurpose your YouTube videos into Substack Notes?
I get it. You’ve poured hours into creating those long-form videos, and now they’re just sitting there on YouTube when they could be working double-duty for you elsewhere.
Maybe you’re hesitating because it feels overwhelming. Another platform, another format—who has the time? Or perhaps you’re unsure if your video content can even translate well to Substack’s bite-sized Notes format.
You’re not alone in this struggle.
Why you should repurpose from YouTube to Substack Notes
Substack Notes offers a unique opportunity that many content creators are missing. It’s like Twitter but with an audience that’s already interested in thoughtful, nuanced content—and without the noise.
While your YouTube channel might reach thousands, Substack Notes lets you connect with a highly engaged community of readers who are actively seeking knowledge in your niche.
The broader opportunity of repurposing content can’t be overstated. You simply don’t know what content will resonate on which platform until you try.
Back in 2020, I created YouTube videos about note-taking that weren’t getting much traction. On a whim, I decided to repurpose that content on Medium. That single decision led to launching a profitable five-figure course and adding 3,000 email subscribers to my list in just 12 weeks. The whole story is here.
Why did that happen? Because different platforms attract different audiences. The algorithm favors different content. And sometimes, it’s just about timing. What falls flat on one platform might be exactly what another audience is searching for.
The main differences between YouTube and Substack Notes
YouTube is about depth and entertainment. Long-form videos allow you to explain complex topics comprehensively. You build trust through personality and expertise over 10-30 minutes.
Substack Notes, on the other hand, is built for brevity and insight. It’s designed for short, thought-provoking content that captures attention immediately. Your Notes need to deliver value in seconds, not minutes.
YouTube relies heavily on thumbnails, titles, and the algorithm. Substack Notes thrives on quality writing, sharp insights, and community engagement.
What makes good Substack Notes content
The best Substack Notes deliver a single, powerful insight that makes readers stop scrolling. They’re like the highlight reel of your best thinking.
Great Notes are:
- Concise (250 words max)
- Thought-provoking
- Actionable or insightful
- Conversational in tone
- Often include a personal angle
For example, instead of your 20-minute YouTube video on “10 Ways to Grow Your Email List,” a Substack Note might extract just one counter-intuitive method with a real result: “I deleted 2,000 inactive subscribers last week. My open rate jumped from 22% to 38% overnight. Sometimes growth means subtraction.”
That’s the kind of distilled wisdom that performs well in Notes format.
Build Your Swipe File Of Winning Substack Notes Content
The most effective way to create content for Substack Notes is to study what’s already working. Every platform rewards specific content patterns, and Substack Notes is no exception.
Look for creators who are new to Substack but are getting serious engagement. The established gurus with massive followings can post almost anything and get traction—that’s not helpful for you. Instead, find someone who started recently but is consistently getting comments and recirculations.
Save these high-performing Notes in a swipe file. Analyze what makes them work: Is it the hook? The insight? The tone? The call to action?
Yes, this requires upfront work. But it will be worth it when your repurposed content starts gaining traction.
Grab my free templates of winning Substack Notes content here.
Simple workflow to turn YouTube videos into Substack Notes
Okay, so now that you have these laid out…
You could either do this manually like a monkey.
Hire a VA that you need to train for weeks on Fiverr…
Or (my favorite way):
You could use AI and automation tools to make this process as smooth as butter.
Here’s an example:
As soon as you post on YouTube, an automation can extract key points and transform them into Substack Notes format.
You can build these automations with tools like n8n, Make, or Zapier. Here’s a simple workflow that works right now:
1. Set up a trigger when a new YouTube video is published
2. Use OpenAI’s API to analyze your video transcript with this prompt:
“Extract the 3 most valuable insights from this YouTube transcript. For each insight, write a concise, conversational Substack Note (max 250 words) that includes one actionable takeaway. Add a personal tone as if you’re sharing hard-earned wisdom. End with a question that encourages engagement.”
3. Send the output to your email or directly to Substack (if you’re feeling brave)
4. Review, edit, and publish each Note over the next few days
This automation turns one YouTube video into multiple pieces of content with minimal effort on your part.
Stop leaving value on the table. Your YouTube content is a gold mine waiting to be tapped for other platforms.
For more tips on how to repurpose your content and grow your audience with less work, sign up for my free emails below: