Choosing to publish on Substack comes with many perks, including the ability to build a unique brand and connect directly with your audience. But what if after setting up your newsletter, you realize that your name or the name of your publication no longer fits your vision?
Whether it’s a personal rebranding, a shift in content focus, or simply a desire for a fresh identity, the question arises: can I change my name on Substack? Understanding how Substack handles name changes can save you from confusion and help maintain your readership’s trust.
Names on digital platforms are more than just labels—they are the face of your brand and an essential part of your online presence.
In this post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of changing your name on Substack. From profile names to newsletter titles, and even URL considerations, you’ll discover what’s possible and what limitations exist.
We’ll also discuss best practices to ensure your transition is smooth and your audience stays informed and engaged through the change. For those curious about other name-related changes on different platforms, you might find useful tips in How to Change Your Name in SoundCloud Easily and How to Change Your Name on Twitter Easily and Quickly.
Understanding the Name Elements on Substack
Before diving into how to change your name on Substack, it’s important to understand which names you can actually change. Substack profiles and newsletters have several name components that each serve a distinct purpose.
There are three primary name elements tied to your Substack presence:
- Your Profile Name: This is the personal or business name that appears on your author profile.
- Your Newsletter Title: The name of your publication that subscribers see when they receive emails.
- Your Substack URL: The web address for your newsletter, often reflective of your original name choice.
Each of these elements has different rules when it comes to updating or changing them, so let’s break down what’s possible and what isn’t.
“Your Substack name is more than just a label—it represents your brand’s identity and credibility to your audience.”
Profile Name vs. Newsletter Title
Your profile name is flexible and can be changed easily through your account settings. This is what readers see as the author or creator of the content.
On the other hand, the newsletter title is the public-facing name of your publication and also editable, but it has more implications since it appears on every email and landing page.
Both are crucial for branding but serve slightly different roles in your overall presence.
Substack URL – The Permanent Identifier
The URL you choose when setting up your Substack is a unique identifier and is generally not changeable. This means if your original newsletter name was “TechInsider,” your URL might look like techinsider.substack.com.
Changing this URL requires creating a new Substack entirely, which can be disruptive to your existing subscribers.
How to Change Your Profile Name on Substack
Changing your profile name is the simplest and most straightforward way to update your identity on Substack. This name appears as the author’s name on posts, emails, and your public profile.
To change your profile name:
- Log into your Substack account.
- Go to your account settings by clicking on your profile icon.
- Find the Profile section where your name is displayed.
- Edit the name field with your desired new name and save the changes.
Once updated, your new name will immediately appear on your posts and newsletters. This is a great option if you want to keep your existing newsletter URL but refresh the author’s identity.
“Updating your profile name can help signal a shift in content or branding without losing your subscriber base.”
Tips for Choosing a New Profile Name
When selecting a new profile name, consider the following:
- Consistency with your other social media or personal branding.
- Easy readability and memorability for your audience.
- Avoiding frequent changes to maintain recognition and trust.
Changing your profile name is a powerful way to evolve your brand while maintaining continuity with your audience.
Changing Your Newsletter Title: What You Need to Know
The newsletter title is the name that appears in subscriber inboxes and on your Substack page. Unlike the profile name, this title is more prominent and closely tied to your content identity.
Luckily, Substack allows you to change the newsletter title easily, but it’s important to understand the effects of doing so.
To change your newsletter title:
- Access your Substack dashboard.
- Navigate to the Publication Settings.
- Locate the field for your newsletter title and enter the new name.
- Save the changes and notify your subscribers if the change is significant.
Changing the title updates the branding on your emails and website instantly. However, your URL remains unchanged, which might cause a mismatch between the URL and the new title.
“A newsletter title change is a fresh start without losing your audience, but it requires clear communication.”
Communicating Your Newsletter Name Change
Subscribers appreciate transparency. When you change your newsletter’s name, consider:
- Sending a dedicated email explaining the reason for the change.
- Updating your social media and other platforms to reflect the new name.
- Providing context about what subscribers can expect moving forward.
By proactively addressing the change, you can maintain subscriber trust and enthusiasm.
What About Changing Your Substack URL?
One of the biggest questions around changing your Substack name is whether you can change the URL. Unfortunately, Substack does not currently allow users to alter their newsletter’s URL once it’s been set.
This restriction is because the URL acts as a permanent identifier and is linked to your subscriber list, analytics, and SEO.
If a URL change is essential, your only option is to create a completely new Substack account with the desired URL and migrate your audience manually.
This process can be challenging and risks losing subscribers if not done carefully.
“URL permanence protects your newsletter’s integrity but limits flexibility in rebranding.”
