The influencer era is over - long live Substack writers
📰 NoGood News | Vol. 92
Hi NoGoodies,
Before we jump into another round of the NoGood News, here's a quick TL;DR of what's below:
Are AI art trends a hit or miss?
Move over influencers, independent writers are on the rise
Explore how Substack is transforming the digital publishing field
Answer engines are adopting advertising strategies
Learn our about predictions for optimizing ads in AI chatbots
Ready? Let's get into it.
🎨 Are AI art trends a hit or miss?
Read on about the success of the AI action figure trend
Why was the internet so quick to hate on the Ghibli AI trend but not the AI action figures?
Because AI art is only okay when it's very obviously AI.
What does this mean exactly?
There are a lot of controversial takes on AI when using it to replace traditional art from creatives.
The Ghibli trend was short-lived because it replicated an art form that already exists.
There are also (very valid) ethical controversies around protecting the work of artists and animators.
When looking at the AI action figure trend, it’s clear that it was made by AI.
As the line between AI and real art becomes increasingly blurred, users are growing more concerned with telling the difference between the two.
AI opens up the possibilities to create art in new and fun ways, but the consensus is that it shouldn't replace real art and artists.
Meaning AI can be a tool for creativity only when it's used as an amplifier, not as a replacement.
What do you think of the AI action figure trend?
✍️ Move over influencers, independent writers are on the rise
Explore how Substack is transforming the digital publishing field
Substack’s promise as a creator-led platform allows for a more direct, unfiltered connection between the writer and their audience, empowering voices that may not have fit neatly into conventional editorial boxes — as well as offering space for niche perspectives, experimental formats, and honest, personal storytelling that might otherwise be left on the cutting room floor.
Substack aims to transform publishing from a job into a craft, and from a platform into a movement. The result is a more diverse, dynamic media landscape where independent voices thrive and readers have more meaningful choices in the content they consume.
Lowering barriers to entry
Substack is explicitly courting non-technical users to jump in and take advantage of a feature set designed with professional writers in mind through:
Ease of set-up for non-technical users
Free vs. paid model flexibility
Writer resources and fellowship programs
Community and editorial support
💡 Answer engines are adopting advertising strategies
Learn our about predictions for optimizing ads in AI chatbots
As AI-powered search continues to evolve, we predict that advertising in AI chatbots will function similarly to Performance Max (PMax) campaigns — highly automated and data-driven. Here’s what advertisers can expect:
Limited manual control: Unlike traditional Google Search ads, where advertisers bid on keywords, AI chatbot ads will likely be more automated, with less control over bidding and placements. Ad placements will also likely depend heavily on the turn of a particular conversation.
AI-driven targeting: Ad delivery will be optimized based on user intent and engagement rather than keyword-based queries.
Integrated ad formats: Native and contextual ad placements will be crucial to ensuring ads do not disrupt the user experience. People are turning to AI chatbots for a more personalized search experience, and many of these platforms would seek to maintain that.
🎙️ Q&A with an expert
A bi-weekly interview series with the best in the game
Q: We’ve been seeing more and more brands pop up on Substack. What’s driving this recent shift?
A: We’re seeing more brands move to Substack largely due to growing frustration with the ever-changing demands of short-form video algorithms and mounting anxieties around the potential TikTok ban. At the same time, consumers are feeling fatigued by the endless scroll of oversaturated short-form content and are craving more thoughtful, curated experiences. Substack offers a chance for platform diversification and a return to long-form storytelling—something that feels refreshing after years of chasing virality. It’s also a strategic move for brands looking to stand out in a more intentional, less crowded space.
Q: Any examples of brands killing it on Substack right now?
A: Some standout brands on Substack right now include Saie Beauty, Rare Beauty, The RealReal, and Loftie (and of course NoGood!). These brands are succeeding by offering value-driven, thoughtful content that aligns with their mission and vertical without being overtly product-focused. For example, Loftie—an alarm clock brand—shares engaging posts about sleep tips and the history of sleep, helping to position itself as an authority in wellness and rest.
✍️ We wish we wrote this
A curated list of the past 2 weeks’ must-read articles:
Brands with taste beat AI anytime
Wake up — Superhuman’s playbook just dropped
B2B is out, B2AI is in
👀 Keeping up on the socials
Because we know you like to stay in the know:
Boy Smells became the worst rebrand of 2025
Do you say “please” and “thank you” to ChatGPT?
Making SZA’s beauty brand exclusive was the smartest move
Last War Survival was a fake ad until it wasn’t
🔥 Trend Radar: Blow up or fall behind
The trending topics, sounds, and formats to key and eye on:
🚀 Ready to meet your NoGood partner?
Tell us where you are and where you want to be — and we’ll help get you there.