Using Substack on the Buffer mobile app

With the Buffer mobile app, you can connect your Substack account, schedule Notes, and check how they're performing, all from your phone. This guide covers the Buffer for iOS and Android apps.

:::info Looking for the web version? See Using Substack with Buffer. :::

:::info Substack is available on all of our current Buffer plans, including the Free plan. On a Legacy plan? Get in touch with us at hello@buffer.com to discuss your options!

Note: Substack support in the Buffer iOS app is arriving with an upcoming app update. Until it's available, you can connect and schedule Substack Notes on the web or in the Buffer Android app. Keep your iOS app updated to get it as soon as it's live. :::

Connecting your Substack account

1. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner of the app.
2. Tap Account Settings.
3. Tap Add a new Channel.
4. Tap Substack.
5. You'll be taken to Substack. Log in if you're prompted to, then authorize Buffer.
6. You'll be brought back to the Buffer app, where your Substack channel is now connected.

:::info Notes

• Don't see Substack in the list? Update the Buffer app to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
• You can connect multiple Substack accounts. Make sure you're logged in to the right Substack account in your phone's browser before you connect.
• When you connect, Buffer imports your 100 most recent Notes so you can see their stats in Insights. :::

Refreshing your Substack channel

Buffer keeps your Substack connection active in the background, so you shouldn't need to refresh it during normal use. If your channel shows that it needs a refresh:

1. Tap Publish at the bottom of your screen.
2. Select your Substack channel from the channels menu.
3. Tap the channel again, then tap ⚙️ Settings.
4. Follow the prompts to log in to Substack and authorize Buffer again.

For more, see Connecting and managing channels on the Buffer mobile app.

Scheduling a Substack Note

1. Tap Publish at the bottom of the app.
2. Tap the + button in the bottom right corner of your screen to open the composer. On Android, tap the pencil icon at the bottom of your screen.
3. Tap the channel icon and select your Substack channel.
4. Write your Note, then add images, a GIF, a video, or a link if you'd like.
5. Tap ➡️ (Next) in the top right corner, then select a scheduling option.

:::info Good to knows

• Character limit: 10,000 characters per Note. Links count toward the limit in full.
• What a Note needs: Text, an attachment, or both. A Note can't be empty.
• Attachments: Up to 6 images or GIFs, one video, or one link. These can't be combined, so choose one type per Note.
• Video: One video per Note, up to 1GB and 15 minutes long.
• Mentions, hashtags, and formatting: @handles and hashtags publish as plain text, and rich text formatting isn't supported.
• Threads: Not supported. Each Note publishes as a single, top-level Note.
• Daily posting limit: 100 Notes per channel per 24 hours. :::

For full media specs, see Using Substack with Buffer.

Editing and deleting Notes

Substack doesn't allow Notes to be edited once they're published, so double-check your text, images, and link before you schedule.

• Scheduled Notes can be edited in Buffer as often as you like.
• Published Notes are read-only in Buffer and can't be deleted from Buffer. To take one down, delete it in Substack.

Checking your Substack stats in Insights

1. Tap Insights at the bottom of the app.
2. At the top of the app, select your Substack channel.

You'll see a Summary of your recent performance, a Posts chart, and your Top posts. Each Note in Top posts shows its reactions, comments, restacks, impressions, and reach.

:::info Notes

• Some stats, like impressions, reach, shares, and subscriptions, are calculated by Substack periodically. On a brand new Note, these may not show yet.
• Follower counts and publication-level stats (like total subscribers or open rates) aren't available for Substack, so the Total Followers card will show 0 for a Substack channel. You'll find those numbers in your Substack dashboard.
• For the full set of charts and exports, use Insights on the web. :::

Replying to comments

Community isn't available for Substack yet, because Substack doesn't currently allow tools like Buffer to read or reply to comments on Notes. To reply to comments, head to the Substack app.

FAQ

Can I schedule long-form Substack posts from the Buffer app?

Not at this time. Buffer publishes Substack Notes only. Posts and newsletter issues are scheduled in Substack's own editor.

Why can't I edit a Note after it's published?

Substack doesn't allow published Notes to be edited by outside tools, including Buffer. You can edit a Note as many times as you like while it's still scheduled.

:::info Notes

• Do you have a Substack feature suggestion? We'd love for you to submit or upvote it here on our feature suggestions board.

• Need help with Substack on the Buffer mobile app? Send us an email at hello@buffer.com and our Advocacy team will be standing by to assist! :::