Medium Writers
Bubble
Professional
Medium Writers are individuals who create, publish, and share original content on the Medium platform, often forming active communities...Show more
Medium Writers
Bubble
Professional
Medium Writers are individuals who create, publish, and share original content on the Medium platform, often forming active communities through curated publications and platform-specific engagement practices.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
300K
Popularity
Medium
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
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General Q&A
The Medium Writers bubble centers on authors who write, publish, and interact within the Medium platform, embracing its unique tools, editorial culture, and community-driven ecosystem.
Community Q&A
The Medium Writers bubble centers on authors who write, publish, and interact within the Medium platform, embracing its unique tools, editorial culture, and community-driven ecosystem.
Community members interact through comments, story highlights, submission to group publications, and exchanging feedback in forums and Medium-focused groups.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Algorithm Apprenticeship
Community DynamicsMedium Writers deeply engage in decoding and gaming the platform’s opaque curation algorithm, treating it as a shared puzzle essential for visibility and success, a social practice rarely visible to outsiders.
Curation Hierarchies
Identity MarkersMembership in curated publications creates a layered social hierarchy, making affiliation a key status marker that influences influence and monetization within the community.
Feedback Loops
Communication PatternsStory highlights, claps, and comments form a dynamic feedback ecosystem, serving as conversational touchpoints that fuel relationships and drive iterative writing improvements unique to Medium's culture.
Monetization Debates
Opinion ShiftsOngoing discussions about Partner Program policies and monetization shifts shape collective identity, reflecting a community negotiating creative freedom against platform control.
Sub Groups
Medium Publications
Groups of writers contributing to curated publications on Medium, often with their own editorial standards and community spaces.
Writing Advice & Critique Groups
Sub-communities focused on peer review, feedback, and writing improvement, often found on Discord, Reddit, and Facebook.
Local Writer Meetups
Writers who organize or attend in-person gatherings to network, collaborate, and share experiences.
Niche Topic Writers
Writers who focus on specific genres or subjects, forming micro-communities within the broader Medium ecosystem.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 3
Medium
50%Medium is the primary platform where writers publish, interact, join publications, and form the core of the community.
Discord
15%Many Medium writers join topic-specific Discord servers for peer support, feedback, and off-platform networking.
Reddit
10%Subreddits dedicated to Medium writers and writing provide discussion, advice, and community engagement.
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
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Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Greeting Salutations
Example Conversation
Insider
Claps up!
Outsider
Huh? What do you mean by that?
Insider
It’s just a fun way we greet each other on Medium meaning ‘here’s some applause/claps for your story’ — a gesture of encouragement.
Outsider
Oh, cool! I like that.
Cultural Context
'Claps up!' is an encouraging asymmetric greeting symbolizing support through giving claps, a core form of appreciation unique to Medium Writers.
Inside Jokes
'Are you getting your claps today?'
This is a humorous way to ask if a writer's story is gaining attention or being rewarded by readers, underlining the obsession with Medium’s clap metric.
Facts & Sayings
„Clap back“
Originally means to respond sharply, but within Medium Writers, it humorously refers to encouraging someone to 'give claps' to an article, signaling appreciation or support.
„Boost your story“
A phrase meaning to take deliberate actions like sharing on social media or engaging with comments to increase a story's visibility and chances of curation on Medium.
„Caught by the algorithm“
Used to describe when a story gains sudden traction due to Medium’s curation system, often unexpectedly increasing reads and claps.
„Publication hustle“
Refers to the ongoing effort writers invest in getting their articles accepted and featured in Medium publications, which can significantly improve reach and credibility.
Unwritten Rules
Don’t beg for claps or followers outright.
Directly asking for claps is frowned upon, as it appears desperate; organic engagement is valued more highly.
Respect publication guidelines strictly.
Each publication on Medium sets editorial guidelines; ignoring them reduces chances of acceptance and may harm reputations.
Engage genuinely with feedback and comments.
Responding thoughtfully signals professionalism and fosters community, increasing loyalty and reader retention.
Use proper formatting and multimedia thoughtfully.
