Are you looking to earn money online by writing? Look no further than Medium, a widely recognized publishing platform that offers writers a chance to make a living through their content.
Medium is a free publishing platform that allows anyone to share their thoughts and ideas in the form of articles. Think of it as YouTube for writers, where the content is reader-focused, and quality determines visibility.
With over 170 million readers globally, Medium is a fantastic place to make money through writing, regardless of your experience level. Writers who create engaging content that resonates with readers can earn based on the time their audience spends consuming their articles.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into how Medium works,
its earning potential, who can join, and the best strategies to
maximize your income. Whether you're just starting or already familiar
with Medium, this guide will help you better understand how you can use the platform to earn consistently.
What is Medium?
Medium was launched in 2012 by Twitter's co-founder, Evan Williams. It serves as a user-friendly platform for writers to publish articles, engage with readers, and make money.
As a writer on Medium, you can join the Medium Partner Program (MPP) to earn by writing, with the possibility of supplementing your income through various methods such as bonuses and referrals.
How Does Medium Work?
When you publish an article on Medium, it's accessible to the public, but to earn money, you must be part of the Medium Partner Program.
Writers in the program get paid based on how long members spend reading their articles, along with engagement metrics such as claps, highlights, and responses.
Who Can Join Medium?
Almost anyone can join Medium to publish articles, but to start earning money, you'll need to join the Medium Partner Program. To qualify for the program, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have published at least one story on Medium within the past six months
- Reside in an eligible country
- Have a Medium membership ($5/month or $50/year)
Earning Methods on Medium
Medium offers multiple ways for writers to make money. By diversifying these earning methods, you can significantly boost your overall income. Below are the most effective ways to earn on Medium:
1. Earning with the Medium Partner Program
The Medium Partner Program (MPP) is one of the most direct ways to earn money on the platform. Writers earn based on the engagement their content receives from Medium members.
Below are the primary ways to earn within the Medium Partner Program, along with the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility for the Medium Partner Program
To join the Medium Partner Program, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Medium Membership: You must have a Medium account, and while it's not necessary to be a paying member, it can help you understand the platform better.
- Country Eligibility: The Medium Partner Program is available in several countries. You can check Medium’s list of supported countries to see if you qualify.
- Stripe Account: Medium uses Stripe to process payments, so you must have a Stripe account linked to your Medium account to get paid.
- Published Stories: You'll need to have published at least one story to start earning. Once you do, Medium will automatically calculate your earnings based on the engagement that story receives.
a. Reading Time Earnings
The reading time of Medium members is the core of how writers get paid within the Medium Partner Program.
Your articles earn money based on the amount of time paying Medium members spend reading your stories. The more engaging your content is, the longer readers will stay, and the more money you will earn.
For instance, if an article captivates the reader and they spend several minutes going through it, your earnings will be higher compared to an article that only receives a brief glance.
This emphasizes the importance of writing well-researched, informative, and engaging content to maximize your reading time earnings.
b. Medium Referrals
Another powerful way to earn through the Medium Partner Program is by leveraging the referral program.
When someone signs up for a Medium membership through your referral link and becomes a paying member, you will receive 50% of their membership fees.
For example, if a reader enjoys your articles and subscribes to Medium through your referral link, you’ll earn half of what they pay to Medium, as long as they remain a paying subscriber.
This is a great way to build a stream of passive income, as you continue to earn from your referrals every month, provided they stay subscribed.
b. Bonuses for Featured Articles
Occasionally, Medium offers bonuses for articles that stand out. These bonuses are typically awarded to writers whose content gets curated by Medium’s editors and is featured prominently across the platform.
Being featured can lead to higher visibility, which in turn increases the amount of reading time your articles receive.
For example, if your article is curated and displayed on Medium’s homepage or a popular topic page, it has the potential to attract a significantly larger audience.
With more readers, you increase the chances of earning more from reading time and even earning bonuses offered by Medium for top-performing content.
2. Affiliate Marketing
One of the most powerful ways to increase your earnings on Medium is by incorporating affiliate marketing into your articles.
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services in exchange for a commission when readers make a purchase through your affiliate link.
For example, if you write about health and fitness, you could join an affiliate program like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or ClickBank, and promote relevant products such as supplements, workout gear, or fitness eBooks. Every time a reader clicks on your link and makes a purchase, you earn a percentage of the sale.
