Upcoach ◆
Upcoach pricing: all-in-one platform for coaches to build, sell, and run programs with client management, scheduling, payments, and course delivery.
from $49/mo
About Medium
What is Medium & How It Works
Medium is a publishing platform that combines a clean writing tool with a social network for ideas. Writers publish long-form articles on any topic, and readers discover them through a personalized, algorithm-driven feed. The platform solves the problem of building an audience from scratch — writers can reach millions of readers without managing their own blog or SEO.
Best For: Writers & Thought Leaders
Medium is ideal for writers, journalists, and companies who want to build thought leadership and reach an engaged audience without technical overhead. Readers benefit from an ad-free, distraction-free reading experience. It is less suited for businesses needing native e-commerce, lead capture forms, or full design control.
Key Use Cases & Features
Writers use the simple editor to publish stories, public or behind a metered paywall. The Partner Program pays writers based on member reading time. Readers can clap, comment, highlight, and follow topics. Curated publications gather stories around specific themes, and the algorithm surfaces relevant content based on reading history.
Key features
- Writing editor — Simple, distraction-free interface with rich formatting
- Partner Program — Earn money based on member reading time
- Personalized feed — Algorithm recommends stories based on your interests
- Claps and highlights — Readers can show appreciation and save passages
- Publications — Curated collections of stories on specific topics
- Metered paywall — Free readers get a limited number of stories per month
SaaSpartout Score
6.4
/10
Editorial score from our review methodology — not user ratings.
Medium Pricing
Medium pricing: Free to read (metered) · $5/mo for unlimited · Free to write. Billing model: Freemium.
Free Plan (Readers)
Read a limited number of articles per month for free with a metered paywall. No credit card required.
Medium Membership ($5/month)
Unlimited access to all stories on Medium, including partner-program articles. Also includes offline reading and audio narration.
Free Plan (Writers)
Anyone can write and publish for free. Enroll in the Partner Program (Medium Membership required) to earn money based on member reading time.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Medium cost?
Medium is free to read with a metered paywall (limited articles per month). Unlimited reading costs $5 per month. Writing and publishing is always free.
Is Medium free to use?
Yes, reading is free up to a monthly limit. Writing and publishing is completely free for everyone.
Who is Medium best for?
Medium is best for writers who want a built-in audience (over 100 million monthly readers), and for readers seeking thoughtful long-form content without ads.
What are the best alternatives to Medium?
Popular alternatives include Substack for newsletters, WordPress for full control, and Ghost for creator-focused publishing with built-in membership features.
Does Medium pay writers?
Yes, through the Partner Program. Writers earn money based on the time paying members spend reading their stories. You need a Medium Membership to enroll.
What is the main limitation of Medium?
Writers have limited control over design and monetization — you cannot run your own ads, capture emails, or fully customize your page. Medium owns the audience relationship.
