Medium vs. Substack: My Experiment with Two Writing Platforms

SEO, Engagement, and Earnings: A Writer’s Honest Take

Image generated by author on DallE-3

When I started writing on Medium just over a year ago, I was intrigued by the platform’s potential to reach new readers and maybe even earn a bit from my work. With a year’s experience and over 1,000 followers now, I’ve enjoyed how Medium combines SEO benefits with a platform full of engaging, thoughtful content. But curiosity led me to test the waters on Substack, a space where writers can build more direct relationships with readers.

After two months on Substack, I’m learning that each platform has unique strengths, from visibility and reach to monetization and community building. Although I only have 47 subscribers on Substack—none of them paid so far—I’ve come to appreciate the personal connections you can make, even if it’s not as SEO-driven as Medium.

Here’s a look at how the two platforms compare for visibility, connection, and income, and why, if I had to choose, Medium would still come out on top.