Two major platforms are shaking up their offerings. Substack introduces Reply Rules, a feature to moderate subscriber responses, while TikTok launches TikTok Pro Events, a standalone app for cultural moments like the FIFA World Cup. Both updates aim to give creators more control and enhance community engagement.
Substack: creators take charge of conversations
Substack announced Reply Rules yesterday, rolling out to all English-language publications. The tool allows authors to decide who can reply to their posts. Creators can filter responses by subscription tier, manually approve each reply, or block specific users. This move addresses the growing need for moderation in newsletter ecosystems, where direct dialogue is valuable but can quickly turn toxic. Substack aims to balance openness with control, offering more granular settings than a simple comment toggle.
TikTok goes all-in on live events
Also yesterday, TikTok unveiled TikTok Pro Events, a separate app designed for major cultural events such as the FIFA World Cup. The app lets users interact with other fans, explore trending videos, and access curated creator feeds. It is an attempt to transform the social experience from passive viewing to active participation, leveraging the excitement of live events to build temporary communities. TikTok Pro Events will debut during the 2026 World Cup, with upcoming updates including augmented reality filters for themed content.
Why these updates matter
Both platforms respond to a common trend: personalized user experiences and protecting discourse quality. Substack aims to prevent comments from undermining newsletter value, while TikTok creates dedicated verticals for specific events, reducing attention fragmentation. In a landscape where AI is reshaping social dynamics, these tools give creators a finer degree of control.
For more on moderation challenges and digital communities, check our coverage of Trump's New AI Order: Europe Must Choose Between Satellite and Player.
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