Comparing Name Change Options on Substack
| Element | Can You Change It? | How Easy? | Impact |
| Profile Name | Yes | Very Easy | Author credit updates everywhere |
| Newsletter Title | Yes | Easy | Changes branding in emails and site, URL unchanged |
| Substack URL | No | Not Possible | Permanent, tied to account and subscribers |
Steps to Rebrand Your Substack Without Changing the URL
While changing your URL is off the table, you can still effectively rebrand your Substack by combining a few strategies.
First, update your profile name and newsletter title to reflect your new brand identity. This will immediately signal to your readers that something has evolved.
Next, take advantage of your newsletter’s introductory posts and emails to explain the rebranding effort, mission, and any changes to content or style.
Finally, update your logo, banner, and other visual assets to align with your new branding.
- Change profile name and newsletter title in settings.
- Craft a transparent announcement to your subscribers.
- Update visuals and social media links.
- Consider linking to articles like How to Change Your Name on Twitter Easily and Quickly for broader branding ideas.
“Smart rebranding focuses on clarity and connection, rather than URL changes alone.”
Maintaining Subscriber Trust During Rebranding
One of the most important aspects of changing your Substack name or brand is ensuring your subscribers feel valued and informed. Sudden changes without explanation can cause confusion or loss of trust.
We recommend:
- Sending at least one detailed announcement email.
- Inviting feedback or questions from your audience.
- Using clear and positive language about the benefits of the change.
These steps help maintain a loyal and engaged subscriber base through transitions.
When Should You Consider Creating a New Substack?
If your new brand identity is drastically different or you require a new URL that better matches your rebrand, creating a new Substack might be necessary.
This approach is more labor-intensive and requires migrating your subscriber list and setting up your publication from scratch.
However, it can be the best choice when:
- Your original URL no longer fits your new brand.
- You want to separate content into a distinct newsletter.
- You’re willing to rebuild your subscriber base with a fresh start.
Keep in mind that migrating subscribers requires explicit consent, so consider using signup forms and email campaigns to invite your existing audience to join the new newsletter.
“Starting over is challenging but sometimes necessary for a truly fresh and aligned brand presence.”
Comparing Rebranding vs. New Account Creation
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Rebrand Existing Account | Maintains existing subscribers and analytics; easier | Cannot change URL; possible audience confusion |
| Create New Substack | New URL; clean slate for branding | Risk of losing subscribers; needs marketing effort |
Additional Tips for Managing Your Name Across Platforms
Since your Substack presence is part of a broader digital identity, it’s wise to coordinate your name changes with other platforms.
For example, update your social media handles, email signature, and website to reflect your new Substack name or profile.
Consider reading about How to Change Your Name in SoundCloud Easily and How to Change Your Display Name on Twitch Easily for inspiration on cross-platform consistency.
- Keep your branding consistent for easy audience recognition.
- Use professional graphics and logos that fit your new name.
- Update bios and descriptions on all channels.
“A cohesive online identity strengthens your brand and makes it easier for followers to find you.”
Leveraging Your Name Change for Growth
A name change can be a marketing opportunity if handled creatively. Use it to generate buzz through social media announcements, giveaways, or collaborations.
Highlight the reasons behind the change to create a story that resonates with your audience and attracts new subscribers.
Remember that every name change is a chance to reintroduce yourself and capture attention.
Common Questions About Changing Names on Substack
Many creators wonder about technical and practical aspects of changing names on Substack. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions.
- Can I change my domain or subdomain on Substack? No, your subdomain is fixed once set.
- Will changing my newsletter title affect subscriber emails? Yes, new emails will show the updated title.
- Is it possible to merge two Substack newsletters? Substack does not support merging; you’d need to manually consolidate audiences.
- Do I need to notify subscribers if I change my profile name? While not required, it’s good practice to notify for clarity.
“Understanding Substack’s limitations helps plan changes without surprises.”
Resources for Further Reading
For those interested in mastering name changes on other platforms or understanding branding better, check out:
- How to Change Your Name in Your Phone Easily
- How to Change Your Name on Zoom Before Meeting Starts
- How to Change Your Name on Meta: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Final Thoughts on Changing Your Name on Substack
Changing your name on Substack is possible to an extent, especially when it comes to your profile name and newsletter title. These changes can refresh your brand and help you align better with your evolving content and audience.
However, the permanence of your Substack URL means that a full rebrand involving a URL change requires creating a new account and carefully migrating your subscribers. This presents challenges but also opportunities for a fresh start.
Ultimately, the key to a successful name change lies in thoughtful communication and consistency across your online presence. By combining profile updates, newsletter title changes, and clear messaging, you can maintain subscriber trust and grow your audience during transitions.
If you’re considering a name change, take time to plan your approach, explore related strategies like those in How to Change Your Name on Twitter Easily and Quickly, and remember that your authentic voice is what truly defines your Substack’s success.
