Introduction
If you’ve ever written on Medium, you already know the thrill of seeing your story reach thousands of readers — and the frustration when your earnings don’t match your effort. That’s why many creators are exploring Medium alternatives to earn money — writing platforms that pay fairly and offer greater content ownership.
In 2025, the world of online publishing has evolved. From paid newsletters to blockchain-based blogging platforms, new opportunities now empower writers to monetize their writing while keeping control of their audience and income. This guide reveals the best platforms like Medium that earn you money and help you grow as a creator.
1. Why Writers Are Moving Away from Medium
Medium is a great launchpad, but its pay-per-read model often leaves writers disappointed. Payments fluctuate, visibility depends on algorithms, and content ownership remains a gray area.
Writers want stability, transparency, and independence. That’s why many are shifting to writing platforms that pay directly through subscriptions, affiliate marketing, or even crypto rewards.
If you’re tired of inconsistent payouts and limited control over your SEO and branding, exploring Medium competing platforms can help you take your writing career to the next level.
2. Quick List: Best Platforms Like Medium That Pay Writers
Before we dig into the details, here’s a quick look at the most promising writing platforms that pay in 2025:
| Platform | Main Revenue Type | Ownership | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Substack | Paid subscriptions | Full | Newsletter creators |
| Ghost | Memberships & products | Full | Independent publishers |
| Vocal.Media | Pay-per-read + bonuses | Shared | Storytellers & niche writers |
| HubPages | Ad revenue & affiliate links | Shared | Bloggers with evergreen content |
| Steemit / Hive | Crypto rewards | Shared | Tech-savvy blockchain writers |
| WordPress (self-hosted) | Any method | Full | Writers who want total freedom |
| Patreon / Ko-fi | Fan memberships | Full | Creators with loyal audiences |
| Write.as | Tips & donations | Full | Minimalist bloggers |
These platforms let you earn money writing online without relying on Medium’s algorithm or paywall system.
3. How Each Platform Actually Pays You
Here’s where most competitors fall short — they list platforms but never explain how the money flows. Let’s break that down.
Substack: Subscription-Based Freedom
Substack is perfect for writers who want recurring revenue from readers. You can set monthly or yearly subscriptions, publish newsletters, and retain your mailing list forever. The platform takes a small 10% fee, and payments go directly through Stripe.
What’s powerful here is the direct relationship with your audience — no middleman deciding who sees your content.
Ghost: Full Control and Ownership
Ghost is like Substack’s open-source cousin. You can self-host or use their paid service. It supports memberships, paid newsletters, digital products, and SEO customization. Unlike Medium, you own your domain and audience.
Writers who understand basic tech setup can scale their brand while enjoying total creative and financial control.
Vocal.Media: Pay-Per-Read Simplicity
Vocal.Media works on a pay-per-read model. Free users earn around $3.80 per 1,000 reads, while Vocal+ members earn more. You also get access to creator challenges that offer bonuses for high-performing stories.
If you love storytelling and want an easier entry point without managing your own site, Vocal is a solid pick.
HubPages: Classic Ad Revenue Model
HubPages has been around for over a decade, relying on ad revenue and affiliate marketing. Writers earn through Google AdSense and Amazon affiliate links. It’s a slower earner, but with consistent SEO effort, long-term content can generate passive income.
Steemit / Hive: Blockchain-Powered Writing
If you’re into Web3, Steemit and Hive reward content with cryptocurrency instead of fiat payments. Your posts earn tokens based on community upvotes. It’s volatile but exciting for those who believe in decentralized platforms.
Blockchain platforms also encourage content transparency — your work lives permanently on-chain.
WordPress (Self-Hosted): Unlimited Possibilities
With WordPress, you control everything — design, SEO, ads, and income sources. Add affiliate links, memberships, sponsored posts, or digital products. While it takes effort to manage hosting and plugins, it’s the most scalable choice for building a writing business.
4. Comparing Medium Alternatives: Fees, Payments, and Ownership
To help you decide faster, here’s how top platforms stack up:
| Platform | Ownership | Main Revenue | Platform Fee | Payment Type | SEO Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Substack | ✅ Full | Paid subscriptions | 10% | Stripe | Medium |
| Ghost | ✅ Full | Memberships, products | 0–5% | Stripe / PayPal | High |
| Vocal.Media | ⚠️ Shared | Pay-per-read | None | PayPal | Low |
| HubPages | ⚠️ Shared | Ad revenue | Varies | AdSense | Medium |
| Steemit | ⚠️ Shared | Crypto tokens | None | Wallet | None |
| WordPress | ✅ Full | Flexible (ads, affiliates, etc.) | Depends | Multiple | High |
If SEO optimization and content portability matter to you, Ghost or WordPress should top your list. For quick payouts, Vocal or Substack might be better fits.
5. How to Pick the Right Platform for Your Goals
Choosing the best Medium alternative to earn money depends on what kind of writer you are.
