In the past, writers on Medium could only make money through the revenue share system based on reading time and claps.
However, Medium has now introduced a referral program as part of their Partner Program. This means that writers have the opportunity to earn a commission from memberships they refer to the platform.
Medium, a widely-used online publishing platform, offers writers the chance to monetize their content by reaching a larger audience. By participating in the Referral Program, writers can increase their earnings by referring new members to join Medium.
What is Medium Referral Program?
The Medium Referral Program is an initiative introduced by the Medium platform that allows writers to earn additional income by referring new members to join Medium. When writers refer someone to sign up for a paid Medium membership using their unique referral link, they can earn a commission.
Under the Referral Program, writers receive a commission for each referred member who becomes a paying Medium member. The commission is typically a one-time payment, although the specific details and rates may vary over time.
To participate in the Referral Program, writers need to be part of the Medium Partner Program, which is the program that enables writers to monetize their content on the platform. Once they are part of the Partner Program, writers gain access to their unique referral link, which they can share with others through various channels such as social media, blogs, or personal websites.
When someone clicks on the referral link and signs up for a paid Medium membership, the writer who referred them will receive a commission. This commission serves as an additional source of income on top of the earnings generated through the traditional revenue share system based on reading time and claps.
The Medium Referral Program provides an opportunity for writers to leverage their networks and influence to attract new members to the platform. By encouraging others to join and become paid Medium members, writers can earn commissions and potentially increase their overall earnings from their content on Medium.
How to join the Medium Referral Program
To join the Medium Referral Program, you need to be a part of the Medium Partner Program. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to join:
- Sign up for a Medium account: If you don’t already have an account, visit the Medium website (medium.com) and create a new account. You can sign up using your email address or through your Google or Facebook account.
- Become a Medium Partner: To participate in the Referral Program, you need to be a member of the Medium Partner Program. This program allows writers to earn money through the Medium platform. To join, click on your profile icon in the top-right corner of the Medium homepage and select “Become a member” or “Upgrade to Medium Partner.” Follow the instructions to complete the signup process for the Partner Program.
- Access your referral link: Once you have joined the Medium Partner Program, you will gain access to your unique referral link. This link is generated specifically for your account and can be used to track the members you refer. To find your referral link, go to your profile settings or the Partner Program dashboard.
- Share your referral link: Start promoting your referral link to potential new members. You can share it through various channels such as social media, email, personal websites, or blogs. Encourage others to sign up for a paid Medium membership using your referral link.
- Earn commissions: When someone clicks on your referral link and becomes a paying Medium member, you will earn a commission. The exact commission rates and payment details may vary, so refer to the Medium Partner Program documentation or terms for specific information.
- Track your referrals and earnings: Medium provides tools and dashboards for you to track your referrals and earnings. You can monitor the number of referrals you have generated and the commissions you have earned through the Referral Program.
By following these steps, you can join the Medium Referral Program and start earning commissions for referring new members to the platform
How to find your Medium referral link
To find your Medium referral link, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your Medium account by visiting the Medium website (medium.com) and entering your credentials.
- Once you’re logged in, click on your profile icon in the top-right corner of the Medium homepage. This will open a drop-down menu.
- From the drop-down menu, select “Stories” or “Publications” to go to your profile page.
- On your profile page, look for the “Earn money by inviting people to Medium” section. It is usually located near the top or in the sidebar of the page.
- Within that section, you should find your unique referral link. It is a URL that is specifically generated for your account and contains your referral code.
- You can copy your referral link by clicking on the “Copy” button or by manually selecting and copying the URL.
Once you have copied your referral link, you can share it with others through various channels such as social media, email, personal websites, or blogs. When someone clicks on your referral link and signs up for a paid Medium membership, you will earn a commission.
If you’re having trouble finding your referral link or the location has changed on the Medium website, you can refer to Medium’s official documentation or support resources for more specific guidance.
