Subtext

Subtext offers a text message-based service where creators, such as celebrities, influencers, and musicians can directly engage with their fans via text on a subscription basis. Subscription prices range from USD 3 to USD 10 per month. The platform offers paid subscriptions, free subscriptions, and subscriptions that can be added to existing membership models. Subtext charges the creator a licensing fee for free subscriptions and add-on subscriptions (used by newspapers such as the Chicago Tribune). It follows a revenue-sharing model for paid subscriptions with the company taking 20%. 

Subtext was awarded “Best Subscription or Membership Product” by Digiday in the 2020 Media Awards. The company claims that as of October 2020, it has 500 creators and publishers, supported by more than 450,000 total subscribers, with an average open rate of 92%.

The company partnered with athlete brand-building and compliance platform for collegiate and professional organizations, INFLCR, in August 2021. The deal will make the Subtext platform available to INFLCR’s network of over 45,000 student-athletes, enabling them to communicate with their fans via text and monetize their subscriber following while being compliant with NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations.