My #1 Viral Substack Notes Hack: Why Trending Notes Always Get 4X More Engagement
How I write trending Notes that bring in 10 to 30+ new subscribers every day
One trending Note last weekend brought me 130+ new subscribers.
Not in a week. Not in a month. From a single Note.
Ever hit publish on a Substack Note and watched it disappear into the void?
That was me in late-2024.
I'd spend 30 minutes crafting what I thought was the perfect Note. I'd check my formatting, add some bold text, maybe throw in a few bullet points for good measure.
Then... nothing. Zero likes. Zero comments.
Meanwhile, other Substackers seemed to be growing effortlessly, gaining hundreds of subscribers while I was fighting for every single one.
Here's what changed everything: I stopped creating random content and started leveraging what was already trending on Substack.
The Moment Everything Changed
I remember the exact moment it clicked.
I was scrolling through Substack Notes one morning, coffee in hand, feeling that familiar frustration. My Notes from yesterday had gotten maybe 10 likes. Total.
Then I noticed something. The most engaged Notes weren't necessarily the most profound or the most beautifully written.
They were talking about what everyone else was talking about.
When Substack hit 5M+ paid newsletters, I saw people talking about this milestone. Instead of ignoring it to post my pre-planned content, I quickly wrote a Note celebrating this achievement and invited people to join in, introducing themselves in the comments.
Result? 130+ new subscribers from a Note that took less than 10 minutes to write.
This wasn't a fluke. I rewrote the same Note in a new way a day later and had similar results.
I’ve been using this “trend strategy” for a few months now…
When TikTok mysteriously shut down for 24 hours, I noticed creators talking about migrating to Substack. I jumped on that trend with a Note asking, "Anyone else come here from TikTok today? Drop a link to your Substack so we can follow you!"
Another example: When Substack launched live video for all creators, everyone started buzzing about it. Some people loved it and some people hated it.
I wrote a Note asking, "Do you like Substack's new live video feature or feel pressured to use it? Let me know your thoughts!" The engagement was immediate and substantial.
These Notes weren't complicated. They weren't groundbreaking. They were simply relevant to what people already cared about.
The Fundamental Truth About Trends
Here's what nobody tells you about Substack Notes: it's not just about what you want to say. It's about joining conversations already happening.
This is the core insight that transformed my Notes strategy:
Trends have built-in audiences.
When you create a Note around a trending topic, you're not starting from zero. You're tapping into existing interest and momentum. You're joining a conversation rather than trying to start one from scratch.
Think about it: would you rather walk into an empty room and start talking, hoping someone shows up to listen? Or would you rather join a lively party where people are already engaged in a topic you're knowledgeable about?
The choice is obvious, yet most of us choose the empty room approach day after day.
The Substack Algorithm Loves Trending Content
After months of testing and observing patterns, I've noticed something crucial about how Substack distributes Notes:
The algorithm favors Notes that align with trending conversations.
Here's what I believe happens:
When multiple creators discuss similar topics, the algorithm recognizes a trend
Notes that join these trending conversations get shown to more people
Higher engagement signals (likes, comments) further drive distribution
More people discovering your Note means more potential subscribers
Substack wants to show users content they'll engage with. And what do people engage with most? Topics that feel timely, relevant, and that multiple people in their network are discussing.
By aligning your Notes with these trends, you're essentially partnering with the algorithm rather than fighting against it.
This isn't about gaming the system—it's about understanding how content discovery actually works on Substack and using that knowledge to your advantage.
The Trend-Hunting Process
My process for finding trending topics is stupidly simple, but it works consistently. Here's my exact method:
Morning Scrolling Routine
Every morning, I grab my coffee and spend exactly 15 minutes on Substack Notes. This isn't mindless scrolling. I'm looking for patterns with laser focus:
What topics are multiple creators talking about?
Which Notes are getting significantly more engagement than usual?
What questions keep appearing in different forms?
What news or updates are people reacting to?
I don't just look at the Notes themselves. I read the comments. Sometimes the real trend is hiding in the conversation, not the original Note.
