How medium writers earn

1. Medium’s Partner Program Expansion

Medium launched its Partner Program in 2017, initially limited to writers in the United States. Over time, the platform has gradually expanded eligibility to writers from various countries. As of 2024, writers from over 100 countries can participate in the Partner Program, allowing a more diverse range of voices to earn from their content on the platform.

This expansion has been a significant move for Medium, as it opens up opportunities for writers worldwide to monetize their work. It also enriches the platform with a more global perspective, benefiting readers with access to diverse content.

1. How Writers Earn on Medium

The core principle of Medium’s monetization system is that writers earn based on engagement from Medium members. This engagement-based model is designed to reward quality content that resonates with readers, rather than focusing solely on views or clicks.

Key factors that contribute to earnings include:

a) Reading Time: This is the primary metric. The more time Medium members spend reading an article, the more the writer earns.

b) Claps: While not as significant as reading time, claps (Medium’s equivalent of “likes”) do factor into the earnings calculation.

c) Highlights: When readers highlight portions of text, it signals engagement and can positively impact earnings.

d) Comments: Active discussions in the comment section can boost an article’s performance.

e) Follows: When a reader follows a writer after reading their article, it can contribute to earnings.

1. The Earnings Algorithm

Medium uses a complex algorithm to calculate writer earnings. While the exact details of this algorithm are not public (to prevent gaming the system), we know it takes into account various engagement metrics.

The algorithm is designed to distribute a portion of each member’s $5 monthly subscription fee to the writers whose stories they engaged with most. This system aims to create a fair distribution based on reader interest and time spent.

Some key aspects of the algorithm include:

a) Proportional distribution: If a member only reads stories from one writer in a month, that writer would receive most of that member’s share (minus Medium’s cut).

b) Quality over quantity: Writing many short articles that get little engagement is less profitable than writing fewer, high-quality pieces that garner significant reading time.

c) Dynamic calculations: Earnings can fluctuate based on overall platform activity and the number of paying members.

1. Joining the Medium Partner Program

To start earning from their writing, authors must join the Medium Partner Program. This program allows writers to put their stories behind Medium’s paywall, making them eligible for earnings.

The process to join typically involves:

a) Creating a Medium account b) Publishing at least one story c) Gaining at least 100 followers d) Applying to the Partner Program e) Agreeing to the terms and conditions f) Setting up payment information through Stripe

It’s worth noting that not all stories need to be paywalled. Writers can choose which stories to make eligible for earnings and which to keep freely accessible.

1. Eligibility Requirements

While Medium has expanded its Partner Program globally, there are still some eligibility requirements:

a) Age: Writers must be at least 18 years old.

b) Location: The program is available in many countries, but not all. Writers should check Medium’s current list of eligible countries.

c) Content Quality: Medium reserves the right to remove writers from the program if their content violates platform guidelines or is deemed low-quality.

d) Bank Account: Writers need a bank account that can accept payments in U.S. dollars through Stripe.

e) Tax Information: Depending on the writer’s country of residence, they may need to provide additional tax information.

1. Payment Process

Medium processes payments monthly, typically within the first week of each month for the previous month’s earnings. Payments are made via Stripe, which allows for direct deposits into a writer’s bank account.

Key points about the payment process:

a) Minimum Payout: There’s usually a minimum earnings threshold (often around $10) before a payout is processed.

b) Currency: Payments are made in U.S. dollars, regardless of the writer’s location.

c) Transparency: Writers can track their earnings in real-time through their Medium dashboard.

d) Tax Implications: Earnings from Medium are considered income and may be taxable depending on local laws. Writers are responsible for understanding and complying with their tax obligations.

1. Medium’s Revenue Share

Medium takes a portion of the subscription revenue to cover operating costs and profit. The exact split between Medium and writers isn’t publicly disclosed and may vary. However, Medium has stated that the majority of subscription revenue goes to writers.

This model aligns Medium’s interests with those of its writers — the more subscribers Medium attracts and retains, the more money is available to pay writers.

1. Strategies for Success on Medium

While there’s no guaranteed formula for success, certain strategies can help writers maximize their earnings on Medium:

a) Consistency: Regular publishing helps build a following and keeps readers engaged.

b) Quality Content: Well-written, informative, or entertaining articles tend to garner more reading time.

c) Effective Titles: Compelling titles can attract clicks, but they should accurately reflect the content to maintain reader trust.

d) Proper Formatting: Using headings, subheadings, and appropriate paragraph breaks can improve readability and engagement.

e) Strategic Use of Images: Relevant images can make articles more attractive and shareable.

f) Engagement with the Community: Responding to comments and reading other writers’ work can help build a network on the platform.

g) Promotion: Sharing articles on social media and other platforms can drive more traffic.

h) Niche Expertise: Building authority in specific topics can attract a dedicated readership.

