Medium vs. SubStack

My blogging has largely been based in WordPress software I use through server space I rent. The posts you are reading are on an experimental blog I generate using Blogger.com. A very different approach is offered by services that provide an outlet for many writers and a revenue source for some who want to use the service in that way. I have a paid subscription to follow one writer who I became acquainted with through a book club he leads and I became curious about the two most prominent services of this type after interacting with him. This ChatGPT summary describes these two services - SubStack and Medium. The prompt as ChatGPT to compare and contrast the two services and did not specify a format.

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Medium and Substack are both popular platforms for publishing and reading content, but they have some key differences:

1. Content Type:

• Medium: Medium is a platform that hosts a wide range of content, including articles, blog posts, essays, and stories. It allows writers to contribute to publications or create their own personal blogs.

• Substack: Substack is primarily focused on newsletters. It’s designed for writers to create and monetize their newsletters, which can include a mix of written content, audio, and other media.

2. Monetization:

• Medium: On Medium, writers can earn money through the Medium Partner Program, which allows members to read exclusive stories by paying a monthly fee. Writers receive a portion of the earnings based on the engagement their stories generate.

• Substack: Substack offers a subscription-based model, where writers can charge a fee for access to their newsletters. Subscribers get access to exclusive content, and Substack takes a percentage of the subscription revenue.

3. Ownership and Control:

• Medium: Writers retain ownership of their content but grant Medium a non-exclusive license to publish it on their platform.

• Substack: Writers retain full ownership and control of their content on Substack, which means they can export their subscriber list and move to a different platform if they choose to.

4. Community and Discovery:

• Medium: Medium has a larger built-in community, making it easier for writers to gain exposure to a broader audience. It also features curated publications that can help boost visibility.

• Substack: Substack relies more on the writer’s ability to build and nurture their own community of subscribers. Discovery on Substack often happens through word-of-mouth or external marketing efforts.

5. Design and Customization:

• Medium: Medium provides a standardized design for all posts, which maintains consistency throughout the platform.

• Substack: Substack offers more customization options, allowing writers to personalize the design and layout of their newsletters to match their branding.

Ultimately, the choice between Medium and Substack depends on the type of content you want to publish and your preferred monetization model. If you aim to create newsletters and have more control over your content and subscribers, Substack might be the better fit. On the other hand, if you want a broader audience and the ability to publish various types of content, Medium could be the more suitable option.