Substack vs Medium: Best Platform for New Writers in 2025 (Your Choice can Make or Break Your Journey)

An honest, experience-backed guide to help new writers choose the right platform for growth and future-proof success.

Recently my friend Himani Bahuguna asked me, “Which platform should she start writing on: Medium or Substack”?

Are all platforms the same or choosing one gives you an edge?

What if your writing platform is the silent reason you’re not growing?

Let me tell you why.

Since January, I have seen 100s of new writers quitting Medium due to unfair bans and low earnings.

When I left Medium after one year of writing, my 460 followers meant nothing. I couldn’t even email them goodbye.

I started on Substack from zero.

These shifts break momentum and many writers quit forever.

In this article, I will show you:

• The clear difference between Medium and Substack regarding monetization, audience and future potential.

• Pros and cons of each platform.

• Quick checklist for choosing the one that is right for you.

Let’s dive in.

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1. How Do You Get Paid? (And How Fast?)

⭐Medium

Medium pays per read from the day you are a paid member with 100 followers.

You can earn $20 from 1000 reads (Usually $0.02/read).

Here's my one article:

Author’s screenshot.

Medium is quick. But rarely life-changing.

🌟Substack

A Substack paid subscriber can pay you $5 to $50/month.

100 paid subscribers = $500/month (at the lower end).

But you won’t make a cent without paid subscribers.

It’s a long game but with higher ceilings and more secure earnings.

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2. Distribution: Who Decides Your Fate?

⭐Medium

You don't write for the reader, you write for the algorithm which decides if your article deserves to be seen.

One writer goes viral on the third day while other with thousands of followers count cents.

🌟Substack

Substack has no algorithm. No lottery.

You promote your work. You earn your growth.

Slow? Yes.

But you keep what you build.

Let's discuss the future changing factor.

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3. Audience: Are You Renting or Owning?

⭐Medium

I did follow-for-follow and posted 10 comments daily for getting followers before realising I didn’t own a single reader!

Most of your followers are ghosts. You can’t reach them. They could vanish overnight and you’d have no idea why.

What’s the point of writing for followers who never return or remember your name?

🌟Substack

You don't get followers. You get email subscribers. Your own tribe.

You can send newsletters, pitch products, and build real relationships straight into their inbox.

“Don’t build your house on someone else’s land.” — Unknown

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4. You write or you build? (Control & Creative Freedom)

⭐Medium

You write. You hit publish. But your job is incomplete unless you beg in comments for attention.

Medium has no tools to connect, collaborate, or customize. It’s like blogging in a box.

Luckily you can set your ‘Profile Picture’ and ‘About’.

🌟Substack:

Substack offers:

🔥Homepage

🔥Cross-posts

🔥Guest posts

🔥Subscriber list

🔥Welcome emails

🔥Paid newsletters

🔥Personal branding

🔥Community threads

You don’t just write, you build.

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Quick check-off list to choose the best platform for you

💡 Choose Medium if:

✍️You’re just starting and want quick feedback

✍️You don’t want to handle email and design

✍️You want to test your writing skills

💡Choose Substack if:

✍️You want to build a long-term writing business

✍️You enjoy connecting deeply with your reader

✍️You’re ready to grow slow but strong

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Are you still unsure?

DM me and I’ll personally help you choose the right platform.

(Share this with a friend who’s starting their writing journey too.)

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Free Irresistible Headline Templates

You pour hours to research, learn and pack your content in a post to get deafeaning silence.

No one listens. You think you are not worth listening to.

Here's the truth:

Most new writers quit not because they’re bad writers,

But because no one notices them.

If you’ve ever felt invisible, I have something that might help:

INSTANT IMPACT HEADLINE

These are the same formulas that got me 800+ views on a single post even with an audience of 460.

It is free for last the 48 hours⚠️

You can use these irresistible headline templates in:

👉Substack posts

👉Medium articles

👉Blogs and any articles you write.

Don't feel ignored again.

Naveen.