Recently, Medium decided to make changes to its Partner Program — again.
One of the biggest changes will be the calculating factors regarding how writers are paid — again.
These new changes will be implemented by Aug. 1, 2023, and member referral bonuses will be honored until Sept. 1, 2023.
That’s right member referrals are being sunsetted — finally. But more on that later.
I’ve been writing on Medium for more than 3 years. This is quite literally the seventh or eighth time I’ve seen Medium announce these kinds of changes since I’ve been here.
At this point, I know changes like this are to be expected. But the most recent updates made me raise my eyebrow — in a good way. For the first time in a while, I’m excited to be a Medium member.
Here’s what I think of the changes Medium announced and what they mean for readers and writers.
Table of Contents
More countries allowed in
In my opinion, this is my favorite and the best change being made. The Partner Program will be opened up to 12 more countries.
This means:
- More writers
- More readers
- More stories
- More diversity
I love all of that.
Honestly, this was long overdue. It will provide more diverse stories and outlooks on life while simultaneously paying these writers.
Removing the 100-follower requirement
In all honesty, when Medium enacted the 100-follower requirement, I wasn’t a fan of it. But since I had racked up way more than 100 followers at that point, it didn’t affect me.
However, it seemed obvious the requirement would force many newcomers out of the game. No money at all for your efforts until you reach 100 followers? Gross.
I would not have started writing on Medium years ago if there was a 100-follower requirement back then. I’m happy it’s leaving us. The only prerequisite needed in the future will be a Medium membership.
Allowing writers to earn money as soon as they start on the platform will attract new writers to the platform and push them to keep publishing.
Earnings calculations are changing
Medium has introduced a new formula to calculate how much writers will be getting paid.
Naturally, as a writer, I’m horrendous at math. But the breakdown involves reader engagement, follower status, whether or not your article is boosted, and story read-through ratio.
From what I pulled out of it, writers will be paid more if their stories are boosted, the readers are following them, and if they clap or comment on the story.
This reminds of pre-pandemic Medium that paid per clap. I was only an avid Medium reader at that point, but boy was it a time to be on the platform.
I’m happy Medium is finally doing something with engagement and followers. Take it from me, until now, having a lot of followers doesn’t mean anything for your earnings.
So long referrals
I really hated referrals — and I don’t like using the word hate, but that’s how much I hated them — because they seemed to skyrocket for everyone at first and then slowly trickle away.
Referrals never really helped me earn money on Medium, but that extra income was OK, I guess?
Not really going to miss referrals, but it’s interesting how long they lasted.
Takeaways
Medium’s post about the new Partner Program goes way more in-depth about these new updates. As a consumer/writer, I like to pull out interesting points I deem worthy and focus on those — hence what I did in this piece.
Nonetheless, here’s what I would focus on as a Medium writer in the back half of 2023 and foreseeable future.
Become a Medium member
Honestly, now seems like the perfect time for new members to start writing and earning on Medium. Start getting paid for your words.
Interact with other members’ stories
By commenting, reading, following and clapping for other Medium members, you’re supporting their work and helping them get paid. Chances are high they will likely do the same for you.
No clickbait headlines
Self-explanatory.
Dig deep
Write personal articles that reflect your insight on the human experience. Open those healed wounds and dig deep. It’ll increase your chances of getting boosted and make for great articles that readers will love.
What I’m personally taking away from these Medium updates
What will I be doing after these new Medium updates?
Writing, of course! I’m going to start posting on Medium more. These updates are promising for readers and writers. I want in on it.
I will still be valuing my personal niche blog above Medium. But that could change depending on the direction Medium takes.