The "Related Notes" Gold Mine
Here's a trick that almost nobody talks about:
When you find a high-engagement Note, scroll all the way down. Substack shows you "Related Notes" at the bottom. This feature is pure gold for trend hunters.
These related Notes show you variations of the trending topic. They reveal different angles people are taking on the same conversation. They expose subtopics within the main trend.
I've discovered some of my most successful Note ideas simply by studying these related Notes sections.
For example, when the 5M+ newsletters milestone was trending, I checked the related Notes and noticed people were specifically discussing how paid subscriptions had grown. This gave me a more specific angle for my own Note.
Reading Between the Lines
Trends aren't always obvious. Sometimes you need to connect dots that others haven't connected yet.
When I saw Notes about the TikTok outage and separately saw Notes about platform migration, I connected these themes before most people. The result was a Note that caught the perfect timing of this emerging trend.
Look for adjacent conversations that might be merging into a larger trend.
Creating Your Trends Swipe File
The most effective trend-spotters don't rely on memory alone. They build systems.
I maintain a "Trends Swipe File" that has become my secret weapon. Here's how I build and use it:
Screenshot high-performing Notes - When I see a Note getting exceptional engagement, I take a screenshot and save it to a dedicated folder.
Categorize by trend type - I organize these screenshots into categories: platform updates, creator milestones, feature launches, cultural moments, etc.
Note the engagement patterns - For each saved Note, I jot down what I think made it work: Was it the question format? The controversial stance? The timing?
Review weekly - Every Sunday, I spend 15-20minutes reviewing my swipe file, looking for patterns I might have missed.
This isn't about copying other creators. It's about studying what resonates with the Substack audience so you can bring your unique perspective to conversations they already care about.
Your swipe file becomes a treasure trove of inspiration when you're stuck for ideas. Instead of starting from zero, you can look at what's worked in the past and find ways to contribute to similar conversations happening now.
External Trend-Spotting Tools & Resources
While Substack Notes is my primary trend-hunting ground, I supplement with these external resources:
Google Trends - I check Google Trends weekly with a focus on topics related to my niche. The "Related queries" section often reveals emerging conversations before they hit Substack.
Exploding Topics - This tool shows topics gaining momentum before they peak. The free version gives you enough to identify potential trends worth writing about.
Twitter/X Advanced Search - I use the search query "[my niche] Substack" to find what people are specifically discussing about Substack in my space.
Feedly - I've set up a feed of relevant publications that covers my niche. This helps me spot industry news that might trigger Substack conversations.
Substack Chat groups - I'm active in 3-4 Chat groups related to my focus. People often discuss emerging trends here before they hit Notes.
The key isn't using all these tools but checking 1-2 consistently. I spend 15 minutes each morning on trend research, not hours.
The 3-Part Trending Note Formula
After months of testing and hundreds of Notes, I've discovered a formula that consistently gets engagement when applied to trending topics.
This isn't theoretical. Every viral Note I've created follows this exact structure:
Part 1: The Trend Hook
Your first sentence needs to directly connect to the trending conversation. This signals to readers that your Note is relevant to what they already care about.
The hook should be:
Clear and direct
Specific to the trend
Impossible to scroll past
Bad example: "Thoughts on Substack's growth?"
Good example: "Substack just hit 5M+ paid newsletters - a milestone that changes everything for creators like us."
The difference? The second example directly references the specific trend (5M+ newsletters) and suggests why it matters to the reader.
Let me show you some real hooks I've used that stopped the scroll:
For the TikTok migration trend: "TikTok's down and creators are flocking to Substack right now. Are you one of them?"
For the Substack Live trend: "Everyone's talking about Substack Live, but nobody's addressing the elephant in the room: do we really need to be on camera now?"
For the 5M newsletters milestone: "5 million paid newsletters on Substack isn't just a milestone—it's proof that the creator economy is only getting started."
Notice how each hook immediately identifies the trend and adds a perspective or question that makes you want to know more.
