Medium Writing has become a pretty solid way for writers of all backgrounds to get paid just for sharing their ideas and stories online. If you’re new to the platform, making your first dollar on Medium can still feel confusing or overwhelming. I remember how lost I felt staring at the blank page, wondering if anyone would even read what I wrote.
This beginner’s guide breaks down how Medium Writing works, how you actually get paid, and gives practical tips for finding your groove. If you want to turn your writing into a real side hustle (or even a full-fledged income), you’re in the right spot. You’ll also pick up a few extra tips along the way to help you stand out and make the most out of your Medium experience.
TL;DR – How to Start Earning from Medium Writing
Medium Writing lets you make money through the Partner Program when Medium members read your stories. To get started:
- Create a free Medium account, then apply for the Partner Program.
- Write stories people want to read—personal experiences, guides, opinions, or tutorials all work well.
- Focus on writing consistently and building a following to increase your earnings over time.
- You get paid monthly, depending on the reading time your stories get from paying Medium members.
If you stick with writing and try out different topics, you’ll find your audience and start seeing those payments roll in. Don’t be intimidated by the process, every successful writer on Medium started right where you are now.
How Medium Writing Pays Writers
Medium is basically a giant blogging platform, but it stands out because they share reader subscription fees directly with writers. To get paid for your Medium Writing, you need to join their Partner Program. Here’s what this means:
- Partner Program: Once you’re in, your stories become eligible for payment whenever paying Medium members spend time reading them.
- Payment Model: The more time members spend on your stories, the more you’ll get paid. It’s not about clicks; it’s about actual reading time!
- Payouts: Payments are sent monthly, usually via Stripe. You’ll need a Stripe account too. If your earnings are low, they’ll roll over until you reach the payout threshold.
The cool thing about this setup is you don’t have to worry about placing ads, pitching to brands, or constantly hustling for sponsors. You focus on writing, and if people read your work, you get paid. Plus, since Medium focuses on reader engagement, your payout is based on quality over quantity, making it a little easier for new writers to find a place.
Getting Started: Setting Up for Medium Writing Success
Getting started with Medium Writing only takes a few minutes, but making money from it takes a little strategy. Here’s what I recommend as a total newbie:
- Sign Up for Medium: Just use your email, Google, or Twitter account to register.
- Set Up Your Profile: Fill out your bio. Add a photo and short description. Readers and editors are way more likely to take you seriously if you look real.
- Join the Partner Program: After publishing one story, you can apply for the program as long as you meet Medium’s eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 and living in an eligible country. Here’s the official Partner Program FAQ.
- Connect to Stripe: Medium uses Stripe to pay you, so make sure you create a Stripe account if you don’t have one.
From here, you’re ready to start writing and publishing! Make sure you keep your profile updated and put a bit of personality into your bio, it’s one of the easiest ways to encourage readers to follow you.
What to Write About: Finding Profitable Medium Writing Topics
The best thing about Medium Writing is that almost every topic has an audience. Still, some topics tend to attract more readers (and therefore more money) than others. Here are some niches I’ve seen do well, and why:
- Personal Development: Stories about building habits, mindset, and goal setting always get a lot of traction.
- Productivity & Tech: Apps, tech tips, and how-tos are super popular with the Medium crowd.
- Writing & Creativity: Medium readers love tips on writing better, building creative routines, and self-publishing.
- Entrepreneurship & Money: Startup stories, making money online, and budgeting guides pull in steady traffic.
- Real Life Stories: Honest reflections, life lessons, and personal anecdotes have a way of connecting with readers.
Even if your ideas don’t fit those examples, don’t stress! Medium rewards genuine voice and creativity. My first viral post was a simple reflection on a failure, not some SEO-optimized how-to.
You can also try mixing in current trends, timely personal takes on news stories, or lessons learned from your own niche experiences. Sticking with what excites you to write about usually leads to your best work. If you lose motivation or feel stuck, read other articles in your favorite topic and use that to spark your own ideas.
Strategies for Growing on Medium (and Boosting Earnings)
Writing and publishing are just step one. Earning steady money with Medium Writing gets easier once you put these habits into play:
- Post Consistently: Try to write at least once a week (more if you can). The more you publish, the more opportunities you have for reads.
- Write for Popular Publications: Submitting stories to well known Medium publications brings your work to bigger audiences several times faster than solo publishing.
- Get Involved with Other Writers: Medium is a social platform. Clapping, commenting, and responding can help get your name out there and build a community.
- Optimize Headlines & Images: Catchy titles and eye-catching images help draw more readers in. It sounds basic, but it makes a huge difference in click-through rates.
- Analyze What Works: Use Medium’s built-in stats page to see which stories are performing well, then write more like those (or try related topics).
Everyone starts at zero. I barely got any views my first month. But sticking with it pays off since traffic and earnings can snowball quickly as you improve and get noticed. Another tip: interact with editors in your favorite publications to get feedback and tips to make your next article even better.
How and When You Get Paid for Medium Writing
Medium pays out once a month (usually around the 8th), straight to your Stripe account. To qualify, you need to earn at least $10 (or the local minimum). If you don’t hit the threshold, your earnings just roll over to the next month. You can always see your exact stats and estimated payouts on your Medium dashboard.
Payments are based on reading time from paying Medium members. If lots of people with paid memberships stick with your work, payments grow over time. Don’t get discouraged by small amounts at first; most writers see increases the more they post and build a following. The key to growing your Medium income is patience and smart topic choices, as well as regular engagement with your readership and fellow writers.
Medium Writing FAQ
Do I need to pay to write on Medium?
Nope, writing and publishing are totally free. You can also read a few stories per month for free if you’re not a subscriber.
Can anyone join the Medium Partner Program?
Most people can, as long as you’re 18+, live in an eligible country, and can set up a Stripe account. Here are the latest Partner Program rules.
How soon do writers start making money?
That depends! A viral first story can pay out in your first month, but for most people, it takes a few months of regular posting to start seeing consistent payouts. Building your following gradually helps your stories reach more readers.
How much can I really earn with Medium Writing?
It ranges a lot. Many beginners start with $5 to $20 per month, but dedicated writers, especially those publishing frequently and landing in publications, can make hundreds or more. Some even hit four-figure months, but that typically takes time and a large following. Try tracking your growth in a spreadsheet or journal so you can see your progress month by month.
What kind of writing isn’t allowed?
Medium has rules against plagiarism, hate speech, and deceptive content. Stick to original work and honest stories. Here’s the official policy page.
Quick Recap of Key Steps for Earning with Medium Writing
- Create your Medium account and set up Stripe for payments.
- Apply for the Partner Program after sharing your first story.
- Write regularly, experiment with different topics, and submit to publications.
- Connect with readers and writers to grow your following.
- Use analytics to see what works, and adjust your strategy as you go.
Medium Writing is accessible, fun, and lets you get paid just for sharing what you know, think, and experience. As you build your skills and confidence, it gets easier to increase your reach and your income. It’s a great spot for writers looking to build a real audience, learn about digital publishing, and even set up their first online income stream. So put your thoughts to the page, your Medium adventure starts now!
