Writing for Medium: What Works and What Doesn’t in 2025
If you aren’t making good money on Medium it may be time to change your approach
Medium.com, the publishing platform that, at one time, felt like a paradise for indie journalists, thought leaders, and bloggers, has significantly evolved in 2025. The landscape is more reader-focused, algorithm-driven, and competitive than ever. If you have plans to write for the digital platform in 2025, knowing what works — and what does not — will be the difference between real traction and obscurity.
✅ What Works on Medium in 2025
Original Stories that have a Solid Personal Voice
In 2025, the audience is more adept at detecting generic content or artificial intelligence-written content. The most successful articles highlight a writer’s unique voice, even while writing about popular topics. Whether it is a productivity hack, startup story, or personal essay, what resonates is why it’ll matter to you. Use a conversational tone, unconventional metaphors, and personal anecdotes to stand apart.
Value-Packed, Deep Content
“Fluff” is out. Now, Medium rewards insightful, long-form articles that challenge, explore, or teach ideas. Successful articles usually fall between 1,500 to 2,500 words and offer true substance — whether through lived experience, frameworks, or data.
Optimized, Clear Headlines
The headline is still the most critical factor in getting clicks. Medium’s algorithms, in 2025, favor pieces that have high engagement-to-click ratios. This means your headlines have to be honest and compelling. Avoid bait-and-switch methods — the audience will bounce quickly if the post does not deliver.
Network Synergy + SEO
Writing with the platform’s internal search engine optimization in mind (categories, tags, keywords) helps; however, coupling it with outside SEO makes your article evergreen. Also, writers who promote their pieces through newsletters or curated publications witness the largest reach. To increase visibility, aim for shares and backlinks within the initial 48 hours.
Publication Partnerships
For 2025, the majority of the leading Medium writers publish under publications that are more established (such as The Writing Cooperative, Start It Up, Mind Cafe, or Better Humans). Being accepted to an established publication significantly increases your reach and credibility.
❌ What Does Not Work in 2025
AI-Generated, Low-Effort Content
While artificial intelligence tools are helpful for editing or brainstorming, the platform implemented more stringent detection tools and policies against mass-produced, bland content. Posts that feel template-driven or impersonal will probably be suppressed. Avoid using rehashed content, filler phrases, or overusing generic language.
Overused Tropes and Clickbait
Headlines on posts that overpromise — or they follow out-of-date formats now usually underperform. The audience has grown skeptical, and the algorithm on the platform prioritizes engagement depth, and not just clicks.
Over-Reliance on Virality
It’s a gamble to chase virality. Short-lived trends may bring a spike; however, they seldom create followers that stay for the long term. Authors who build a loyal readership through high-quality, consistent output are witnessing better success with the Partner Program on Medium.
Ignoring Engagement with the Community
Ghosting and posting no longer works. Responding to readers, commenting on other posts, and collaborating with authors matters. The platform favors writers who regularly engage — both for follower growth and discoverability.
Too Much Self-Promotion
Authors who use the platform as a dumping ground for link farms or sales pitches are usually ignored or shadowbanned. The audience wants value, and not veiled marketing.
What Readers Expect for 2025
- Formatting finesse: To make your post skimmable but rich, use callouts, spacing, and subheadings.
- Credibility: Build trust, show your work, and cite your sources.
- Nuanced takes: Balanced, thoughtful perspectives are in, polarizing hot takes are out.
- Depth over brevity: It no longer cuts it to write surface-level summaries.
In 2025, Medium rewards effort, consistency, and authenticity. Authors who approach Medium as a craft are discovering true opportunities to earn income and grow audiences. There is still room for new ideas and fresh voices.
