Let’s face it: when you hear “make money writing online,” your brain probably flashes to visions of sipping lattes while crafting viral essays that pay your rent. Medium, the platform launched by Twitter co-founder Evan Williams in 2012, often pops up in these daydreams. But here’s the reality check: Is Medium still a viable way to earn cash as a writer, or is it just a crowded arena where only a few thrive?
Spoiler: Yes, people do make money on Medium. But it’s not as simple as slapping words on a page and waiting for the dollars to roll in. Let’s break down how Medium works, why ranking feels like climbing Mount Everest, and whether it’s worth your time in 2024.
What is Medium and How Do You Use It?
Medium is like the cool, laid-back cousin of traditional blogging platforms. Instead of building your own website, you publish stories directly on Medium’s sleek, ad-free interface. Readers pay a 5/month subscription(or 5/month subscription(or 50/year), and writers earn a slice of that pie based on how much engagement their stories get. Think of it as a hybrid between a social media platform and a digital magazine.
Here’s the basic workflow:
- Sign up for free: Anyone can publish.
- Join the Partner Program: This lets you put articles behind Medium’s paywall.
- Write stories: Focus on topics like tech, self-improvement, or personal essays.
- Earn money: Based on how much Medium members read, clap for, or comment on your work.
Sounds straightforward, right? But there’s a catch: visibility. With over 100 million monthly readers and countless writers, standing out requires strategy (and maybe a sprinkle of luck).
Do People Still Make Money on Medium?
Short answer: Yes. But earnings vary wildly.
Take Nicole Akers, a writer who reportedly earns 1,000/month on Medium by focusing on productivity and relationships. On the flip side,many writers earn just 1,000/month on Medium by focusing on productivity and relationships. On the flipside, many writersea rn just 10-50 monthly. According to Medium’s own data,the top 1050 monthly. According to Medium’s own data,the top 101,000/month, while the majority earn under $100.
The key? Consistency and curation. Medium’s “Boost” feature—where human curators spotlight high-quality stories—can skyrocket your earnings. Boosted articles get pushed to email subscribers and topic-specific feeds, leading to more reads and claps. But landing a Boost is like winning the lottery: awesome when it happens, but not something to bank on.
Does Anyone Make Money on Medium? Let’s Talk Numbers
Here’s a snapshot of what’s possible (and probable) on Medium:
| Earnings Tier | Monthly Income | How It Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% of Writers | $5,000+ | Viral stories + Boosts + loyal reader base |
| Steady Part-Time Earners | 500−500−1,500 | Consistent publishing + niche expertise |
| Casual Writers | 50−50−300 | Occasional posts + moderate engagement |
| New or Inactive Writers | <$50 | Irregular posts + low visibility |
Source: Aggregated from Medium writers’ reports
The takeaway? Medium isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme. It rewards patience, quality, and adaptability.
Why Ranking on Medium Feels Like Running Uphill
Medium’s algorithm is both a blessing and a curse. Unlike Google, which rewards SEO wizardry, Medium prioritizes human engagement. The more time members spend reading your story, the higher it ranks. But here’s where it gets tricky:
- The Competition is Fierce: With everyone from hobbyists to pros vying for attention, your heartfelt essay about adopting a rescue dog might drown in a sea of similar stories.
- The Algorithm Loves Drama: Personal stories with emotional hooks (think “How I Survived Bankruptcy” or “Why I Quit My 9-to-5”) tend to perform better. But writing these regularly can feel exhausting.
- Publications Hold the Keys: Publishing in established Medium publications like The Startup or Better Humans can 9x your reads. But each publication has its own rules—some accept almost anyone, while others are pickier than a Michelin-starred chef.
Medium vs. Other Platforms: Where Should You Publish?
Let’s compare Medium to other popular writing platforms to see where you might get the most bang for your buck:
| Platform | Monetization | Ease of Use | Audience Reach | Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | Partner Program (paywall + engagement) | High | Built-in, large | Limited (Medium owns content) |
| Substack | Paid subscriptions + newsletters | Moderate | Self-built | Full (you own subscribers) |
| WordPress | Ads, affiliates, memberships | Low (tech setup) | Self-built via SEO | Full (you own everything) |
| Vocal | Tips + bonuses for top stories | High | Moderate | Limited |
Medium wins for ease of access to readers, but loses points for control. If Medium shuts down tomorrow, you can’t take your audience with you. Platforms like Substack or WordPress give you ownership but require hustle to grow an audience.
How to Actually Make Money on Medium: 5 Tried-and-True Tips
- Publish in Publications: As mentioned earlier, stories in publications get way more eyeballs. Start with smaller ones like The Writing Cooperative to build credibility.
- Optimize for “Read Time”: Write longer, engaging pieces (1,500–2,000 words) that keep readers scrolling. Medium’s algorithm prioritizes stories that people finish.
- Engage with the Community: Clap for others’ stories, leave thoughtful comments, and follow writers in your niche. Reciprocity works here.
- Experiment with Timing: Post during “off-peak” hours (weekday mornings) when fewer writers are publishing.
- Repurpose Old Content: Got a dusty blog post from 2018? Refresh it and republish on Medium.
The Big Question: Is Medium Worth It in 2024?
If you’re looking for a side hustle that could turn into a steady income, yes. But go in with realistic expectations:
- Pros: Low barrier to entry, built-in audience, potential for passive income.
- Cons: Unpredictable earnings, algorithm dependency, emotional labor of writing personal stories.
As one Reddit user put it, “Medium is great for exposure, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Pair it with a newsletter or your own blog to diversify.
Final Thoughts: Write for Love and Money
Medium isn’t dead—it’s just crowded. Success here requires equal parts skill, strategy, and grit. If you’re willing to treat it like a marathon (not a sprint), hone your craft, and engage authentically, those $5 claps can add up.
But remember: the writers who thrive on Medium are the ones who’d write even if they weren’t getting paid. Because at the end of the day, passion cuts through the noise—and maybe even lands you a Boost.
Now, what are you waiting for? Your next story won’t write itself.