5 Reasons Why Medium Might Be Useless Now

From a platform that once redefined what it means to share and consume content online, Medium has evolved, leaving many questioning its relevance today. Let's delve into why some users and creators might find Medium less appealing or useful compared to its early days.

1. Monetization Challenges

Medium introduced Medium Partner Program (MPP) to help writers earn money from their content, but this system has come under scrutiny:

• Limited payouts: Not all stories or articles qualify for monetization. The criteria can be opaque, leading to frustration among creators.
• Capped earnings: There's an upper limit to how much writers can earn per month, which can be demotivating for those looking to make a significant income from writing.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: If you're considering writing for money, research alternatives like Substack or Patreon where you can have more control over monetization.</p>

Example of Monetization Experience

Consider Jane, a prolific writer on Medium. She writes numerous articles, gaining traction and a following. However, she notices that:

• Only a fraction of her posts qualify for the MPP.
• Her earnings are capped at a certain level despite having thousands of readers.

2. Content Visibility

Once celebrated for its simplicity, Medium now faces:

• Algorithm Changes: The platform has altered its visibility algorithms, making it harder for new content to gain traction without prior popularity or engagement.

Tips to Increase Visibility

• Engage Early: Comment, clap, and engage with other stories within the first 48 hours to get a visibility boost.
• SEO: Utilize on-page SEO techniques to help your articles rank better in search engines.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Even small interactions like a single clap or comment can help the visibility of your articles.</p>

3. Content Saturation

Medium has become a vast ocean of information:

• Quantity vs. Quality: The sheer volume of posts has diluted the quality pool, with many articles vying for attention.
• Niche Buried: Specialized content can get lost in the noise, making it challenging to reach the right audience.

Scenario

An expert in blockchain technology might find their in-depth analysis buried under lifestyle tips or generic career advice, even if their niche has considerable demand.

4. Platform Dependence

The shift towards:

• Platform-centric Focus: Creators are often encouraged to keep their content within Medium, leading to:
  • Limited Reach: Readers might not follow your work if they only use Medium sporadically.
  • Platform Risk: If Medium's fortunes change, creators are left vulnerable with their audience tied to a single platform.

Alternative Platforms

Here are some alternatives where creators can diversify their reach:

• Ghost: A platform that gives you ownership over your audience and content.
• Substack: Where writers can directly monetize their audience through subscriptions.

5. Lack of Customization and Control

Medium's standardized format means:

• Uniformity: All content looks the same, reducing a creator's ability to stand out visually or through unique design elements.
• Limited Functionality: Customization is restricted, which can hinder personalized branding efforts or complex content formats.

A Comparison Table

<table> <thead> <tr> <th>Feature</th> <th>Medium</th> <th>Alternatives (e.g., Ghost, Substack)</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>Customization</td> <td>Low</td> <td>High</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Monetization Control</td> <td>Limited by MPP</td> <td>Direct Control</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Audience Ownership</td> <td>Medium-owned</td> <td>Creator-owned</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Content Format Flexibility</td> <td>Minimal</td> <td>Extensive</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Building your personal website or blog gives you complete control over design, monetization, and audience interaction.</p>

Wrapping Up

For many, Medium's original allure has faded with the introduction of alternatives that offer better monetization, control, and visibility. While it's still a great platform for casual reading and publishing, those looking to build a writing career might need to look elsewhere or diversify their online presence.

We encourage you to explore different content platforms to find what suits your needs best. The digital content landscape is vast, offering ample opportunities for creators to shine.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Staying adaptable and open to new platforms can help ensure your content reaches the widest and most engaged audience possible.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Has Medium changed its monetization policies recently?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, Medium has adjusted its Partner Program criteria and payout structures, which can impact the earnings of writers.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What are the alternatives to Medium?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Other platforms include Substack for direct subscriptions, Ghost for a customizable content experience, and even personal blogs.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I increase my content's visibility on Medium?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Engage early with readers, use SEO techniques, and be consistent with posting quality content.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is Medium still a good platform for new writers?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>It can be, especially for those looking to get their feet wet or reach an existing audience, but new writers should also explore other platforms for growth.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>