Substack vs Medium – Which Platform is Best For You?

Substack and Medium are two platforms for writers, bloggers, and other content creators. This blogpost will explore the differences between the two platforms to help you decide the best one for your personal or business needs.

Plus, as a bonus, we’ll introduce you to Supernotes, a note-taking app that can help you keep track of all your writing needs – from idea-generation, to first drafts, edits, and more!

What is Substack?

Substack is an email newsletter platform that allows writers to self-publish directly to their subscribers’ inboxes. What’s great about this is that writers can build direct relationships with readers, while being offered the opportunity to monetize premium content through a paywall. Substack has been increasingly popular among independent writers, journalists, and niche content creators who want direct control over their audience.

Key Features

• Growing Your Audience: At the heart of Substack, as a platform, is the email-based newsletter format, where content is delivered straight to the subscriber’s inbox. This means writers are responsible for their own marketing and audience growth. Discovery is primarily through word-of-mouth, social media, and other personal marketing efforts.
• Direct Monetization: Writers can charge subscribers to access their paywalled content. Writers are also able to decide which content is paid and which are free access.
• Content Ownership: Writers have full ownership of their content and subscriber lists, which they can export at any time.
• Simple and Customisable Inferface: Clean design for readers, which writers can customise based on their design preferences (font, color palette, theme).
• Markdown Support: Substack supports Markdown to format their content, allowing the writing process to be quick and efficient.
• Fees: Free to use but Substack takes a 10% fee on subscription revenue.

What is Medium?

Medium is a blogging platform which allows writers to self-publish while reaching their built-in network. On Medium, writers can sign up for the Partner Program, which pays writers based on engagement metrics like ‘claps’ from members on the platform. Medium is best for writers looking to build a following while engaging with a diversified community of readers and writers.

Key Features

• Built-In Audience: Writers get access to Medium’s large and engaged user base, allowing the to build an audience and increase discoverability.
• Monetization: Medium gives writers the option to apply for the Partner Program. This, however, has eligibility requirements.
• WYSIWYG Formatting within the Editor Interface: Medium does not support Markdown, but a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor which allows writers to see their formatting changes in real-time.
• Content Ownership: While writers own their content, Medium has more control over the distribution and reach. Writers do not have direct access to their follower lists outside of the platform.
• Fees: Free to publish, but the Partner Program requires a Medium membership ($5/month) for full access to monetization features.

Ultimately, the choice between the two platforms is completely up to the writer and their preferences, but the above are a list of features to consider. For writers who prioritize direct audience engagement and straightforward monetization, Substack’s email-based platform may be best. However, Medium provides a built-in audience and diverse content creation tools, making it suitable for those looking to quickly reach a wider readership.

Want to create high-quality content you can publish online?

You might want to consider Supernotes, a note-taking app built with good design and high functionality at its core. Its powerful, fast, and perfect for writers who have lots of ideas and would like to take them when they’re on the go.

Say goodbye to unorganised ideas and drafts that don’t end up seeing the light of day!