Platformer
by Casey Newton
News at the intersection of Silicon Valley and democracy. Casey Newton covers the tech giants, content moderation, and how platforms shape society with insider access and sharp analysis.
About Platformer
Platformer covers news at the intersection of Silicon Valley and democracy. Casey Newton brings years of tech journalism experience and deep industry sources to analyze how platforms like Meta, X, Google, and TikTok shape society. With 170,000+ free subscribers and a dedicated paid readership, Platformer has become essential reading for understanding platform policy, content moderation decisions, and the future of social media. The newsletter publishes Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 5 PM Pacific.
What Makes This Newsletter Unique
Casey's unique combination of deep industry sources and willingness to hold platforms accountable produces journalism that others can't match. He regularly breaks news about major platform decisions before they're announced. Platformer's focus on the democracy/tech intersection fills a crucial niche. As platforms increasingly shape public discourse, Casey's analysis helps readers understand the stakes and implications.
Who Should Subscribe?
Platformer is ideal for: - Tech professionals working at or with platforms - Journalists covering tech and policy - Policy makers understanding platform governance - Anyone concerned about tech's impact on democracy - Readers who want insider perspective on platform decisions If you want to understand how social media platforms really work, Platformer is essential.
Content Format
Platformer publishes 3x weekly (Mon/Tue/Thu at 5PM PT): - Breaking news on platform decisions - Analysis of content moderation policies - Inside scoops from industry sources - Commentary on tech and democracy intersection - Premium deep dives for subscribers
Recent Newsletter Issues
Pricing & Subscription Options
Free + Premium
- 3x weekly emails
- Free tier with core content
- Premium tier with extra features
- Unsubscribe anytime
Free edition + Premium at $10/month
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Our Take: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Deep industry sources and insider access
- Breaks major platform news
- Thoughtful analysis on tech/democracy
- Respected journalist behind it
- Free edition is substantial
- Consistent 3x weekly schedule
Cons
- Focused specifically on platforms
- Can be dense for casual readers
- US-centric platform coverage
- Premium needed for full access
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Platformer cover?
Platformer covers the intersection of Silicon Valley and democracy — focusing on how major platforms like Meta, X, Google, and TikTok make decisions that affect public discourse.
Is there a free version?
Yes, Platformer offers a substantial free edition with 170,000+ subscribers. Premium is $10/month for full access.
Who is Casey Newton?
Casey Newton is a respected tech journalist who was previously the Silicon Valley editor at The Verge. He founded Platformer in October 2020.
Why did Platformer leave Substack?
In 2024, Casey moved Platformer off Substack due to concerns about Substack's content moderation policies, particularly regarding extremist content.
How often does Platformer publish?
Platformer publishes three times weekly — Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 5 PM Pacific.
About the Author: Casey Newton
Casey Newton
Casey Newton is one of the most respected tech journalists covering the platform economy. Before founding Platformer in October 2020, he was the Silicon Valley editor at The Verge, where his newsletter The Interface grew to 20,000 subscribers. Casey has deep sources inside major tech companies and has broken numerous stories about content moderation, platform policy, and the intersection of tech and democracy. In 2024, he moved Platformer off Substack due to content moderation concerns.
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