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You can move a Substack publication to WordPress by exporting your Substack data, importing the content with the workflow for your WordPress destination, and handling subscribers as a separate step. WordPress.com documents imports for both content and subscribers; the WordPress.org Substack Importer handles publication content, but its current feature listing does not include mailing-list import. Keep Substack active until you have checked the imported archive, especially its images.
Choose your WordPress destination first
The process depends on whether you are moving to WordPress.com or to a self-hosted WordPress site. WordPress.com has separate instructions for importing Substack content and subscribers. For a self-hosted site, the WordPress.org Substack Importer is designed to bring in publication content; plan to manage subscriber data separately.
| Destination | Content import | Subscriber import | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress.com | Its [Substack content guide](https://wordpress.com/support/import-from-substack/import-content/) accepts a Substack ZIP for posts, images, and podcasts. | Its [subscriber guide](https://wordpress.com/support/import-from-substack/import-subscribers/) documents importing a Substack subscriber CSV. The paid-subscriber flow prompts you to set up Stripe. | Follow the content and subscriber guides as separate workflows. |
| Self-hosted WordPress | The [WordPress.org Substack Importer](https://wordpress.org/plugins/substack-importer/) lists posts and images, podcasts, publicly accessible comments, and author information. | Mailing-list import is not listed as a current feature; the plugin page describes it as a planned future improvement. | Do not treat the content importer as an audience or billing migration tool. |
For a self-hosted destination, you need a WordPress installation and hosting. WordPress.com is also a WordPress destination, so self-hosting is not required for every migration.
Export your Substack publication
- In your Substack publication dashboard, open Settings, then Exports.
- Create a new export and download the ZIP when it is ready. Substack says the archive contains publication data, including posts, the subscriber list, and related statistics. See [Substack’s export instructions](https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037466012-How-do-I-export-my-posts).
The ZIP is the Substack export used by the migration workflows; it is not the same thing as a WordPress WXR export file.
Export subscribers separately when needed
If you are using WordPress.com’s subscriber import, or otherwise need a separate audience file, export the list as a CSV from Substack’s Subscribers page. Use the All subscribers export control and choose whether to include all columns or only visible columns. Substack’s help page says names cannot currently be exported as names in that file. See [Substack’s email-list export instructions](https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/6314498343700-How-do-I-export-my-email-list-on-Substack).
Exporting subscriber data does not by itself transfer paid memberships or billing arrangements. WordPress.com’s documented paid-subscriber workflow prompts you to set up Stripe, and the available migration guidance does not establish that billing credentials, renewals, or entitlements carry over unchanged.
Import content into WordPress
For WordPress.com
Follow the steps in [WordPress.com’s Substack content guide](https://wordpress.com/support/import-from-substack/import-content/) and provide the Substack ZIP. Its documented import covers posts, images, and podcasts.
For self-hosted WordPress
Install and use the [Substack Importer from WordPress.org](https://wordpress.org/plugins/substack-importer/), following the plugin’s instructions for the Substack export. The listing says it imports posts and images, podcasts, publicly accessible comments, and author details. It does not list mailing-list import as a current feature.
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Large imports can encounter timeouts, according to the plugin FAQ. If an import stops before all content appears, the FAQ suggests running it again until everything has imported. Treat that as a possible retry, not an indication that every large migration will fail.
Import subscribers and prepare email or payments
WordPress.com
Use the CSV and follow [WordPress.com’s subscriber import guide](https://wordpress.com/support/import-from-substack/import-subscribers/). For paid subscribers, the documented flow prompts you to set up Stripe. Review the payment and access arrangements rather than assuming existing billing details, renewals, or entitlements have transferred.
Self-hosted WordPress
The Substack Importer’s published feature list does not include mailing-list migration. Use the exported CSV to plan a separate subscriber and email setup; do not assume importing posts will recreate Substack subscriptions, email delivery, or paid access.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the import before closing Substack
WordPress.com specifically advises keeping the source Substack active until images have transferred. Before retiring or changing the source publication, compare the imported post list with your Substack archive and inspect representative posts.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- Check that expected posts and publication dates are present.
- Open posts with images, podcasts, or other media and confirm the content appears and plays as expected.
- Review formatting, links, and comments where applicable; the self-hosted importer lists publicly accessible comments as supported.
- Confirm that subscriber records and any new email or payment setup are working for your intended audience.
This verification list is a practical check, not a formal protocol published by either platform. WordPress.com’s image-transfer guidance is in its [Substack content guide](https://wordpress.com/support/import-from-substack/import-content/).
Keep WordPress export tools separate from the Substack import
WordPress’s native Tools > Export creates a WXR XML file for WordPress data, with documented fields such as posts, pages, comments, custom fields, categories, tags, custom taxonomies, and users. The Tools > Import screen lists importers for RSS and WordPress export files. These tools are relevant when transferring WordPress-format data; they do not turn a Substack ZIP into a WXR file. See the [WordPress export documentation](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/tools-export-screen/) and [WordPress import documentation](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/tools-import-screen/).
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