Part 2: Your Unique Angle
After the hook, you need 1-3 sentences that add your unique perspective. This is where you differentiate your Note from everyone else talking about the same trend.
Your angle should be:
Slightly unexpected
Based on your experience
Adding new insight to the conversation
For the TikTok migration example, my angle was: "I've been on both platforms for years, and the community difference is night and day. TikTok optimizes for viral moments, but Substack builds sustainable creator businesses."
For the 5M newsletters milestone: "What most people miss is that only a tiny fraction of those newsletters are making real money. The opportunity isn't in joining—it's in standing out with a strategy most aren't using."
Don't just repeat what everyone else is saying. Add something that makes readers think, "Huh, I hadn't considered that."
Part 3: The Engagement Question
This is where most Notes fail. They present an observation but don't explicitly invite engagement.
Your closing question should be:
Specific enough to be easily answered
Open-ended enough to allow for diverse responses
Directly related to the trend
For the Substack Live trend: "Are you planning to use live video in your Substack strategy, or are you sticking with written content only? What's driving your decision?"
For the TikTok migration: "If you've come from TikTok (or any other platform) to Substack recently, drop a link to your publication below so we can all discover new voices!"
For the 5M milestone: "What's your biggest challenge growing your newsletter in an increasingly crowded Substack ecosystem? Share below and let's help each other stand out."
Notice how each question is designed to be easily answered. You're not asking people to write essays—you're giving them a simple way to join the conversation.
The magic happens when all three parts work together:
The hook grabs attention by connecting to the trend
Your angle adds unique value to the conversation
The question makes engagement irresistible
Let me show you a complete Note following this formula that brought in 130 new subscribers in a single day:
That's it. 5 lines. Less than 50 words total. But it worked because it followed the formula and connected to a trending conversation.
Trend Categories That Consistently Deliver
After testing hundreds of Notes, I've identified five trend categories that consistently generate engagement and subscribers. These categories work across niches and audience sizes.
1. Platform Updates & Milestones
Whenever Substack releases a new feature, changes something, or hits a significant milestone, you have a golden opportunity. These moments create natural conversation as everyone tries to understand what the changes mean for them.
Examples that have worked for me:
Substack reaching 5M+ paid newsletters
Launch of Substack Live video
Updates to the Notes discovery system
Changes to the recommendation algorithm
New monetization features
What makes this category powerful is that all Substack writers share one thing in common: we all use Substack. Platform updates affect everyone, creating a universal conversation opportunity.
Quick tip: Follow the official Substack Notes account and turn on notifications. They announce most updates there first, giving you a head start on trend-based Notes.
2. Creator Migration Trends
Whenever creators move from one platform to another, it creates conversation. This might be:
Exodus from Twitter/X
TikTok algorithm changes pushing creators away
YouTube policy changes affecting monetization
Newsletter platforms shutting down (like Revue)
These migration moments create uncertainty and questions. Writers want to know: Is this move smart? Will it work? What should I do?
By addressing these questions in your trending Notes, you position yourself as a guide in unfamiliar territory—someone worth following.
Quick tip: Set up Google Alerts for phrases like "[Platform Name] creators moving to Substack" to catch these migration trends early.
3. Industry Disruptions
Major changes in publishing, media, or the creator economy create natural conversation opportunities:
AI tools changing content creation
Large publications laying off staff
New monetization models emerging
Changes in how readers consume content
When Morning Brew laid off employees, I created a Note inviting displaced writers to Substack. It generated 30+ new subscribers and helped several talented writers find a new home.
Quick tip: Follow 2-3 major news sources in the creator economy (e.g., The Information, Puck, Press Gazette) to spot industry shifts before they become mainstream conversations.
4. Seasonal/Calendar Trends
Certain times of year create natural trending opportunities:
New Year's resolutions for creators
Mid-year reflection points
End-of-year review season
Back-to-school content planning
Holiday content strategies
These predictable moments give you time to prepare trend-based Notes in advance.
My "New Year Growth Checkpoint" Note brought in many new subscribers because it aligned perfectly with when creators were naturally reflecting on their progress.
