Plain Language Summary
Substack's Terms of Use govern the use of its publishing platform for both content creators and readers. Users retain ownership of their content but grant Substack a broad, perpetual, and irrevocable license to use it for operating and improving the service. The terms include a minimum age of 16, strict acceptable use policies, and a significant limitation of liability for Substack, while mandating binding arbitration for dispute resolution.
Notable Clauses
Content Ownership & License
Unfavorable
Termination by Company
Unfavorable
Limitation of Liability
Unfavorable
Dispute Resolution
Unfavorable
Billing & Subscriptions
Auto-Renewal
not_found
Free Trial Auto-Converts
not_found
Cancellation Method
in_app_self_service
Cancellation Effective
not_specified
Cancellation Notice (days)
Unknown
Billing Cycle
not_specified
Price Change Notice (days)
Unknown
Refund Policy
Refund Available
No
Refund Window (days)
Unknown
Prorated Refunds
No
Renewal Refunds
No
Dispute Resolution
Arbitration Required
Yes
Arbitration Provider
Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS)
Arbitration Opt-Out
No
Class Action Waiver
Yes
Small Claims Exception
No
Liability & Indemnification
Liability Cap
greater_of
Warranty Disclaimer
full_as_is
Service "As Is"
Yes
User Indemnifies Company
Yes
Force Majeure
No
User Friendliness
Key Concerns
- Broad, perpetual, and irrevocable license granted for user content.
- Company can terminate accounts for 'any reason' with no guaranteed notice.
- Limitation of liability is very low ($100 or 12-month payments).
- Public posts may remain available indefinitely even after account deletion.
- Mandatory binding arbitration and class action waiver for dispute resolution.
Jurisdiction
Governing LawCalifornia
JurisdictionSan Francisco County, California or the Northern District of California