avatarKristina God, MBA

Summary

Medium writers have reported a decrease in article views and payments, but an investigation suggests that the platform has not reduced payouts to fund its referral program.

Abstract

The website content discusses a recent concern among Medium writers about a perceived reduction in payouts for their content, which some attribute to the funding of Medium's referral program. Writers like Christie Adams and B Kean have observed significant drops in views and reading rates since September 2021. In response to these claims, writer DC Palter conducted an analysis to determine the validity of these assertions. Palter's findings indicate that it is unlikely Medium has decreased content payouts to support the referral program, suggesting instead that earnings from referrals are supplementary to regular content payments. Despite these findings, the discussion in the comments section reveals ongoing speculation about the matter.

Opinions

  • Christie Adams notes that payments have drastically decreased.
  • B Kean reports a substantial decline in views and reading rates since September 2021.
  • DC Palter's analysis suggests that Medium's referral program earnings are additional to content payments and not a result of reduced payouts for content.
  • Some writers and readers continue to speculate about the reasons behind the changes in views and earnings, indicating skepticism about the official stance.

Medium Has Reduced The Payout For Content

to pay for the referral program. True or false?

made with Canva by Kristina God

My feed is full of articles from writers claiming payments and views have decreased recently.

  • Payments have fallen off a cliff. Christie Adams — Writer
  • Before July 2021, my average article would get at 500–600 views with a high of 20,000 with a 43% reading rate. Since September, my absolute best view number is 350 with reads at 280. B Kean

One brave writer, DC Palter, set out to find out what’s true or not in regard to earnings over time.

screenshot of DC Palter’s graph 2020 vs. 2021

His findings:

(i)t looks unlikely that Medium has reduced the payout for content to pay for the referral program.

(…)the money we make from the referral program is truly a bonus on top of our regular content payment.

Still, there are further speculations in the comments.

What do you think?

Writing
Social Media
Writing On Medium
Money
Freelancing
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