Substack newsletter sponsorship rates (2026)
What Substack writers charge sponsors in 2026, how Substack sponsorships work without a built-in ad network, and how to price yours by niche.
Price my newsletterSubstack has no ad network — you set the price
Unlike some platforms, Substack doesn't broker sponsorships for you. That's an advantage: you keep 100% of the deal and control your own rates. It also means there's no default price to fall back on, so you have to set a defensible number yourself.
Substack sponsorships are almost always direct, dedicated or in-post placements priced on your opens and niche — exactly the model the calculator is built for.
Pricing your Substack the same way as any newsletter
Your platform doesn't change the underlying maths. Take your opens per send, apply your niche CPM, and you have your rate. A Substack finance newsletter should price like a finance newsletter, not at a generic 'Substack rate'.
Because Substack skews toward written, high-trust niches (finance, tech, culture, politics), many Substacks sit in the mid-to-premium CPM bands — but only if engagement backs it up.
Look professional without an agency
Direct deals mean you're your own sales team. A branded media kit and clear tiered pricing close the gap with creators who have representation. Generate yours in minutes, send the link, and quote with the niche-benchmarked numbers behind you.
Get your exact, niche-benchmarked rate
Free calculator — your defensible rate, the per-signup equivalent, and a counter-offer in about a minute.
Open the calculatorFrequently asked questions
How much should I charge for a Substack sponsorship?+
Price it like any newsletter: opens per send × your niche CPM ÷ 1,000. Substack takes no cut of sponsorships, so you keep the full rate. Use the calculator for an exact, niche-benchmarked figure.
Does Substack arrange sponsorships for you?+
No. Substack has no built-in ad network — sponsorships are direct deals you negotiate and price yourself, which means you keep 100% of the revenue.
Are Substack rates different from other platforms?+
The platform doesn't change the maths — niche and engagement do. Substack's written, high-trust niches often sit in mid-to-premium CPM bands when engagement supports it.