Why Substack Is the New Medium
I am loving my experience so far
Medium has been a beloved space for writers and readers for years, offering a sleek interface and a community-oriented approach to content. But lately, Substack has emerged as a compelling alternative, redefining the way creators share their work and connect with audiences. Here’s why Substack is increasingly becoming the new Medium.
1. Ownership and Independence
Substack empowers writers by giving them full ownership of their content and audience. On Medium, your followers belong to the platform, and algorithms often dictate who sees your work. Substack flips this model by offering creators the ability to own their email subscriber lists. This means your readers are your audience, not just part of the platform’s ecosystem.
With Substack, you’re not just a contributor; you’re in control. Writers have the freedom to customize their newsletters, monetize their content, and build a personal brand without worrying about algorithmic interference.
2. Monetization on Your Terms
Medium offers a Partner Program for earning money, but the payout can feel opaque and unpredictable, often tied to how much time people spend reading your articles. Substack, on the other hand, makes monetization straightforward. Writers can set their own subscription prices, offer free or paid tiers, and even provide special content for subscribers.
This direct-to-reader approach puts the power in the hands of the writer, creating a sustainable and transparent income model. It’s ideal for those who want to write full-time or build a side hustle without relying on ad revenue or arbitrary payment structures.
3. The Rise of Newsletters
While Medium is built around articles and blogs, Substack is centered on newsletters—a format that’s experiencing a renaissance. Newsletters offer a more personal and direct way to connect with readers. They land straight in your inbox, cutting through the noise of social media feeds and giving creators a captive audience.
Substack capitalizes on this trend by making the newsletter experience seamless, with easy-to-use tools for writing, designing, and distributing content. For writers who want to build a loyal following, newsletters provide an intimacy and consistency that traditional blogging platforms struggle to replicate.
4. A Shift Toward Community
Medium’s broad appeal has always been its strength, but it can also make the platform feel impersonal. With Substack, the focus is on creating niche communities around specific topics. Whether you’re writing about personal finance, food, or philosophy, Substack allows you to cultivate an engaged, like-minded audience.
Additionally, the platform’s comment and discussion features foster deeper connections between writers and readers, making it easier to build meaningful relationships and get feedback from your audience.
5. Creative Freedom
While Medium emphasizes a polished, uniform aesthetic, Substack gives creators more room to experiment. You can format your newsletter however you like, include multimedia elements, and even integrate podcast episodes. This flexibility makes Substack a playground for creativity, allowing writers to break out of traditional formats and try new approaches to storytelling.
6. Low Barrier to Entry
Starting on Substack is refreshingly simple. You don’t need advanced technical skills, and the platform’s intuitive design means you can focus on your writing without getting bogged down by complex tools. Substack’s freemium model also makes it accessible to anyone, whether you’re a hobbyist writer or a seasoned professional.
7. A Platform for Writers, By Writers
Substack feels like it’s built for creators, not corporations. While Medium has increasingly leaned into curation and partnerships with big-name publishers, Substack stays true to its roots: empowering individual voices. This ethos resonates with independent writers who want a platform that values their work as much as they do.
Medium has been a groundbreaking platform for writers, but Substack is carving out its own space in the digital publishing world. By prioritizing ownership, monetization, and community, Substack offers a fresh, empowering alternative that speaks to the needs of today’s creators.
Whether you’re looking to share your ideas, build a loyal following, or turn your passion for writing into a sustainable income, Substack is proving to be more than just the new Medium—it’s a platform that’s redefining what it means to write online.
I enjoy using both platforms. I think they work well in tandem. Thanks for the insightful post. ❤️