Why Writers Love Medium (But Readers Get Annoyed)
Thinking about publishing on Medium? Here's why writers choose it, and what readers wish was different.
Medium has become a go-to platform for writers, especially those looking to earn some money and get their work seen. But let's be honest — while writers are fans, readers often hit roadblocks, especially when that paywall pops up.
So why do so many writers stick with Medium, and what's frustrating for readers? Let's break it down.
What Makes Medium So Popular With Writers?
1. You Can Get Paid to Write
The biggest draw? Medium's Partner Program. If you're a writer, you can make money based on how much paying members engage with your articles (through claps, reads, and time spent). For writers who've struggled to make a dime from personal blogs, this feels like a win.
2. Built-In Audience = More Readers
Unlike a personal blog where you have to do all the promo work yourself, Medium already has a massive reader base. People are actively browsing topics — tech, self-help, productivity, writing, you name it. That means more eyeballs on your work without having to hustle for every click.
3. Super Easy to Use
No tech headaches here. Medium's editor is clean and simple. You can format posts easily, add images, videos, quotes, etc... — no coding required. That makes it perfect for beginners and pros who just want to focus on writing.
4. It Builds Your Credibility
Publishing on Medium can help you build your personal brand. Being featured in a publication or trending in a topic category makes you look legit. For freelancers, coaches, or thought leaders, that's a big deal.
But What About the Readers?
Medium isn't all sunshine and claps — especially for readers. Here are the common complaints:
1. The Paywall is a Buzzkill
Medium lets non-members read a few stories for free each month. After that? Paywall. If you're not a subscriber, it's annoying to get blocked halfway through a good read. This frustrates casual readers and limits access to potentially helpful info.
2. Quality Can Be Hit or Miss
Not every article on Medium is a masterpiece. With so many people publishing daily, the platform can feel overcrowded with low-effort or repetitive content. Readers looking for expert-level insights often have to dig through a lot of fluff.
3. Clickbait Is Everywhere
To stand out, some writers use flashy headlines that don't deliver. It's frustrating to click on a juicy title only to find a meh article. That clickbait culture hurts trust and makes readers more cautious.
What This Means for Online Writing
Medium isn't just a platform — it reflects where digital content is heading.
Subscription-Based Models Are Here to Stay
From Medium to Substack, more platforms are moving away from ads and toward subscription models. This could be good news for writers creating thoughtful, valuable content, because readers are starting to pay for it.
Your Content = Your Brand
These days, your online writing is part of your personal brand. Medium gives you a space to build a portfolio, connect with others, and grow your reputation. Whether you're job-hunting, freelancing, or just sharing ideas, publishing on Medium helps.
Community Still Matters
Medium lets readers clap, comment, and follow writers. That interaction creates a community vibe that's missing from traditional blogging. When people engage with your writing, it's motivating — and helps you grow as a creator.
So, Should You Write on Medium?
If you're a writer who wants to reach an audience, get paid, and build your brand, Medium is a solid choice. Just keep in mind that to stand out, you'll need to focus on writing valuable, engaging, and authentic content — because readers can spot clickbait from a mile away.
For readers, it depends. If you don't mind paying a small monthly fee, there's a ton of good stuff on Medium. But if you prefer free content, the paywall might get in your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it free to publish on Medium?
- How does the Medium Partner Program work?
- Do I need a subscription to publish?
- How can I write better articles on Medium?
Yes! Anyone can write and publish on Medium for free.
Writers earn money based on how much paying members engage with their stories — more claps and reading time means more earnings.
Nope. You can write and publish without being a paying member.
Focus on telling real stories, sharing useful insights, and using a clear, authentic voice. Use images, break up long paragraphs, and write with your reader in mind.
So, whether you're a writer or a reader, Medium has something for you. Just remember to keep it real and focus on quality content. Happy writing (and reading)!