TOP Rankings
5 min to read

Top 20 Substack Influencers in the Netherlands in 2025

Business, politics, and journalism thrive in the Netherlands’ Substack community. Here are 20 influencers shaping public discourse in 2025.

August 12, 2025
Josie Renna
Country of author
Josie Renna

Josie Renna is a content strategy expert with a passion for helping creators navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Specializing in effective content creation techniques and platform-specific strategies, Josie provides insights to empower creators and brands to thrive online. With a deep understanding of algorithm dynamics and audience engagement, Josie shares actionable tips for optimizing content performance across various platforms.

Check Brand Deals

 ‍All real-time rankings of all platforms and countries are available here.

Here’s the list of the Top 20 Substack Influencers in Netherlands in 2025:

20. Thom Derks | De Geldpers

Thom Derks is a Dutch financial journalist and founder of De Gelders newsletter, specializing in Bitcoin, gold, commodities, stocks, geopolitics, and macroeconomics. He provides market analysis and commentary on financial developments, including Bitcoin's weekly performance and stock market trends. His work focuses on explaining complex financial topics like inflation, Federal Reserve policies, and market volatility to Dutch-speaking audiences. Derks combines traditional financial journalism with modern digital platforms, offering insights on both established markets and emerging financial instruments.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

Substack Subscribers: 5K

View the AI-Powered Profile

19. Vanja van der Leeden | FC VANJA

Vanja van der Leeden is an award-winning cookbook author and chef specializing in Indo-Italian cuisine. She shares her culinary expertise through engaging social media content, focusing on healthy fusion recipes and comfort food. Her bestselling Substack food club, FC VANJA, offers exclusive recipes and cooking videos. Vanja's posts highlight her passion for Italian cooking, innovative recipes, and sustainable practices, making her a prominent figure in the food community.

Substack Subscribers: 5K

View the AI-Powered Profile

18. Lena Bril | In therapie

Lena Bril is a journalist and author of In Therapie, focusing on emotional intelligence, modern etiquette, and societal issues. She writes insightful essays on topics like mental health, dating, and the impact of social media algorithms. Her work is published in prominent outlets such as De Groene Amsterdammer and Volkskrant, where she explores complex themes with a critical lens. Lena also engages with her audience through a Substack newsletter, sharing personal insights and reflections on contemporary life.

Substack Subscribers: 6.1K

View the AI-Powered Profile

17. Daniël van der Tuin

Daniël van der Tuin is a critical voice on public health policies in the Netherlands, particularly regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and government transparency. His posts often reference official documents and statistics, questioning the integrity of data presented by health authorities. He engages with topics such as vaccine efficacy, public health measures, and media narratives, aiming to shed light on perceived misinformation and manipulation in public discourse.

Substack Subscribers: 7.5K

View the AI-Powered Profile

16. Robin de Boer

Robin de Boer is the chief editor at NineForNews, focusing on spatial planning, real estate, and social geography. He has extensive experience in copywriting, content management, and community engagement, with over 7000 news articles to his name. His social media presence often critiques international health regulations and advocates for national sovereignty in health matters, reflecting a strong interest in political and societal issues.

Substack Subscribers: 7.3K

View the AI-Powered Profile

15. Roland Grootenboer | Het Betere Werk

Roland Grootenboer is a career expert and author, focusing on workplace culture and employee well-being. He shares insights on assertiveness, generational differences, and the importance of meaningful work. His content often critiques traditional workplace norms and advocates for a healthier work-life balance. As a former HR advisor at Google, he emphasizes the need for transparency in salary negotiations and the significance of autonomy in the workplace. His book, 'Het boek waarvan je baas niet wil dat je het leest,' addresses these themes.

Substack Subscribers: 7K

View the AI-Powered Profile

14. Doortje Smithuijsen | Modern Leven

Doortje Smithuijsen is a journalist actively engaging in discussions around capitalism and its societal impacts, particularly through her book 'Kapitalisme is Seksisme'. She frequently presents at various events and contributes to newsletters and podcasts, focusing on cultural trends and European values. Her content reflects a critical perspective on modern aesthetics and consumerism, aiming to provoke thought and dialogue among her audience.

Substack Subscribers: 10K

View the AI-Powered Profile

‍‍

13. Bart Nijman | Nijmans Nieuwsbriefje

Bart Nijman is a Dutch blogger, writer, and columnist known for his strong advocacy of individual liberties and critical commentary on current events, particularly regarding Israel and the Middle East. His social media presence features a mix of personal insights and political critiques, often focusing on freedom of expression and societal issues. He engages with topics like journalism, immigration, and antisemitism, reflecting a controversial stance that resonates with a specific audience.

Substack Subscribers: 8.8K

View the AI-Powered Profile

12. Eke Mariën | Koken met Kennis

Eke Mariën is a Dutch chef and founder of Koken met Kennis, an online cooking school that blends culinary skill with food science. Known for making the “why” behind cooking both fascinating and accessible, he shares recipes, techniques, and insights into culinary chemistry across social media. His engaging videos and articles inspire both beginners and seasoned cooks, while promoting plant-based and sustainable cooking practices rooted in a deeper understanding of food preparation.

Substack Subscribers: 9.3K

View the AI-Powered Profile

11. Nele Goutier | AI-Media Journaal: de nieuwsbrief over AI van Villamedia

Nele Goutier is a journalist, lecturer, and researcher specializing in the intersection of artificial intelligence and journalism. She actively engages in projects that enhance AI literacy among journalism students and collaborates with academic institutions to produce accessible narratives about AI. Her work includes a newsletter that discusses AI developments in media, showcasing her commitment to educating others in this rapidly evolving field.

