We’re going to rescue the smart people from TikTok!

Substack is announcing a $25,000 TikTok Liberation Prize.

Creators of all types deserve stability, ownership, and a direct connection to their audience—without the risk of being arbitrarily cut off.

With a potential TikTok ban looming, we want to help creators save their audiences, and build a sustainable livelihood of subscribers, before they lose what they've built. That’s why we’re offering a $25,000 prize to the creative genius who can make a TikTok video that sparks a trend. The winner is not the video with the most views, but the one that inspires others to post their own video inviting their audience to Substack and building a sustainable future. The prize winner will be announced on January 19, regardless of what happens with TikTok.

For TikTok creators, the Substack app offers their own space where their audiences can come together for live streams, video posts, group chats, podcasts, and writing. More importantly, Substack is an independent home for their creative work—built on direct relationships and sustainable subscription revenue. It gives video creators, podcasters, and writers the ultimate power: true independence through audience ownership.

How do you win the prize?

Create and post an original video to TikTok that inspires TikTokers to join Substack. The more creative, the better. We’re looking to award a winner who sparks an industry-shifting movement. The bigger the audience reaction — and the more videos it inspires on TikTok in response — the better. When your video gains traction, let us know immediately. Submit as many videos as you like and we’ll find the winner who made this viral trend happen.

The winning creator will receive $25,000 and an opportunity to work with Substack as a Creative Advisor.

Just as we’ve previously launched local news fellowships, and hosted programs to support independent writers, now we’re extending our support to TikTok creators to help them realize the power of owning their audience. 

Start today: Tag @substackinc  in your video on TikTok and