Well-formatted stories with relevant images or embeds are preferred by curation teams and enhance reader experience.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Sophia, 29
Content MarketerfemaleSophia found Medium as a platform to combine her marketing expertise with her passion for storytelling, regularly publishing insights on branding and digital trends.
AuthenticityConsistencyAudience engagement
Motivations
- Building a professional writer portfolio
- Sharing knowledge with a broader audience
- Connecting with like-minded content creators
Challenges
- Standing out among a crowded field of writers
- Maintaining consistent publication frequency
- Navigating Medium's algorithm to optimize article reach
Platforms
Medium commentsLinkedIn groups
clapspublicationfeatured story
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
People
1 / 3
1 / 3
People
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-3 weeks
1
Read Popular Medium Articles
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Explore trending and recommended articles to understand writing styles and topics on Medium.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in Medium’s ecosystem. Spend time reading a range of popular and recommended articles across different topics. Focus on pieces that have high engagement (claps, comments, shares) and note the writing styles, tone, structure, and subject matter. This helps you understand what resonates with Medium’s audience and the platform’s editorial standards. Common beginner challenges include feeling overwhelmed by the volume of content or not knowing which topics to focus on. Overcome this by starting with Medium’s curated lists or tags that interest you. Take notes on what you find compelling or effective in these articles. This foundational step is crucial because it sets your expectations and helps you identify niches or communities you might want to join. Evaluate your progress by being able to articulate the common traits of successful Medium articles and identifying a few writers you admire.
2
Create a Medium Account
30-60 minutesBasic
Summary: Set up your Medium profile, add a bio, and follow writers and publications that interest you.
Details: To participate meaningfully, you need a Medium account. Go beyond basic signup: personalize your profile with a photo, a concise bio, and links to your work or interests. This makes you more approachable to the community. Next, follow writers and publications that align with your interests. This customizes your feed and signals your engagement to others. Beginners often skip profile setup or follow too few accounts, missing out on networking opportunities. Take time to craft a bio that reflects your writing goals or expertise. This step is important for visibility and credibility within the Medium community. Progress is measured by having a complete profile and an initial network of followed writers and publications, which will help you stay updated and connected.
3
Engage with Articles
2-4 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Comment thoughtfully, highlight passages, and clap for articles to join ongoing conversations and be noticed.
Details: Active engagement is a hallmark of the Medium community. Start by leaving thoughtful comments on articles you enjoy or find insightful. Use the highlight feature to mark passages that resonate with you, and clap for articles to show appreciation. Avoid generic comments; instead, share specific feedback or ask questions. Beginners sometimes hesitate to comment or only leave superficial responses, which limits their visibility. Overcome this by preparing a few sentences about what you learned or appreciated in each article. Engaging authentically helps you build relationships with writers and readers, and can lead to reciprocal engagement when you start publishing. Track your progress by the number of meaningful interactions you initiate and any responses you receive from writers or other readers.
1
Read Popular Medium Articles
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Explore trending and recommended articles to understand writing styles and topics on Medium.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in Medium’s ecosystem. Spend time reading a range of popular and recommended articles across different topics. Focus on pieces that have high engagement (claps, comments, shares) and note the writing styles, tone, structure, and subject matter. This helps you understand what resonates with Medium’s audience and the platform’s editorial standards. Common beginner challenges include feeling overwhelmed by the volume of content or not knowing which topics to focus on. Overcome this by starting with Medium’s curated lists or tags that interest you. Take notes on what you find compelling or effective in these articles. This foundational step is crucial because it sets your expectations and helps you identify niches or communities you might want to join. Evaluate your progress by being able to articulate the common traits of successful Medium articles and identifying a few writers you admire.
2
Create a Medium Account
30-60 minutesBasic
Summary: Set up your Medium profile, add a bio, and follow writers and publications that interest you.
