Medium is a large online publishing platform where anyone can write articles, essays and tutorials. Through the Medium Partner Program, writers earn a share of paying members’ subscription money based on how members read and engage with their paywalled stories. It’s one of the few places where you can publish and earn without building your own website first.
At a glance
| What it is | An online publishing platform with a writer payment program |
| How you earn | Medium Partner Program, based on member reading and engagement |
| Requirements | Paid Medium membership and an eligible country |
| Payouts | Monthly through Stripe |
| Cost | Medium membership fee |
| Where it works | Many countries; check eligibility |
How the Partner Program pays
Medium shares part of its subscription revenue with writers. When paying members read your paywalled stories, the time they spend and how they engage, such as claps, highlights and responses, decide your share. Earnings update daily and are paid monthly. Since late 2024, Medium has also paid extra for readers who arrive from outside Medium, through an external traffic bonus, and for stories that turn readers into new paying members. In 2026, it added a program that pays editors of publications for the stories they edit, and it has said stories that aren’t boosted now get a larger share of earnings than before.
Who can join
You need to be a paying Medium member and live in a country where the Partner Program is available. You connect a Stripe account for payouts and provide tax details. Check the eligibility list on Medium’s help pages before planning around Partner Program income.
What writers realistically earn
Earnings vary enormously. Most stories earn a few dollars, and many writers earn little each month, while a small number earn hundreds or thousands from consistent, popular work. Topics with a large member audience, such as technology, personal growth, productivity, money and writing, tend to earn more. English-language stories usually do best, because most paying members read in English.
What helps
Write useful or compelling stories in topics you know, and publish consistently. Submit to established Medium publications, which bring an existing audience and editorial support. Share your stories outside Medium to qualify for the external traffic bonus. Titles that make a clear promise and subtitles that support it help stories get read. Treat Medium as one channel; many writers use it to build an email list or attract clients.
Boosts and distribution
Medium’s editors and publication editors can nominate stories for a “boost”, which pushes them to more readers. Boosted stories can earn significantly more. Meeting Medium’s distribution guidelines, such as original work, accurate claims and no clickbait, keeps your stories eligible.
Getting started
Create an account, become a member and apply to the Partner Program. Publish a few strong stories in one or two topics, submit to relevant publications, and track which stories earn so you can do more of what works.
Medium vs a newsletter
On Medium, the platform owns the audience and decides distribution, while a newsletter on your own list gives you direct access to readers. Medium is better for discovery and quick feedback; a newsletter is better for long-term income and control. Many writers combine both, publishing on Medium and inviting readers to subscribe to their own list for more.
Publications
Medium publications are collections run by editors around a topic. Submitting to a respected publication can bring far more readers than posting alone, plus editing feedback that improves your writing.
Owen’s take
Medium is a good place to practise, find readers and earn something from writing you’d do anyway. As a primary income it’s unreliable, since the formula changes and most stories earn little. I’d use it alongside a newsletter or client work.
Who it suits
It suits writers who publish regularly and want readers without running a website. It suits less well anyone needing predictable income from writing.
Similar options
- Kindle Direct Publishing lets you publish and sell books.
- Listverse pays a flat fee for accepted list articles.
- Textbroker pays per word for client orders.
- Contently connects writers with brand clients.
More options are in Writing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built-in audience of readers
- No website needed
- Earn from member reading
Cons
- Membership required to join
- Unpredictable earnings
- Rules change often
FAQ
How does the Medium Partner Program pay?
Based on how paying members read and engage with your paywalled stories, plus bonuses for external traffic and new members.
Do I need to pay to join the Partner Program?
Yes, you need a paid Medium membership.
How are Medium earnings paid out?
Monthly through Stripe.
How much do Medium writers earn?
It varies widely; most stories earn a little, and a minority of writers earn significant amounts.
Can I join from any country?
No. Check Medium’s list of eligible countries first.
