Before we dive into the article: I strongly believe that both Medium and Substack should consider integrating alternative payment platforms in addition to Stripe. Stripe, while popular, does not cater to a significant segment of international writers who contribute greatly to these platforms. Providing additional payment options would not only be more inclusive but also recognize and support the diverse and global community of content creators that enrich these platforms. This inclusion is crucial, as it acknowledges the substantial contribution of international writers and ensures they have equitable access to monetization opportunities.
Introduction:
Medium and Substack have both become popular blogging platforms in recent years. They allow anyone to start a blog for free and build an audience. But which one is better for bloggers? In this post, I’ll compare the key features of Medium and Substack to help you decide which platform may work best for your needs.
Medium Overview:
Medium launched in 2012 as an open blogging platform. It has a minimalist interface and focuses on the reading experience. Some key features of Medium include:
- Free to publish and access content. Makes money through voluntary subscriptions and advertising.
- Built-in audience — Medium has millions of monthly readers so it’s easy to get exposure.
- Editorial curation — Your posts can get promoted on Medium’s topic-based feeds.
- Community — Interact with other writers through comments and claps.
- Custom domains available for paying users.
- Wide range of topics and content formats supported.
Substack Overview:
Substack started in 2017 as a paid newsletter platform. It has since expanded into a full-fledged blogging solution. Some core features of Substack include:
- Paid subscriptions — Writers can charge a subscription fee for access to their content. Substack takes a cut of your earnings.
- Email newsletters — Posts are delivered directly to subscribers’ inboxes.
- Reader support — Writers build relationships with their subscribers who financially support their work.
- Private/public options — Choose whether your blog content is publicly accessible.
- Own your audience — Substack has no centralized community. Email subscribers belong to you.
- Minimal formatting options — The focus is on text-based writing rather than multimedia content.
Comparing Medium and Substack:
- Revenue — Substack lets you earn directly from readers. On Medium, you’re dependent on advertising, subscriptions are voluntary.
- Readership — Medium offers a built-in audience but little control over who your readers are. Substack has a smaller reach but a dedicated subscriber base.
- Content — Medium is better for topical, information-rich content. Substack’s newsletters suit opinion pieces, personal stories, serialized content.
- Experience — Medium is visually engaging with multimedia support. Substack has a simple email-style interface.
- Ownership — On Substack you own your audience data and content. Medium has broader content distribution but individuals don’t own their follower base.
- Cost — Medium is largely free to use but has limited options. Substack has a free tier but monetization requires a paid plan.
In summary, Medium is ideal if you want easy distribution and discovery of content on an established platform. Substack gives you creative and financial independence but requires building your own audience. Choose the option that best fits your blogging style, interests, and goals.
Conclusion:
Medium and Substack both have their pros and cons for bloggers. Medium offers an instant reach to millions of readers, but gives you little control. Substack requires growing your own audience, but lets you monetize content directly. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prioritize reach and discovery or creative and financial independence. Assess your goals and pick the platform that’s the best match.
