CONTEUDO:
Substack has officially launched a new feature designed to identify AI-generated content across its platform. By integrating with the detection software Pangram, the newsletter giant now allows users to scan posts, comments, and replies within its app to estimate the ratio of human versus machine-authored text, as announced by the company this week.
The Risks and Rewards of Transparency
In the short term, this move carries significant business risk for Substack. By exposing newsletters that rely heavily on artificial intelligence, the platform could inadvertently erode trust within its ecosystem of independent journalism. There is a potential for reputational damage if the platform is perceived as a host for low-quality, automated content.
However, the long-term strategy aims to safeguard the platform from “AI slop.” By implementing detection features, Substack encourages users to trust that the content they consume is human-led, or at the very least, provides clarity when automation is involved.
Industry-Wide Shift Toward Labeling
Substack is joining a growing list of platforms prioritizing the labeling of AI-generated content. Similar efforts are already underway across social media—where AI-generated images and videos are tagged—and in the music industry, where streaming services have begun labeling or even penalizing AI-composed tracks.
“This is good use of AI,” Substack CEO Chris Best stated regarding the integration.
In an online chat with Pangram founder Max Spero, Best emphasized the importance of the human element. “When I used to pitch Substack to writers, one way I would do it is… we’ll do everything for you except the hard part,” Best explained. “You have to have something—an idea that’s worth reading, that’s worth caring about, that’s worth sharing. That one thing is very hard and very valuable… Software should do everything else, but I think you do want the person to do the hard part.”
How the New Tool Works
The detection feature is now available within the Substack app for any post, note, reply, or comment exceeding 100 characters. Beyond automated detection, Substack is introducing an optional “AI author’s note” feature, allowing creators to proactively disclose their use of AI tools.
The company clarified that this initiative is not intended to prohibit or penalize AI-assisted writing. Instead, it aims to foster transparency by encouraging writers to include a “how I made this” statement detailing their workflow. Furthermore, publishers retain control; they can run Pangram on their own drafts before publishing and have the ability to report or remove scan results they believe to be inaccurate.
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