Reading blogs over scrolling reels: 4 substacks every Gen Z reader must check out to fall back in love with reading

Scrolling through Instagram mindlessly, with no interest or enthusiasm, often feels like a complete waste of time. Nothing to gain and nothing to remember, just doomscrooling. Many of us have realised this sooner, and we are gradually shifting towards platforms that offer something more meaningful, content that has knowledge as well as engaging to read.


Yes, content that requires us to read.

It may sound surprising, but this generation is choosing to read. Not Instagram captions or comment sections, but long-form newsletters delivered straight to their inboxes. In a world dominated by short-form videos and shrinking attention spans, Gen Z is choosing Substack over endlessly scrolling through reels.

Substack is a platform that allows writers, journalists, creators, and experts to publish articles and newsletters independently. Think of it as Instagram without the reels, just thoughtful writing. While social media platforms around the world compete for attention through short-form video content, Substack is carving out its own space with long-form storytelling and in-depth analysis.

What began in 2017 as a platform largely used by people with niche interests in reading and writing has evolved into a cool place for younger audiences. As more Gen Z readers seek authenticity, deeper conversations, and meaningful content, newsletters are becoming increasingly popular. Here are some Substacks that have captured the attention of Gen Z and are making an impact through their insightful and authentic writing.


Brown History is a popular digital archive and community dedicated to South Asian storytelling, culture, and history. It has built a strong following on both Instagram and Substack since its founding by Ahsun Zafar in September 2017. The platform also hosts a podcast that further explores stories from the South Asian diaspora.

Many young readers are drawn to its weekly newsletters because they bring historical stories to life while connecting them to contemporary issues. The articles focus on South Asian communities and identities, often highlighting stories that are overlooked by mainstream narratives. Each feature is thoroughly researched, thoughtfully written, and presented in an engaging format.

One of the biggest reasons to subscribe to Brown History is its ability to make history feel relevant. Readers not only learn about the past but also gain a deeper understanding of the present, as the stories are framed through a modern lens. For Gen Z readers seeking meaningful, educational, and culturally rich content, Brown History offers a refreshing alternative to endless social media scrolling.

Indian Cable is a digital newspaper delivered directly to subscribers' inboxes every day. Published by the independent news platform The Wire, it is curated by its editorial team and provides a comprehensive roundup of the day's most important developments.


The newsletter is backed by some of India's most respected journalists, including Siddharth Varadarajan, Sushant Singh, Seema Chishti, and Mithun Kidambi. Its growing popularity on Substack stems from its ability to present daily news with depth, context, and careful analysis rather than simply reporting headlines.

For young readers who want to stay informed without endlessly scrolling through social media feeds, Indian Cable offers a reliable and insightful alternative. One of its biggest strengths is its independent editorial approach, which allows experienced journalists to deliver news and analysis directly to readers. In an age of information overload, Indian Cable stands out for its credibility, clarity, and commitment to thoughtful journalism.

On My Mind is a free-form newsletter curated by Michael Dempsey. Through personal essays and reflections, Dempsey explores a wide range of topics, including life, human behaviour, technology, investing, and culture. His writing is known for blending nostalgia with optimism about the future, creating a perspective that feels both reflective and forward-looking.


What makes On My Mind particularly appealing to Gen Z readers is its relatable and conversational style. Rather than focusing solely on trends or current events, Dempsey examines everyday experiences and larger ideas through thoughtful storytelling. His unique use of language and ability to connect seemingly unrelated topics make the newsletter both engaging and insightful. For young readers seeking fresh perspectives and meaningful reflections, On My Mind offers a compelling alternative to the fast-paced content found on social media.

The Chaddi Things is a newsletter written by Vishal Dayama, whom many people may recognise from his appearances in videos and vlogs with standup comedian Tanmay Tandon. An independent writer on Substack, Dayama is also a professional director and advertiser known for his sharp observations and witty storytelling.

His newsletter explores seemingly ordinary topics, from hobbies fading away to the annual struggle of creating an Instagram year-end wrap-up. While these subjects may appear trivial at first, they resonate deeply with young readers because they reflect everyday experiences and emotions that often go unspoken. Reading his essays feels like discovering that other people share the same thoughts, anxieties, and small frustrations that we do.


What makes The Chaddi Things stand out is Dayama's distinctive writing style. His essays are infused with humour, sarcasm, and clever observations that make even the most mundane topics engaging. For Gen Z readers, The Chaddi Things offers a refreshing blend of relatability, humour, and self-reflection, proving that even the smallest moments of everyday life can make for compelling stories.

Amid the pressures and uncertainties of everyday life, many of us seek comfort, entertainment, and meaning through digital media. From reading newsletters on Substack to watching vlogs on YouTube, we are constantly searching for stories that resonate with our own experiences.

Perhaps that is what makes Substack so appealing to Gen Z. Beyond information and analysis, these newsletters offer something increasingly rare on the internet: authenticity. In the personal reflections, thoughtful observations, and honest storytelling of independent writers, readers often find pieces of themselves. Once we discover that connection, we keep reading, not because an algorithm tells us to, but because the words feel real. In a digital world saturated with curated content, honesty and authenticity remain some of the most compelling reasons to stay.