For storytellers:
Go with Vocal.Media — you can start fast, no tech skills needed.
For newsletter creators:
Substack or Ghost give you email lists and subscription models with recurring revenue.
For long-form bloggers:
WordPress lets you use affiliate marketing, Google ads, and SEO strategies freely.
For crypto enthusiasts:
Platforms like Steemit reward engagement with tokens you can later trade or cash out.
Pro Tip: Always consider ownership, payment frequency, and platform fees before committing your time.
6. Step-by-Step: How to Start Earning Beyond Medium
Let’s turn strategy into action.
Step 1 — Choose Your Platform
Pick one platform that fits your writing niche. For example, if you love personal essays, try Substack. For tech reviews, WordPress gives you more SEO flexibility.
Step 2 — Set Up Payments
Most modern platforms integrate with Stripe or PayPal. Always verify your tax information before launching paid content.
Step 3 — Publish High-Value Content
Readers pay for value. Combine storytelling with practical insights, examples, and a friendly tone.
Add SEO-optimized keywords and make sure your article answers real reader questions.
Step 4 — Promote Strategically
Share on LinkedIn, Twitter, and niche communities. Build an email list and repurpose your Medium content (use canonical tags to avoid duplicate content).
Step 5 — Track & Optimize
Check your stats weekly. Track engagement, subscriber growth, and RPM (revenue per thousand views). Adjust your content plan based on what performs best.
7. Promotion and SEO: Getting Paid Faster
Even the best writing won’t earn much if no one reads it. Here’s how to amplify your reach:
1. Optimize for SEO: Use targeted keywords, meta descriptions, and internal linking.
2. Leverage email marketing: A growing newsletter equals consistent income.
3. Engage communities: Join Discords, Reddit forums, or Facebook groups where readers hang out.
4. Republish smartly: Use canonical links to reuse your Medium stories on Substack or WordPress without SEO penalties.
5. Build relationships: Comment on other creators’ work — networking multiplies exposure.
8. Real Earnings Examples (and What to Expect)
Let’s set realistic expectations.
1. Vocal.Media: Some writers earn $200–$500/month with consistent posting and promotions.
2. Substack: Top creators earn thousands monthly from paid subscribers, but new writers may start at $50–$200.
3. HubPages: Can yield $100–$300/month for evergreen SEO content.
4. Steemit: Crypto rewards fluctuate but can surprise you during bull runs.
Your results depend on niche, frequency, and how well you market your work. Monetize your writing strategically — treat it like a business, not a hobby.
9. Risks and Legal Considerations
Before you jump ship from Medium, understand the fine print.
1. Copyright: Always keep a copy of your work. Some sites claim partial rights.
2. Taxes: Income from writing is taxable. Keep records of PayPal or Stripe payments.
3. Terms of Service: Avoid plagiarism or reposting without canonical tagging.
4. Platform stability: Smaller startups can shut down; always back up your content.
Being proactive protects your writing income and peace of mind.
Conclusion
The internet no longer revolves around one platform. In 2025, you can build a writing career on your own terms using the right Medium alternatives to earn money.
Whether you go with Substack’s simplicity, Ghost’s control, or WordPress’s flexibility, the key is consistency. Keep learning, keep publishing, and treat every story as a step toward financial independence.
The best time to take charge of your writing — is now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to Medium?
The best Medium alternative to earn money in 2025 depends on your writing goals. Substack is ideal for writers building paid newsletters and direct reader relationships. Ghost offers full content ownership and customizable monetization options. If you prefer ad-based income, Vocal.Media or HubPages are solid choices. For total control, a self-hosted WordPress blog lets you monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, or digital products.
How much does Medium pay per 1,000 views?
Medium’s payment model is based on member reading time, not standard CPM rates. However, on average, writers earn between $3 to $10 per 1,000 views, depending on engagement and audience region. Earnings vary widely — some stories can generate more through higher reader interaction or Medium Partner Program bonuses.
Why are writers leaving Medium?
Many writers are leaving Medium because of inconsistent payouts, algorithm changes, and limited control over audience ownership. Creators want platforms where they can build direct relationships with readers, set their own pricing, and diversify income through subscriptions, ads, or sponsorships — options that Medium alternatives like Substack and Ghost provide.
Is Medium still a good platform?
Yes, Medium is still a good platform for beginners who want exposure and easy publishing. It offers a built-in audience and minimal setup. However, for long-term income or content ownership, writers often move to other writing platforms that pay, such as Ghost or WordPress, where they control their monetization strategy and reader base.
Is Medium better than Blogger?
Medium is better for reaching readers quickly, thanks to its recommendation algorithm and built-in community. Blogger, owned by Google, gives you full control and SEO flexibility, making it more suitable for long-term brand building. For earning potential, Blogger allows ad revenue and affiliate marketing, while Medium focuses on reader engagement via its Partner Program.
