Medium

What is Medium?

Medium is a writing platform where anyone can publish articles to an audience of millions. Founded in 2012, it provides a clean writing experience and built-in distribution through recommendations and topic-based feeds.

For writers, Medium offers the Partner Program, which pays based on how much time paying members spend reading your content. No ads, no sponsorship deals, just write and get paid.

Why Writers Use Medium

Built-In Audience

Medium brings readers to you:

• Millions of monthly active users
• Topic-based content discovery
• Recommendation algorithm surfaces content
• Email digests drive traffic to articles

Unlike a personal blog, you do not start from zero.

No Technical Barriers

Start writing immediately:

• No website to build
• No hosting to manage
• No design decisions
• Just create an account and write

SEO Benefits

Medium's domain authority helps content rank:

• Strong backlink profile
• Fast indexing by Google
• Articles can rank for competitive terms
• Drives organic traffic indefinitely

Clean Writing Experience

The editor is genuinely excellent:

• Distraction-free interface
• Beautiful typography
• Easy media embedding
• Focus on writing, not formatting

How Medium Monetization Works

The Partner Program

Medium pays writers from subscription revenue:

1. Readers pay $5/month for Medium membership
2. Medium tracks time members spend reading
3. Your earnings = your share of member reading time
4. Monthly payouts via Stripe

What Counts

Only certain engagement counts:

Earnings Reality

Be realistic about income:

Most writers earn modest amounts. Exceptional content and consistency are required for significant income.

Succeeding on Medium

Write Consistently

Regular publishing builds momentum:

• Algorithm favors active writers
• Followers expect regular content
• More articles = more chances to hit
• Consistency compounds over time

Find Your Niche

Focused topics build loyal audiences:

• Technology and programming
• Self-improvement and productivity
• Business and entrepreneurship
• Writing and creativity
• Health and relationships

Write for Publications

Publications expand your reach:

• Larger built-in audiences
• Editorial credibility
• Better distribution
• Networking opportunities

Top publications include Better Humans, The Startup, Towards Data Science, and many niche-specific options.

Optimize for the Algorithm

Medium surfaces content based on:

• Reading time and completion rate
• Claps and highlights
• Comments and responses
• Follower engagement
• Topic relevance

Write compelling content that keeps readers engaged.

Headlines Matter

Your headline determines clicks:

• Clear value proposition
• Curiosity without clickbait
• Specific over vague
• Test different approaches

Medium Content Strategy

Article Types That Perform

Length Considerations

Medium rewards longer reads:

• Longer articles = more potential reading time
• 7-15 minute reads often perform best
• Quality matters more than length
• Do not pad, provide real value

Publishing Timing

Timing affects initial distribution:

• Weekday mornings (US time) often work well
• Experiment with your audience
• Consistency matters more than perfect timing

Medium vs. Your Own Blog

Many writers use both: Medium for discovery, personal site for ownership.

Medium for Digital Nomads

Write From Anywhere

Medium works on any device:

• Web-based editor
• Mobile app available
• No software to install
• Works on spotty connections

Flexible Schedule

No deadlines or requirements:

• Write when inspired
• Publish on your timeline
• No client expectations
• Fits around travel

Portfolio Building

Medium articles showcase your writing:

• Public portfolio of work
• Easy to share with clients
• Demonstrates expertise
• Attracts freelance opportunities

Challenges on Medium

Algorithm Dependency

Visibility depends on Medium's choices:

• Algorithm changes affect reach
• No guaranteed distribution
• Can feel random
• Platform controls your exposure

Declining Earnings

Partner Program payouts have decreased:

• More writers, same pool
• Engagement spread thinner
• Per-read rates declining
• Less reliable than peak years

Platform Risk

You do not own your audience:

• Medium could change terms
• Account could be restricted
• Export options limited
• Building elsewhere simultaneously is wise

Tips for Medium Writers

Focus on quality over quantity. One excellent article beats five mediocre ones.

Engage with the community. Comment on others' work, build relationships.

Cross-promote. Share articles on social media, email lists, other platforms.

Track what works. Double down on topics and formats that perform.

Have realistic expectations. Treat Medium income as bonus, not primary revenue.

The Bottom Line

Medium provides an accessible entry point for writers seeking audience and income. The built-in distribution and clean experience make it genuinely enjoyable to use.

As a primary income source, Medium is unreliable. Earnings depend on algorithmic whims and have declined from peak years. Smart writers use Medium as one channel among many.

For digital nomads, Medium works well for building writing portfolios, testing content ideas, and generating supplementary income. Combine it with freelance writing, your own blog, or other platforms for sustainable writing income.

Start writing today, stay consistent, and let Medium's audience discover your work.