What We Learned at SubSummit (and Why We’re More Excited Than Ever)

We went to SubSummit expecting to have a few good meetings, maybe make some new connections, and test how our message lands with the broader media industry.

What we walked away with was much more than that.

Over the course of just a few days, we met with 14 major publishers, including some of the biggest media brands in the country. One of the top five national publishers is already moving forward with integration next week. Several others are scheduling follow-up meetings. And we’re in active conversations with teams at the Washington Examiner, Bangor Daily News, and more.

We also had the chance to sit in on one of the more thoughtful discussions of the conference — a panel on the future of digital content featuring speakers from Forbes and The Atlantic. Both emphasized how important it is to shift from purely transactional relationships with subscribers to long-term engagement strategies. We had a chance to speak with both panelists afterward, and it became clear they’re thinking deeply about many of the same challenges we’re trying to solve.

A Shift That’s Already Happening

The industry is changing — fast. Between zero-click search eating away at organic traffic and rising subscription fatigue, traditional revenue strategies are under pressure. When readers hit a paywall and bounce, publishers aren’t just losing a subscriber — they’re losing ad revenue, engagement signals, and long-term potential.

That’s where we believe Content Credits comes in. We’re not trying to replace subscriptions. We’re building a new layer — one designed to monetize casual readers without disrupting what’s already working.

It’s Not Just About Traction — It’s About Evolution

While we’re thrilled about the traction we gained at SubSummit, what really excites us is how these conversations helped us evolve. We came in thinking we had a strong product. We left with a sharper understanding of the problem, new ideas for where Content Credits can go, and validation that publishers are ready to experiment with smart, flexible alternatives to the binary paywall.

We also got the chance to talk to others on the tech and product side — people who gave us honest feedback, asked tough questions, and helped us refine how we explain what we do and why it matters.

What’s Next

With follow-up meetings already underway — including one next week in New York — we’re moving quickly. The excitement is real, but so is the urgency. The publishers we spoke to don’t just want a new revenue model someday. They’re looking for one now.

We’re grateful to the SubSummit team for creating the kind of environment where these conversations could happen. And we’re especially thankful to the publishers and media leaders who gave us their time and insight.

If you’re in media, publishing, or just care about the future of great content — we’d love to talk.

Let’s build what comes next.