Vocal is a publishing platform where anyone can post stories, essays, poems, reviews and articles, and get paid based on how many people read them. It launched in 2016 and is owned by Creatd, Inc. Unlike Medium, Vocal pays for reads from any source, so traffic you bring from social media or search counts. Its writing challenges, with cash prizes, are a big part of the appeal.
At a glance
| What you publish | Stories, essays, poetry, articles |
| Pay per 1,000 reads | $3.80 free, $6.00 with Vocal+ |
| Vocal+ cost | $9.99 a month |
| Other earnings | Challenges, reader tips, bonuses |
| Payouts | Through Stripe |
| Reads counted | From any traffic source |
How it works
Sign up, write a story in Vocal’s editor and submit it to one of its themed communities. Vocal reviews submissions before they’re published. Once live, your story earns for every read, which Vocal counts based on engagement rather than simple page views.
Earning per read
Vocal says it pays $3.80 per 1,000 reads to free creators and $6.00 per 1,000 reads to Vocal+ members. That means a story needs thousands of reads to earn a few dollars, so promoting your work on social media, forums and your own channels matters a lot.
Challenges and tips
Vocal regularly runs writing challenges on set themes, with cash prizes. Many challenges are open only to Vocal+ members. Readers can also tip writers directly. For many active creators, a challenge win or placement is worth far more than read income.
Vocal+
The $9.99 monthly membership raises your read rate, opens members-only challenges and adds extra features. It pays for itself only if you publish and promote regularly or plan to enter challenges.
What to watch for
Some users report account suspensions with unpaid balances, so read the terms on content and conduct before investing a lot of time. Keep copies of your work.
Growing your reads
Reads come mostly from your own promotion at first. Share each story where its audience already gathers, write clear titles and opening lines, and use Vocal’s communities that match your topic. Publishing regularly gives readers who like one story more of your work to find.
Owen’s take
Vocal is a fun place to publish creative work and get paid a little for it. Treat read income as a bonus and the challenges as the real opportunity.
Who it suits
It suits fiction writers, poets and essayists who enjoy prompts and can promote their stories. It suits less well writers looking for steady, predictable income.
Similar options
- Medium pays members-only stories by reading time.
- Listverse pays for accepted list articles.
- Freedom With Writing sends paid writing calls and contests.
- Constant Content sells your articles to businesses.
More options are in Writing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Paid for reads from any source
- Cash prize challenges
- Open to all kinds of writing
Cons
- Low pay per read
- Best challenges need Vocal+
- Reports of account suspensions
FAQ
How much does Vocal pay per read?
$3.80 per 1,000 reads, or $6.00 for Vocal+ members.
How much is Vocal+?
$9.99 a month.
Do I need Vocal+ to enter challenges?
Many challenges are for Vocal+ members only.
Does traffic from social media count?
Yes, Vocal pays for reads from any source.
How do I get paid?
Through Stripe.