The beauty of affiliate marketing is its potential for passive income—you can continue to earn commissions from articles you wrote months or even years ago, as long as people are still clicking on your links and making purchases.
This makes it an excellent long-term strategy for Medium writers looking to maximize their earnings.
3. Promoting CPA Offers
In addition to affiliate marketing, writers on Medium can also leverage CPA (Cost-Per-Action) offers to earn money.
CPA offers differ from traditional affiliate marketing because you get paid when a reader takes a specific action, such as signing up for a service, downloading an app, or filling out a form. You don’t necessarily need the reader to buy something to earn money.
You can join CPA networks like MaxBounty, MaxWeb, or CJ Affiliate to find relevant offers that align with the topics you're writing about.
For instance, if you’re writing an article about online privacy, you can promote a CPA offer for a VPN service.When readers click on your link and sign up for the service, you earn a commission.
This can be a highly effective way to monetize your content, especially if the action required is simple, like filling out a form or signing up for a free trial.
Driving Traffic to Your Articles on Medium
To maximize your earnings on Medium, it’s not just about writing great content—it’s also about driving traffic to your articles. Here are some effective strategies to increase readership and, in turn, boost your earnings.
1. Create High-Quality Content
The foundation of earning money on Medium is producing high-quality, engaging, and valuable content. Here’s how you can make your articles more attractive:
- Target a Niche Audience: Write on topics that you're passionate about or highly knowledgeable in. Targeting a specific niche can help you build a loyal reader base and stand out in a crowded space.
- Compelling Headlines: Your headline is the first thing people see. Make sure it’s eye-catching, intriguing, and accurately reflects the content.
- Provide Value: Whether you're sharing insights, tips, or entertainment, make sure your content is valuable to readers. Well-researched, informative articles tend to get more attention and shares.
- Engage Readers: Write in a conversational tone, ask questions, and encourage comments to keep readers engaged longer. The more time readers spend on your article, the more you'll earn.
2. Promote on Social Media
Social media platforms offer free and effective ways to promote your articles and drive traffic. Here’s how to leverage different platforms:
- Facebook Groups: Share your articles in niche Facebook groups related to your content. Engaging in the community before promoting your work can improve your chances of getting clicks.
- Twitter: Tweet about your new articles, using relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience. You can also participate in conversations around your niche to increase visibility.
- LinkedIn: If your articles are related to professional development, business, or industry-specific topics, sharing them on LinkedIn can attract a targeted, engaged audience.
- Instagram: If you write about lifestyle, health, or other visual-friendly topics, using Instagram Stories or creating posts with engaging captions can help you drive traffic to your Medium content.
3. Leverage Paid Traffic
Paid traffic can give your Medium articles a significant boost, especially if you want to reach a broader audience quickly. Below are some affordable and effective options:
- Native Ads: Native ads are ads that blend in with the content on platforms, making them less intrusive and more likely to be clicked. Networks like Taboola or Outbrain offer native ad services that can help promote your Medium articles to relevant audiences.
- Push Ads: Push ads appear as notifications on a user’s device and can be a cost-effective way to drive traffic. Platforms like PropellerAds allow you to target specific interests, increasing the chances of your articles getting read by the right people.
- Pop-Up Ads: Though sometimes considered disruptive, pop-up ads can be effective for driving traffic. Consider using pop-up ad services from networks like Adsterra or PopAds, which are relatively inexpensive but can generate high-volume traffic.
4. Build an Email List
Creating an email list can be an excellent long-term strategy for driving recurring traffic to your Medium articles.
You can send out a newsletter whenever you publish new content, driving consistent traffic to your articles from a dedicated readership base.
By combining high-quality content with active promotion on social media and strategic use of affordable paid traffic, you can significantly increase the number of readers for your Medium articles, leading to higher engagement and earnings.
How Much Can You Earn on Medium?
The amount you can earn on Medium varies widely depending on the quality of your articles and how much time people spend reading them.
Most writers earn less than $100 per month, but top performers can make between $3,000 and $25,000 monthly after consistently publishing for 1-2 years.
For many, the first few months are slow, but with consistent effort and quality content, your earnings can increase substantially.
Is Medium Legit?
Yes, Medium is a legitimate platform where writers can earn money through their content. The platform is transparent about its payment methods and how they calculate earnings.
Writers are paid on the 15th of every month through Stripe, a well-known third-party payment processor. Furthermore, Medium has a strong track record of paying writers on time and offering them opportunities to grow.
