What Actually Happens When You Get Recommendations on Substack?
Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes when a writer recommends your Substack? It’s not just an algorithm - here’s how it actually drives real subscriber growth. Recommendations explained!
If you’ve been writing on Substack for a while, you’ve probably noticed the “Recommendations” link in your dashboard. Maybe you’ve even seen your subscriber count jump a little and wondered, Did someone actually just recommend me?
It’s easy to think there’s some complex algorithm deciding who gets promoted, but the truth is much simpler, and honestly, way more human. Here is what’s going on behind the scenes when a fellow writer adds you to their list.
You Get a Notification (Usually)
When someone adds you to their recommendations, the system doesn’t always ping you instantly. Substack wants to make sure the recommendation is actually driving traffic before they bother you.
If they already subscribe to you: You’ll likely get an email notification within about an hour.
If they aren’t a subscriber: You won’t hear a peep until their recommendation starts actually converting into new readers for you.
Essentially, Substack waits for proof that the recommendation is “working” before it formally introduces you to your new fan club.
Your Substack Gets a Prime Spot in the “Subscribe Flow”
This is the real magic. When a reader clicks Subscribe on another writer’s publication, they’re immediately shown a Recommended screen. Your publication appears there alongside others the creator has chosen.
Because this happens at the exact moment a reader has already committed to subscribing to someone else, they are in a discovery mindset. They’ve already decided they like the host writer’s taste, so they’re much more likely to trust that recommendation and hit Subscribe on your page, too.
Your Link Lives on Their Homepage
Unless the other writer has disabled it, your publication is now effectively a permanent fixture on their homepage. It’s a subtle ongoing endorsement that lives there as long as they keep you in their settings. It’s not a one-time blast - it’s a steady stream of passive discovery that happens whenever someone visits their site.
You Might Show Up in a “Digest” Email
Every once in a while, Substack sends an automated email to that writer’s subscribers highlighting their new recommendations. If they’ve included a blurb - a short note about why they like your work, it gets featured in that email.
Here’s-a-Tip: If you’re the one doing the recommendations, always add a blurb. It’s the difference between a cold link and a personal endorsement. It signals to the reader why they should care, and it gives the writer you’re recommending a nice piece of text they can copy and paste onto their own Welcome Page.
Does it actually help your Substack grow?
Honestly, yes. But it’s not magic.
If you get recommended by a massive account, you’ll see a spike. But I’ve found that being recommended by a smaller, hyper-active writer who’s in the trenches growing their own list often pays off more. They’re actively pushing their own publication, which means more eyeballs on that Subscribe flow page where you’re featured.
Here’s the takeaway though? Don’t stress about beating the system. It’s just networking. If you’re writing stuff people actually want to read, other writers will notice. And when they do, that recommendation isn’t just an algorithm boost - it’s a real person telling their readers, “Hey, you should check this person out as well.”
That’s how you actually grow a sustainable publication. You don’t need a viral post - you just need enough people with good taste to vouch for you.
If you’re interested in actually asking others for a Recommendation - you can read my previous article here: How to Ask for Substack Recommendations
Paul Arino
HowToTipsTricks.substack.com