Details: To participate meaningfully, you need a Medium account. Go beyond basic signup: personalize your profile with a photo, a concise bio, and links to your work or interests. This makes you more approachable to the community. Next, follow writers and publications that align with your interests. This customizes your feed and signals your engagement to others. Beginners often skip profile setup or follow too few accounts, missing out on networking opportunities. Take time to craft a bio that reflects your writing goals or expertise. This step is important for visibility and credibility within the Medium community. Progress is measured by having a complete profile and an initial network of followed writers and publications, which will help you stay updated and connected.
3
Engage with Articles
2-4 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Comment thoughtfully, highlight passages, and clap for articles to join ongoing conversations and be noticed.
Details: Active engagement is a hallmark of the Medium community. Start by leaving thoughtful comments on articles you enjoy or find insightful. Use the highlight feature to mark passages that resonate with you, and clap for articles to show appreciation. Avoid generic comments; instead, share specific feedback or ask questions. Beginners sometimes hesitate to comment or only leave superficial responses, which limits their visibility. Overcome this by preparing a few sentences about what you learned or appreciated in each article. Engaging authentically helps you build relationships with writers and readers, and can lead to reciprocal engagement when you start publishing. Track your progress by the number of meaningful interactions you initiate and any responses you receive from writers or other readers.
4
Draft and Publish Your First Story
1-2 daysIntermediate
Summary: Write, edit, and publish an original article on Medium, focusing on clarity and value for readers.
Details: Take the leap by drafting your first Medium story. Choose a topic you’re passionate about or have expertise in. Outline your main points, write a clear introduction, and use subheadings for structure. Edit thoroughly for grammar and flow. Add relevant images or links to enhance your article. Beginners often struggle with perfectionism or fear of publishing, leading to procrastination. Set a deadline for yourself and remember that your first story doesn’t have to be perfect. Use Medium’s built-in editor to format your piece and preview it before publishing. This step is vital for transitioning from reader to contributor. Evaluate your progress by successfully publishing your article and reflecting on the process. Track initial engagement (views, claps, comments) to gauge reader interest.
5
Submit to a Medium Publication
2-3 daysAdvanced
Summary: Research relevant publications, follow submission guidelines, and submit your story for wider reach and feedback.
Details: Medium publications curate and promote stories to larger audiences. Research publications in your niche using Medium’s search and publication directories. Carefully read their submission guidelines—each publication has specific requirements for formatting, topics, and submission process. Tailor your story or pitch accordingly. Beginners often overlook guidelines or submit to mismatched publications, leading to rejections. Avoid this by double-checking requirements and personalizing your submission. Submitting to a publication increases your story’s visibility and connects you with editors and a broader readership. Progress is measured by successfully submitting to at least one publication and receiving feedback or acceptance. Even if your first submission is declined, use any feedback to improve and try again.
Welcoming Practices
„Sharing resources and tips in new community groups“
New writers are welcomed by veteran Medium authors who share articles, editorial advice, and platform navigation tips to help newcomers succeed.
Beginner Mistakes
Ignoring publication submission requirements
Always read and follow the specific editorial guidelines and formatting requirements of any Medium publication before submitting.
Overusing clap requests at the end of stories or comments
Focus on writing quality content instead; authentic reader appreciation comes from engaging stories, not clamoring for claps.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Consistently publishing well-formatted, engaging articles
Builds a portfolio showcasing dedication and quality, forming the foundation of credibility on Medium.
Getting accepted by prominent Medium publications
Association with known publications increases visibility and signals trustworthiness to readers.
Engaging with the community through comments and social shares
Active participation indicates professionalism and helps build a loyal reader base and peer recognition.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American writers tend to focus more on monetization strategies and partnership programs due to larger English-speaking audiences and established editorial publications.
Europe
European Medium Writers often emphasize storytelling with strong cultural or political themes, reflecting diverse regional perspectives and social issues.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
Medium is just another free blogging platform where anyone can publish anything without quality control.
Reality
Medium Writers experience a nuanced editorial ecosystem with quality standards enforced through curation and publication affiliation, differentiating it from generic blogging sites.
Misconception #2
Monetization is effortless simply by writing on Medium.
Reality
Earning through the Partner Program requires understanding audience engagement, optimizing headlines, story formatting, and sustained writing to build a following.