Medium Payment Methods and Threshold
When it comes to getting paid on the platform, they ensure a straightforward payout process, with payments being sent directly to users through Stripe once certain criteria are met. Below is a breakdown of how their payment system works.
Payouts Overview
The platform follows a structured payout process, and you’ll need to meet a specific minimum payout threshold before you can receive your earnings.
All payments are processed through Stripe, ensuring a secure transaction. Let’s look at how you can cash out your earnings.
Minimum Threshold
Users in the Partner Program must accumulate at least $10 USD in earnings before a payout is initiated to their Stripe account.
If your total earnings don’t meet this minimum within a given month, the balance will roll over into the following month until the threshold is reached.
In addition, you must have a verified Stripe account connected to your account and ensure that your taxpayer information is up to date to avoid any issues with payouts.
Payout Schedule
Payments are typically processed by the 10th of each month, and once initiated, it can take 5-7 business days for the funds to appear in your bank account.
It’s important to note that country-specific thresholds imposed by Stripe may also apply, which could affect the timeline of your payout.
For example, if you meet the $10 USD threshold in December, you should expect to receive your payout by January 10th. However, the actual time for the funds to reach your bank may vary depending on your location and bank processing times.
Pros and Cons of Medium
Pros:
- Ease of Use: You don’t need advanced technical skills to publish on Medium.
- Large Audience: With millions of readers, you have the potential to reach a broad audience.
- Monetization Opportunities: Writers can earn money through various methods like reading time, referrals, and bonuses.
Cons:
- Competition: With many writers on the platform, standing out can be challenging.
- Income Variability: Earnings fluctuate depending on reader engagement and content quality.
Do's and Don'ts on Medium
Do’s:
- Consistently Publish: Regularly writing articles increases your chances of earning money.
- Engage with Readers: Respond to comments and interact with readers to build a community.
- Find a Niche: Experiment with topics and find what resonates with readers to build a following.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Clickbait: Misleading headlines might increase clicks, but they can harm your long-term trust with readers.
- Don’t Self-Promote Excessively: Let Medium’s algorithm promote your articles rather than relying on social media.
Explore More Earning Opportunities
For additional ways to supplement your Medium income, check out these platforms:
- Studypool – Earn money by tutoring and answering academic questions.
- Sproutgigs – Complete microtasks and freelance gigs for quick payments.
- UTest – Get paid to test websites, apps, and software for usability.
- Taskverse – Participate in various tasks and gigs for extra cash.
These platforms can help you diversify and increase your overall online earnings.
FAQ Section
What is Medium?
Medium is an online platform that allows writers to publish and monetize their content.
How much can I earn on Medium?
Most writers earn less than $100 per month, but top writers can make up to $25,000.
Who can join Medium?
Anyone over 18 with at least one published article in the past six months can join the Medium Partner Program.
How do I get paid?
Writers are paid through Stripe, typically on the 10th of every month.
What is the payout threshold for Medium?
The payout threshold for Medium is $10. You need to earn at least this amount before you can withdraw your earnings.
Can I use Medium on mobile?
Yes, Medium has a mobile app for both iOS and Android.
Is Medium legit?
Yes, Medium is a trustworthy platform with a solid reputation for paying writers.
How do I join the Medium Partner Program?
You can join after meeting the basic eligibility requirements.
What are the earning methods on Medium?
Earnings are based on reading time, engagement, and referrals.
Conclusion
Making money on Medium gives writers a chance to turn their love for writing into real income. This guide has shown you different ways to increase your earnings on the platform.
By joining the Medium Partner Program, you can earn money based on how long readers spend on your articles, which helps you connect with your audience.
You can also boost your income by using affiliate marketing and CPA offers. By adding links to relevant products and services in your articles, you can create extra ways to earn money alongside your Medium income.
Getting traffic to your articles is essential for making more money. Writing high-quality content that appeals to readers, sharing your articles on social media, and using affordable paid advertising options like native ads, push ads, and pop-up ads can help you reach a larger audience.
To succeed on Medium, you need to combine good writing with smart marketing and stay engaged with your readers.
If you follow the tips in this guide and keep putting in the effort, you can build a steady income while sharing your ideas with people around the world.
Whether you are an experienced writer or just starting, Medium is a great place to share your thoughts and earn money.
Take some time to look into different ways to earn money, try out good marketing strategies, and start building a steady income from your writing on this platform.