Medium vs Substack: Which is Better?
Both Medium and Substack have become popular platforms for writers, but they cater to different audiences and have distinct approaches to publishing. The “better” platform depends on your goals, whether that’s reaching a broad audience, monetizing your writing, or building a direct relationship with your readers. Below is a detailed comparison of the two:
1. Purpose and Model
- Medium:
- Publishing Platform: Medium is a well-established platform where writers publish articles on a wide range of topics.
- Curated Content: It features an editorial component where articles are often curated by Medium’s algorithms and editorial team, which can help drive visibility.
- Community and Engagement: Readers can follow authors, “clap” for articles, and engage in discussions through comments.
- Monetization: Medium offers a Partner Program that pays writers based on reader engagement from paying Medium members, but revenue is generated indirectly and the platform controls the distribution.
- Substack:
- Newsletter-Centric: Substack focuses on newsletter publishing, allowing writers to build direct, subscription-based relationships with their audience.
- Direct Monetization: Writers can monetize their content through paid subscriptions, giving them more control over revenue.
- Email-First: Content is delivered directly to subscribers’ inboxes, fostering a more personal connection.
- Independence: Substack offers a more independent model where writers own their mailing list and can directly interact with their audience without relying on a platform’s algorithms.
2. Audience and Reach
- Medium:
- Broad Reach: With millions of readers, Medium can help new writers reach a wide audience quickly.
- Discovery Mechanisms: The platform’s recommendation system and publications help drive traffic, although the competition can be high.
- Reader Experience: Readers often discover content organically on Medium’s homepage or through topic-based feeds.
- Substack:
- Niche Focus: Substack tends to attract audiences interested in specific topics or communities.
- Direct Engagement: Since content is sent via email, Substack writers benefit from a more engaged and loyal readership.
- Growth Requires Effort: Building a subscriber base on Substack often depends on the writer’s efforts in marketing and maintaining direct relationships with readers.
3. Content Control and Ownership
- Medium:
- Platform-Dependent: While Medium provides a great user experience, writers are subject to its policies and algorithmic changes.
- Limited Ownership: Writers do not own the platform or the distribution channels, and changes in the algorithm can affect visibility.
- Substack:
- Greater Independence: Substack gives writers ownership of their mailing list and direct control over their content.
- Direct Monetization: With a subscription model, writers can decide pricing and retain a higher degree of autonomy over revenue.
- Sustainability: This direct relationship can lead to a more sustainable model if you cultivate a dedicated community.
4. Monetization and Revenue Potential
- Medium:
- Partner Program: Writers earn money based on reading time from Medium members, but earnings can be unpredictable.
- Ad-Free Experience: Readers on Medium generally enjoy an ad-free experience, which can enhance engagement, but revenue is shared by the platform.
- Substack:
- Subscription Model: Writers set subscription rates for their newsletters and earn revenue directly from subscribers.
- Higher Earnings Potential: For niche writers with a loyal audience, Substack can be more lucrative, although building that audience requires time and effort.
- Hybrid Model: Many writers use Substack for paid content while also offering free newsletters to grow their subscriber base.
5. Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Medium if you want:
- A built-in audience with robust content discovery features.
- A platform that handles distribution and recommendations, allowing you to focus on writing.
- An environment where the community and editorial curation drive engagement.
- Choose Substack if you want:
- Direct control over your audience and revenue through subscriptions.
- A more intimate, email-based connection with readers.
- To build a niche community and be independent of a larger platform’s policies and algorithms.
Final Thoughts
Both Medium and Substack offer distinct advantages. Medium is excellent for reaching a broad audience and benefiting from its discovery mechanisms, making it ideal for writers who want to grow their readership organically. On the other hand, Substack is perfect for those looking to build a direct, monetizable relationship with their audience and who are willing to invest time in marketing their newsletter.
Ultimately, the “better” platform depends on your goals as a writer, your target audience, and how you prefer to monetize and engage with your content. Many successful writers even use both platforms to leverage their respective strengths.
Let me know if you need further details or have additional questions about choosing between Medium and Substack!