Substack vs. Medium: The Shift in Digital Writing Platforms
Written on
The Rise of Substack
It's becoming increasingly clear that Substack is currently outpacing Medium as a preferred platform for writers. While I’m not dismissing Medium’s potential for improvement—my own views on the platform have been climbing recently—it simply doesn't compare to its former glory.
Why the Shift?
The key factor in this transformation can be boiled down to one central concept: inclusivity. Substack has embraced a broad array of creators, whereas Medium appears to have a more exclusive approach.
The contrast is stark, especially highlighted by a recent communication from Medium regarding their new revenue-sharing initiative. The email outlined their criteria for curators, emphasizing:
- A focus on high-quality narratives
- A diverse range of topics, including art, poetry, history, and fiction
- A commitment to publishers from various backgrounds
The last point is particularly noteworthy. Why should the diversity of a publisher's background influence their acceptance, rather than the quality of their content? While I agree that diverse perspectives enrich discussions, it shouldn’t be a prerequisite for evaluation. If a writer has valuable insights to share, their background should not overshadow the merit of their work.
The Question of Boosting Content
Since 2019, Medium has implemented a "curation" system where selected stories received enhanced visibility. Recently, they introduced a new feature called "The Boost," which allows employees to promote specific articles throughout the platform. This seems to signify a failure in their algorithm’s ability to organically surface quality content.
To illustrate, platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn rely on algorithms rather than manual curation. This suggests that the notion of "boosting" content is fundamentally flawed. It risks creating a disconnect between what audiences truly desire and what Medium’s curators think they should want.
While Medium may attract some new readers with this approach, it risks alienating those who prefer a broader spectrum of content. Algorithms are designed to cater to individual interests—this should be the cornerstone of a successful platform.
A Personal Reflection
Just yesterday, a Substack employee highlighted a quote from my newsletter, which genuinely touched me. It’s been years since Medium acknowledged my contributions—my last notable interaction with them dates back to 2019. The absence of recognition feels like a loss, especially when I consider how Substack actively engages with its community.
This is indicative of a misguided strategy at Medium. The platform seems to have lost its way, failing to adapt to the changing landscape of digital writing. In contrast, Substack has fostered a supportive environment, allowing my newsletter to grow steadily, with over 750 subscribers so far.
Medium faces a critical moment. Unless they revamp their algorithm or rethink their approach to content promotion, they may struggle to reclaim their former status in the writing community.
Exploring Substack's Impact on Writers
The video titled "The New Twitter for Writers Is Here - Grow With Substack Notes" features an interview with David McIlroy discussing how Substack is reshaping the writing landscape.
In another insightful video, "Why EVERYONE should be on Substack," the discussion revolves around the platform's mechanics and its potential for monetary success for writers.