Substack Subscribers: 11K

View the AI-Powered Profile

Recommended tools
Find Substack influencers

10. Jan Dijkgraaf | Nieuwsbrief van Jan

Jan Dijkgraaf is a Dutch commentator known for his sharp critiques on political figures and societal issues. His posts often feature direct addresses to various individuals, showcasing his confrontational style and engagement with current events. He frequently uses humor and sarcasm to express his views, particularly on topics like immigration and political hypocrisy. Dijkgraaf's content is characterized by a strong presence on Twitter, where he interacts with followers and shares his opinions on pressing matters.

Substack Subscribers: 11K

View the AI-Powered Profile

9. Wouter van Noort | Transcend

Wouter van Noort is a journalist at NRC, focusing on future affairs and societal transformations. His content emphasizes long-term thinking, environmental sustainability, and innovative urban planning. He engages with readers through thought-provoking articles and discussions on pressing issues like climate change, biodiversity, and the role of journalism in society. His posts often highlight successful initiatives and advocate for a more collaborative approach to tackling complex challenges in the Netherlands.

Substack Subscribers: 14K

View the AI-Powered Profile

8. Adriaan ter Braack | Sjamadriaan

Adriaan ter Braack is a science journalist focused on critical analysis of societal issues, including misinformation and the manosphere. He engages with topics like wealth inequality and the pharmaceutical industry, often through video content and podcasts. His social media presence reflects a commitment to scientific integrity and a critique of online culture, particularly regarding male dominance and anti-feminism. He actively discusses the implications of these issues in contemporary society.

Substack Subscribers: 20K

View the AI-Powered Profile

7. Mara Grimm | De Tafel van Grimm

Mara Grimm is a food writer and restaurant critic based in Amsterdam and Paris, contributing to Het Parool and Vogue. She shares insights on culinary trends, restaurant reviews, and her latest book, 'Bon Appétit Paris'. Her social media presence highlights her passion for food, with a focus on butter, culinary experiences, and advocacy for social issues like the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She engages her audience through her Substack newsletter, where she discusses food trends and shares personal culinary adventures.

Substack Subscribers: 17K

View the AI-Powered Profile

6. Madeleijn van den Nieuwenhuizen | Vrijschrift

Madeleijn van den Nieuwenhuizen is a Fulbright scholar and PhD candidate at The Graduate Center, CUNY, specializing in comparative legal history, particularly marriage law and women's rights. She has a strong background in journalism, having contributed to NRC, VOGUE, and currently manages the critical media Instagram account @Zeikschrift with over 75K followers. Her newsletter, Vrijschrift, has a readership of 18K, and she is set to publish a book on the legal doctrine of coverture in the Netherlands, based on extensive oral history research.

Substack Subscribers: 18K

View the AI-Powered Profile

5. Jarno Duursma | Trending in Tech

Jarno Duursma is a tech expert, author, and speaker with over 15 years of experience in artificial intelligence and digital technology. He focuses on generative AI, deepfakes, and the societal impacts of technology. As a LinkedIn Top Voice in AI, he shares insights through his newsletters and podcasts, advocating for ethical AI practices and European tech initiatives. His content often critiques the influence of big tech on politics and emphasizes the importance of transparency in AI development.

Substack Subscribers: 25K

View the AI-Powered Profile

4. Jonas Kooyman | Havermelkelite

Jonas Kooyman is a journalist and author focused on the lifestyle and trends of young urban professionals in the Netherlands. He runs the media platform Havermelkelite, which includes a newsletter and a podcast, discussing topics like gentrification, consumer culture, and the pressures faced by millennials and Gen Z. His book, 'De havermelkelite', explores the impact of high earners on urban life. With a significant following on social media, he engages audiences with insightful commentary on contemporary societal issues.

Substack Subscribers: 29K

View the AI-Powered Profile

3. Alexander Klöpping

Alexander Klöpping is a Dutch publisher and podcast host focused on media, technology, and AI. He is the founder of POM, a platform for discussions on AI, and has previously established Blendle, a news platform. His work emphasizes the intersection of journalism and technology, advocating for better digital practices in government and media. Klöpping is also an author, having published a bestseller on co-intelligence, and frequently engages in public discourse about the implications of AI on society.

Substack Subscribers: 104K

View the AI-Powered Profile

2. Stefan Noordhoek | WAT ALS

Stefan Noordhoek is a creative strategist and entrepreneur focused on branding, real estate, and media. He advocates for individual freedom, truth, and open scientific debate, often addressing societal issues through his social media presence. His posts reflect a commitment to family, particularly his son Jip, who has a rare condition, and he emphasizes the importance of love and support in their lives. He also engages in political discourse, often critiquing mainstream narratives and advocating for civil rights and freedom of speech.

Substack Subscribers: 37K

View the AI-Powered Profile

1. Ernst-Jan Pfauth | AI Report

Ernst-Jan Pfauth is a media entrepreneur and co-founder of De Correspondent, focusing on intentional living and the impact of technology on society. He hosts podcasts and writes about personal development, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and meaningful choices. His content often explores the intersection of technology and human experience, providing insights into living a fulfilling life. Pfauth's work includes a book on intentional living, showcasing his commitment to personal growth and societal reflection.

Substack Subscribers: 120K

View the AI-Powered Profile

Also See 👀
🏆 TOP 20 B2B INFLUENCERS IN THE NETHERLANDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
🏆 HOW TO FIND SUBSTACK INFLUENCERS
HOW DOES FAVIKON RANK INFLUENCERS?