Step 1. Open the Substack App

  • Launch the Substack app on your iPhone.

  • Tap the orange “+” button at the bottom of the Home screen.

  • From the menu, choose “Live”.

    (If you don’t see this option, update your app or check that your publication has live video access — Substack rolls it out gradually.)

 Step 2. Schedule Your Livestream

  • On the setup page, you’ll see a field labeled “Right now” or “Schedule.” Tap it.

  • Pick your date and time — you can schedule anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 months ahead.

  • Make sure your time zone is correct — e.g. Kyiv Time (EET/EEST).

  • Add a title, short description, and choose whether it’s public, subscribers-only, or paid-only.

  • Tap Save — your livestream is now officially scheduled.

Step 3. Get Your Shareable Link

  • After saving, Substack will give you a shareable link for the upcoming live event.

  • Copy this link — this is the one you’ll share in your announcement email, social posts, and Telegram or Instagram bio.

  • Subscribers who tap it can “Add to Calendar” and get notified when you go live.

Step 4. Announce It to Your Readers

You can send your announcement as a normal post right from your iPhone app:

  1. Tap the orange “+” button again → choose “New post.”

  2. Write your announcement (example below).

  3. Paste your livestream link at the end.

  4. Tap Next, select “Email to all subscribers” (or just paid if exclusive), and hit Publish.

 Example Announcement Text

Title: Live on Substack this Saturday — “Behind the Lens: Ukraine’s Hidden Stories”

This Saturday at 19:00 Kyiv time, I’ll be live on Substack to talk about the new film series, stories from the frontlines, and what’s next for our documentary projects.

You can join the stream, ask questions, and be part of the discussion.

Click here to join the livestream

Subscribers will get a reminder before we start. See you live!

Step 5. Going Live

  • About 15 minutes before start time, open the Substack app → go to Profile → Scheduled Live Videos.

  • Tap your event and hit “Go Live.”

  • Your front or back iPhone camera will activate — you’re streaming!

  • When finished, tap End, and Substack will save the recording. You can publish it later as a replay post.

Bonus Tips

  • Use good lighting and a tripod for stability.

  • Connect wired or Bluetooth mic for clear sound.

  • Always test your internet before streaming.

  • If you want to stream with DSLR/OBS (e.g., Nikon Z8 setup), you’ll instead need to schedule via browser and use Substack’s RTMP stream key — the phone app is ideal for mobile-camera livestreams.

  • After your live ends, you can post a recap with key moments or upload the replay for those who missed it.