How Restacking Affects the Algorithm, And Why It’s Okay to Restack Notes on Different Topics Even When You Focus on One Theme

NOTES ON SUBSTACK

In the chat with Writers @ Work by Sarah Fay, we discussed how restacking helps others and yourself and that liking a note is not the same as restacking it.

➔ I wrote this today (January 30, 2025):

➔ How Substack Notes Work and How Restacking Affects the Algorithm

What is Substack Notes?

Substack Notes is a social feed within Substack that allows writers and readers to share short posts (similar to tweets or LinkedIn posts). Notes can be used for various purposes, such as sharing thoughts, linking to Substack or external content, sparking discussions, or engaging with other writers and readers.

I am still looking into Notes and trying to figure out its algorithm. If I remember well, I have been actively engaged on LindIn since 2023. I skipped most of 2025 because I was not satisfied with the outcome. Though I had interacted with other users on LinkedIn, it did not seem to work better for me and the subjects I was talking about, especially Empowerment.

By the time of the US Election in November 2024, I moved back to LinkedIn, posting very specifically about politics, the upcoming election in Germany on February 23, 2025, and against the right-wing party, which I found a threat to democracy.

To get to the bottom of it, I still haven’t figured out how LinkedIn's algorithm works, and I assume there is no such thing as a secret key to unlock Notes' algorithm either.

Let us look into how Notes work.

➔ Features of Notes:

1. Creating a Note:

   • Writers and readers can compose and publish a new Note.

   • A Note can include plain text, links, images, and quotes.

2. Commenting and Interacting:

   • Users can engage with a Note by commenting or liking it.

   • Discussions often take place directly under a Note.

3. Restacking Notes:

   • "Restacking" is similar to retweeting on X (Twitter).

   • When you restack a Note, it appears in your followers' feeds, increasing its visibility.

   • You can either restack the original Note as it is or add your comment.

➔ How Restacking Influences the Algorithm

1. Increased Visibility:

   • If a Note is frequently restacked, it signals to the algorithm that it is relevant or popular.

   • This increases the likelihood of it being recommended to others or appearing more prominently in feeds.

2. Feed Prioritization:

   • Substack primarily displays content from subscribed authors or users with whom one interacts frequently.

   • When you restack a Note, it is more likely to appear in your followers’ feeds and recommended Notes.

3. Network Effect:

   • Restacking can help a Note go viral as more people add it to their feeds.

   • The algorithm recognizes high engagement and promotes the Note to even more users.

4. Recommendations for Other Users:

   • Substack uses restacking data to suggest content that is similar to other readers.

   • The algorithm may recommend similar Notes or authors if many people restack a Note.

➔ Where can you see new Notes?

To see new Notes, you must be on Substack itself in the “HOME” Section. The algorithm suggested the notes in the thread below.

In the chat I was writing about at the beginning of the text, we came to the conclusion that restacking a note without a comment promotes the writer of the note. While restacking this note with a comment, you make it part of your own notes. I am not able to prove our conclusion, though.

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Conclusion:

Restacking Notes on Substack increases their reach and influences the algorithm by serving as an engagement signal. Frequently restacked notes are more likely to appear in other users’ feeds and have a higher chance of being discovered by new readers.

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➔ Why It’s Okay to Restack Notes on Different Topics Even When You Focus on One Theme

In another discussion, I heard that participants would only restack similar notes in their genre. I was very surprised about it because I couldn’t believe that this is something that works in any marketing. So, I did some research on this, too. This is my conclusion:

If your Substack has a clear thematic focus—personal development, business, literature, or another niche—you might think restacking Notes on different topics could harm your brand or reach. But the opposite is true: it can help strengthen your presence. Here’s why restacking content from other areas is beneficial:

1. The Algorithm Favors Engagement and Activity

Substack prioritizes content that generates interaction. By regularly restacking Notes—even if they don’t directly relate to your main topic—you signal to the algorithm that you’re active. This increases the chances that your Notes will be shown more often in feeds.

• More visibility: Your activity helps your name and profile appear in more users’ feeds.

• Network effect: The more engagement you generate through restacks, the more likely your Substack profile will be recommended to new users.

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2. Restacking Doesn't Mean Changing Your Focus

Many believe sharing content outside their core topic might dilute their brand identity. But that’s not the case. Instead, it shows:

• Versatility and interest in relevant discussions.

• The personality behind the brand. Your audience follows you for your expertise and because they find you interesting.

Example:
A writer focused on personal development could still restack Notes about economics, society, or art. This keeps their feed dynamic and shows they are well-rounded.

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3. More Restacks Mean Greater Reach and New Readers

If you only post your notes, you will mainly reach your existing community. But when you restack others’ Notes, you can:

• Connect with other writers: The original authors see that you support their Notes, which often leads to reciprocity.

• Appear in new readers’ feeds: Followers of the original Notes may notice you and visit your profile.

• Reach new audiences: Even if a restacked topic isn’t directly related to your niche, some readers may still be drawn to your work. - This is actually the most crucial point! Readers or consumers are not entirely focused on only one subject or niche. This is especially true for Substack readers, who, given the platform's diversity, often look beyond the mainstream—both to the right and left—for new texts, ideas, and inspiration.

• 4. Inspiration and Community Building

Substack is not just a content platform; it’s also a space for networking and growth. By restacking various Notes:

• You showcase your sources of inspiration: Readers love seeing what influences you.

• You become an active part of the community: Substack thrives on networking—those who support others often receive support in return.

• You encourage discussions: Different perspectives can enrich your work and engage your audience.

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5. Your Audience Is Often Interested in You, Not Just Your Topic

Many Substack subscribers follow writers not just for a single theme but because they appreciate their style, perspective, or thought process.

Example:
If you write about business strategies but occasionally restack Notes about philosophy, travel, or pop culture, this can make your profile feel more relatable and engaging.

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Conclusion: Variety Strengthens Your Presence, Not the Other Way Around

Restacking Notes outside your main topic isn’t just harmless—it’s a smart strategic move. It leads to:

✅ More visibility through the algorithm
✅ Stronger connections with other writers
✅ New readers and greater reach
✅ A dynamic and engaging profile
✅ Personality and versatility without diluting your brand

As long as your core content remains clear, you can be playful and flexible with restacking.

➔ I think connecting your Substack Site with Google Analytics will help you see even better results and reach readers outside of Substack. That is one of my next steps. I will keep you updated about my results.

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I recommend Writers @ Work by Sarah Fay for more information regarding Substack.

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I am thrilled that you are joining me on this ride.

Cheers,
SILKE KRISTIN ❁