If you’re a writer looking to share your ideas online, you’ve probably come across Medium and Substack. Both platforms are popular choices for creators, but they serve different needs and audiences. So how do you decide which one is best for you?
In this article, I’ll break down the key differences between Medium and Substack, including their global popularity, how they help you build an audience, their monetization models, and what each means for your growth as a writer.
What Are Medium and Substack?
Medium is an online publishing platform where anyone can write articles and share stories with a built-in audience of millions of readers. Topics range from technology and culture to personal development and beyond. Think of Medium as a giant online magazine fuelled by both independent voices and established publications.
Substack is designed for newsletters. It lets you send your writing directly to your subscribers’ inboxes, and it’s become a go-to for writers who want to build a direct relationship with their readers. You can decide whether each post is free or paid, making it a great option for those interested in developing a dedicated community around their work.
Popularity: App Store Rankings
Substack’s influence is clearly growing worldwide. Just look at the latest App Store rankings in the News category:
- In the UK App Store, Substack is ranked #3, while Medium sits at #16.
- In the Hong Kong App Store, Substack is #10 and Medium is #33.
These numbers show that Substack is quickly gaining traction, especially among readers who value independent content and direct communication.
Audience Building, Discovery, and Interaction
Substack uses a subscriber model: people sign up to receive your content directly in their inboxes. This setup is perfect for writers who want to cultivate a direct relationship with their audience or foster a sense of community. If you already have readers who appreciate your work, Substack makes it easy to keep them engaged and updated.
Medium, by contrast, is all about algorithmic discovery. Readers pay $5 per month to access all content on the platform, but what they actually see is driven by Medium’s recommendation algorithms. As a writer, this means you can focus on producing great articles—if the quality is high, your work may be pushed to more readers, even if you’re new and don’t have a large following. However, your follower count on Medium doesn’t guarantee more views for your future posts. Each article is judged on its own merit, much like how TikTok’s content system works.
Monetization
Both platforms offer ways to earn money, but the approaches are different:
- Medium: Once you join the Partner Program, you get paid based on the amount of time paying members spend reading your stories. The platform manages all payments, and your earnings depend on your reach and engagement.
- Substack: You control your own pricing and decide which content is free or paid. Subscribers can pay monthly or annually, and most of the revenue goes directly to you, minus a small platform and processing fee.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
So, which platform is best for you?
- If you’re just starting out and don’t have an established audience, Medium is a strong choice. Thanks to its algorithm, even new writers can gain exposure if their content stands out.
- If you already have a group of readers, or you want to build a more direct relationship and community, Substack is ideal. It’s especially powerful for writers who want to control their own mailing list and nurture a loyal readership.
Many creators actually use both: Medium for wider reach, and Substack for deeper engagement with their most dedicated subscribers.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Medium and Substack depends on your goals as a writer. If you want to tap into a massive built-in audience and let the platform’s algorithm do some of the work, Medium is a great place to start. If your focus is on building a personal newsletter, fostering deeper connections, and owning your audience, Substack is hard to beat.