How to Get Paid for Writing Medium Articles (Beginner’s Guide)

Want to get paid for writing online? Medium.com is one of the best platforms where writers can earn passive income from their articles, even if they’re just starting out. With Medium’s Partner Program (MPP), you can make money based on how much time members spend reading your content—some writers earn $100–$10,000+ per month just from Medium alone.

Let’s break down how to start writing on Medium, get more readers, and maximize your earnings step by step.

Step 1: How Does Medium Pay Writers?

🔹 The Medium Partner Program (MPP)

✅ Writers earn money based on reading time – The more time paying Medium members spend reading your articles, the more you earn.
✅ Paid Membership Pool – Medium splits a portion of the $5/month membership fees among Partner Program writers.
✅ Referral Bonus – You can earn 50% of Medium’s subscription fees for each person who signs up through your link.

💡 Pro Tip: Articles with higher engagement and longer read times make the most money!

Step 2: How to Join the Medium Partner Program

🔹 Partner Program Requirements

✅ Be in an eligible country (U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, & others).
✅ Have at least 100 followers.
✅ Write at least 1 published story.
✅ Have a Stripe account to receive payments.

🔹 How to Sign Up

1. Create a Medium account at Medium.com.
2. Write & publish your first article.
3. Gain 100 followers (we’ll cover this in Step 4).
4. Apply to the Medium Partner Program under “Settings.”
5. Connect Stripe for payments.

💡 Pro Tip: Medium pays monthly—top writers earn $500+ per article with the right strategy!

Step 3: Choose a Profitable Niche to Write About

🔹 Best Niches for High Earnings on Medium

✅ Personal Development & Productivity – Life hacks, habits, motivation.
✅ Money & Finance – Side hustles, investing, passive income.
✅ Technology & AI – The latest trends in tech and automation.
✅ Writing & Freelancing – How to make money as a writer.
✅ Health & Wellness – Fitness, mindfulness, self-care.
✅ Relationships & Dating – Love, psychology, communication tips.
✅ Self-Improvement Stories – Personal growth journeys.

💡 Pro Tip: Medium readers love personal stories + actionable advice—mix both for higher engagement!

Step 4: Write Viral Medium Articles

🔹 How to Structure a High-Earning Article

✅ Headline = The Hook – Example: “How I Made $5,000 Writing on Medium in 3 Months.”
✅ Strong Introduction – Start with a relatable problem or personal story.
✅ Engaging Subheadings – Use H3 & H4 to keep it skimmable.
✅ Short Paragraphs – 2–3 sentences max for easy reading.
✅ Use Lists & Bullet Points – Makes content digestible.
✅ Clear Call-to-Action (CTA) – Ask readers to follow & engage.

🔹 Examples of Medium-Friendly Headlines

✅ “How I Quit My 9–5 and Started Earning $5,000/Month Online”
✅ “10 Money Hacks That Helped Me Save $10,000 in One Year”
✅ “The 3 Productivity Secrets Used by Billionaires”

💡 Pro Tip: Use “I” in titles—personal stories perform 2x better on Medium!

Step 5: Get More Readers & Followers on Medium

🔹 1. Optimize for Medium’s Algorithm

✅ Post 2–3 times per week – Consistency is key.
✅ Use relevant tags (5 max) – Example: “Writing, Productivity, Money, Medium Partner Program.”
✅ Engage with other writers – Comment on top writers’ posts to get noticed.

🔹 2. Submit to Medium Publications

✅ Publications boost visibility & traffic.
✅ Best Medium Publications for New Writers:

• Better Humans (Self-improvement, productivity).
• Mind Cafe (Personal growth, mindset).
• Illumination (General topics, beginner-friendly).
• Better Programming (Tech, coding, AI).

💡 Pro Tip: Articles in popular publications get 10x more views than solo posts!

Step 6: Monetize Your Medium Articles

🔹 1. Earn from Reading Time (MPP Earnings)

✅ Articles with high engagement (5+ minutes read time) make the most money.
✅ Writers earn $5–$50 per 1,000 views, depending on engagement & member read time.

🔹 2. Medium Referral Bonuses (50% Recurring)

✅ Share your Medium membership referral link in your articles.
✅ Earn $2.50/month per subscriber who signs up through you.
✅ If you refer 100 people, that’s $250/month in passive income!

🔹 3. Affiliate Marketing (Best for Passive Income)

✅ Recommend tools & products related to your niche.
✅ Best affiliate programs:

• Amazon Associates – Books, tech gear.
• ConvertKit – Email marketing software.
• Fiverr & Upwork – Freelance job platforms.

💡 Pro Tip: Add affiliate links naturally inside value-packed articles—avoid spammy promotions!

🔹 4. Repurpose Medium Articles into eBooks or Courses

✅ Bundle your best-performing articles into an eBook or digital course.
✅ Sell on Gumroad, Teachable, or Amazon KDP.
✅ Example: “The Ultimate Guide to Making Money on Medium” – $10 per copy.

💡 Pro Tip: Medium lets you repurpose content—you own all rights to your articles!

Step 7: Scale to $1,000+ Per Month on Medium

🔹 How to Increase Your Medium Earnings Faster

✅ Write 3–5 Articles Per Week – More content = more earnings.
✅ Repurpose Your Articles on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Quora for extra traffic.
✅ Cross-Publish on Your Own Blog & Email List – Build your brand beyond Medium.
✅ Engage With Other Writers & Publications – Helps you grow faster.
✅ Offer Coaching or Consulting – Monetize your expertise beyond writing.

🔹 Example Medium Earnings Breakdown

💡 Pro Tip: Top Medium writers combine multiple income streams to hit $5K+ per month!

Final Thoughts

Writing on Medium is one of the easiest ways to earn passive income online—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer. By choosing a profitable niche, writing engaging articles, and using smart monetization strategies, you can start making $1,000+ per month on Medium in just a few months.

🔥 Want step-by-step coaching? Check out our Medium Writing Masterclass and start earning today! 🚀