1. Challenges of the Medium Monetization System

While many writers have found success on Medium, the platform’s monetization system is not without challenges:

a) Earnings Volatility: Monthly earnings can be unpredictable, making it difficult for writers to rely on Medium as a stable income source.

b) Algorithm Changes: Updates to Medium’s distribution algorithm can significantly impact a writer’s visibility and earnings.

c) Competition: As more writers join the platform, standing out becomes increasingly challenging.

d) Limited Control: Writers have little control over how their content is distributed or priced.

e) Platform Dependency: Building an audience on Medium may not translate to off-platform success.

1. Comparison with Other Platforms

Medium’s model differs from other content platforms in several ways:

a) Unlike YouTube or Twitch, Medium doesn’t rely on advertising revenue.

b) Compared to Substack or Patreon, Medium handles subscriber acquisition and retention, but offers less direct connection with readers.

c) Unlike traditional publishing, Medium allows instant publishing without editorial gatekeeping, but also without the support and promotion a publisher might offer.

1. The Future of Medium Monetization

Medium continues to evolve its platform and monetization strategies. Some potential future developments could include:

a) More granular subscription options, allowing readers to subscribe to specific writers or topics.

b) Enhanced analytics tools for writers to better understand their audience and performance.

c) Expansion of monetization options, potentially including tipping or one-time purchases.

d) Improved discovery features to help readers find content they’re likely to engage with.

1. Impact on the Writing Ecosystem

Medium’s monetization model has had broader impacts on online writing:

a) It’s provided a middle ground between personal blogging and traditional publishing.

b) It’s encouraged a focus on quality and engagement over clickbait and volume.

c) It’s allowed many writers to earn from their work without needing to handle the business side of publishing.

d) It’s influenced other platforms to explore similar models of rewarding creators.

1. Tips for New Writers on Medium

For those just starting out on Medium, here are some tips:

a) Start by publishing regularly, even if your audience is small. b) Engage with other writers by reading and commenting on their work. c) Join Medium publications to increase your visibility. d) Use Medium’s tagging system effectively to help readers find your work. e) Don’t be discouraged by initial low earnings — building an audience takes time. f) Experiment with different types of content to see what resonates with readers. g) Use Medium’s stats to understand which of your stories perform best and why.

Conclusion

Medium’s monetization system represents an innovative approach to rewarding online content creators. By tying earnings to reader engagement, it incentivizes the creation of quality content that provides value to readers. While it’s not without challenges, it has opened up new opportunities for writers worldwide to earn from their work.

As with any platform, success on Medium requires a combination of quality content, strategic thinking, and persistence. Writers who understand the system and consistently produce engaging content have the potential to build a significant readership and earn meaningful income from their writing.

As the online content landscape continues to evolve, Medium’s model offers valuable insights into potential futures for content monetization. Whether it will become the dominant model remains to be seen, but it has certainly made a significant impact on how we think about rewarding online content creation.

What seems to be the Popular content on Medium

Based on trends observed on Medium, some of the most popular content categories tend to be:

1. Personal Development: Articles on self-improvement, productivity, and life hacks are consistently popular.
2. Technology: Content about emerging tech trends, programming, and digital innovation attracts a large audience.
3. Entrepreneurship and Startups: Stories of business success, failure, and advice for entrepreneurs perform well.
4. Politics and Current Events: Thoughtful analysis of political situations and current affairs often garners significant engagement.
5. Mental Health and Wellness: Articles discussing mental health issues, mindfulness, and overall well-being are increasingly popular.
6. Writing and Creativity: Given Medium’s nature as a writing platform, meta-content about writing itself is popular.
7. Data Science and AI: With the growing importance of these fields, related content often performs well.
8. Relationships and Dating: Personal essays and advice on interpersonal relationships tend to resonate with readers.
9. Career Advice: Articles offering professional development tips and career guidance are consistently popular.
10. Culture and Society: Insightful pieces on social issues, cultural trends, and societal changes often gain traction.

It’s important to note that popularity can fluctuate based on current events, trending topics, and algorithmic changes. Additionally, niche topics can also perform well if they deeply resonate with a specific audience.