Quick tip: Create a simple calendar with these predictable trend moments so you can prepare Notes in advance rather than scrambling at the last minute.
5. Cultural Moments Affecting Creators
Broader cultural shifts that impact how we create or consume content:
Digital detox movements
Changes in reading habits
Attention span discussions
Work/life balance for creators
Economic factors affecting subscription businesses
When several high-profile creators discussed burnout earlier this year, I created a Note about sustainable writing habits. It resonated because it addressed a shared experience at exactly the right moment.
Quick tip: Look for patterns in what successful creators are talking about on other platforms—these conversations often migrate to Substack within days.
Overcoming Common Objections
When I share this strategy, I often hear these concerns:
"Isn't this just chasing trends?"
There's a difference between mindlessly jumping on trends and thoughtfully contributing to relevant conversations.
You're not abandoning your expertise or voice—you're applying them to topics people already care about. You're meeting your audience where they are rather than expecting them to come find you.
The best trending Notes add genuine value to the conversation. They're not exploitative; they're responsive to what your community actually cares about right now.
"What if I'm too late to a trend?"
Trends have longer lifespans on Substack than on most platforms. While being early helps, I've seen Notes perform well even 3-4 days after a trend emerges.
The key is adding a fresh perspective. Ask yourself: "What angle of this conversation isn't being addressed yet?" Then fill that gap.
Some of my most successful Notes weren't the first on a trend but offered a unique take that wasn't being discussed.
"Will this work in my niche?"
I've seen this strategy work across dozens of niches, from finance to fiction, from tech to personal development.
The key is adapting the trend categories to your specific audience. A cookbook writer might focus on seasonal food trends, while a finance writer might focus on market shifts affecting creators.
The formula works universally, but the specific trends you choose should align with your niche and expertise.
Balancing Trending vs. Evergreen Content
A question I often get: "Should all my Notes be trend-based?"
I've found the sweet spot is about a 70/30 split:
70% trending Notes that tap into current conversations
30% evergreen content that showcases your expertise
The trending Notes bring people in; the evergreen content shows them why they should stay.
This balance ensures you're growing consistently while still establishing your unique voice and expertise.
The Simple Truth About Substack Growth
Most Substack writers are creating in isolation, hoping someone notices. They're spending hours crafting perfect posts that disappear without engagement. They're following outdated advice to "just keep publishing" and wondering why growth is so slow.
Meanwhile, a small group of creators are tapping into existing conversations and growing rapidly with minimal effort.
Which approach makes more sense?
Writing is already hard enough. Why not give yourself the advantage of talking about things people already care about?
I've grown my Substack to thousands of subscribers using this strategy, and the best part is that it takes less time than creating content from scratch.
You don't need to be the smartest writer. You don't need to be the most profound thinker. You just need to be paying attention to the conversations already happening.
Ready to Master Trending Substack Notes?
If you're tired of publishing Notes that disappear into the void...
If you're ready to tap into conversations already happening...
If you want to grow your subscriber base with minimal extra effort...
I'm reopened my Substack Notes Growth Workshop where I walk you through my entire process step-by-step.
You'll learn:
My complete Notes writing and trend-spotting system
The exact formula for crafting high-engagement trending Notes
How to convert commenters into subscribers
Real examples and templates you can adapt to your niche
Leveraging Notes is one of the tools that’s helped me grow from Zero to nearly 7000+ subscribers in less than 6 months. It’s no joke. If you’re ready to grow on Notes this year, join below 👇
This workshop is designed specifically for Substack writers who want predictable, sustainable growth without spending hours on social media.
Great piece @escapethecubicle — sharp and practical.
Only one thing to add, if you’ll allow it:
A Note can also plant the seed of an article.
That’s part of its power too.
It’s all part of the game.
Based off of what I’ve seen on Notes… anyone making content about anything other than social media growth or growing on Substack isn’t going to have a viral note.
Every note I see is either “hey, I’m new here” or tips about how to grow on Substack.
Maybe it’s possible in any niche with a large, existing audience— but otherwise… idk.