Sharing Your referral page effectively
To effectively share your referral link and maximize your chances of attracting new members to Medium, consider the following tips:
a) Provide context: When sharing your referral link, offer some context or a brief explanation of why you enjoy using Medium. Share your personal experiences, the benefits you’ve gained from the platform, or specific articles or publications that have resonated with you. This will help potential new members understand the value of Medium and be more likely to click on your link.
b) Utilize social media: Social media platforms are powerful tools for sharing your referral link. Share engaging posts or tweets that highlight the benefits of joining Medium and include your referral link. Consider creating eye-catching visuals or using relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and questions, fostering discussions about Medium, and encouraging them to sign up through your referral link.
c) Leverage your network: Reach out to your friends, family, colleagues, and online communities that share similar interests. Send personalized messages or emails explaining why you think they would enjoy Medium and include your referral link. Tailor your message to their specific interests or needs, showcasing how Medium can provide valuable content in those areas.
d) Create content: If you have a blog or website, write an article or blog post about Medium and the benefits it offers. Share your personal journey, success stories, or curated reading lists. Include your referral link within the content and encourage readers to sign up. This can attract organic traffic and engage readers who are already interested in the topics you cover.
e) Engage with Medium’s community: Participate in Medium’s writing and reading community by leaving thoughtful comments on articles and joining discussions. When appropriate, mention your positive experiences with Medium and encourage others to join using your referral link. Building relationships and credibility within the community can increase the likelihood of people signing up through your referral.
f) Offer incentives: Consider offering incentives to those who sign up using your referral link. It could be exclusive access to a curated list of your favorite articles, a free e-book, or a personal Q&A session. Providing additional value can make your referral link more enticing and increase conversions.
g) Track your results: Monitor the performance of your referral link using Medium’s tracking tools or external analytics platforms. This will help you understand which channels and strategies are most effective in driving sign-ups. Adjust your approach based on the data to optimize your efforts.
Earnings and payouts
Earnings and payouts for the Medium Referral Program and Partner Program can vary based on various factors. Here’s an overview of how earnings and payouts work on Medium:
a) Referral Program Earnings: When you refer someone to sign up for a paid Medium membership using your referral link, you can earn a commission. The commission is typically a one-time payment and can vary depending on the terms and rates set by Medium. The exact commission amount may change over time, so it’s important to refer to Medium’s official documentation or terms for the most up-to-date information.
b) Revenue Share Earnings: In addition to the Referral Program, the Medium Partner Program allows writers to earn money through the platform based on readership and engagement. Medium calculates earnings based on the readers’ reading time and engagement metrics such as claps. The specific earnings per reading time and clap may also vary, and Medium periodically updates their algorithms and payment models.
c) Payment Threshold: Medium has a payment threshold that needs to be reached before earnings can be paid out. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the payment threshold for the Partner Program was $100. This means that once you accumulate earnings of at least $100, you become eligible for a payout.
d) Payment Schedule: Medium has a monthly payout schedule. If you meet the payment threshold, you should expect to receive your earnings within a specific timeframe, typically by the end of the following month. For example, if you reach the payment threshold in January, you would likely receive your earnings by the end of February. It’s important to note that payout schedules and processes may change, so it’s recommended to refer to Medium’s official documentation or terms for the most accurate details.
e) Payment Method: Medium offers different payment methods depending on your location. As of my knowledge cutoff, eligible writers could receive their payouts via direct deposit (ACH) in the United States and through Stripe for writers outside of the United States. It’s important to ensure your payment information is accurate and up-to-date in your Medium account settings.
f) Tax Considerations: Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be responsible for reporting and paying taxes on your earnings from Medium. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or review the tax regulations applicable to your situation to ensure compliance with tax obligations.
Is the Medium referral program worth it?
Whether the Medium referral program is worth it or not depends on your individual circumstances, goals, and preferences. Here are a few factors to consider when evaluating the worthiness of the program:
Strengths
- Additional income potential: The referral program provides an opportunity to earn additional income on top of the revenue share from your own content on Medium.
- Easy to join: Becoming a part of the referral program is typically straightforward and accessible to Medium users.
- Flexible promotion options: You have the flexibility to promote your referral link through various channels, such as social media, personal websites, blogs, or email, allowing you to reach a wide audience.
- Potential for passive income: Once you’ve shared your referral link, it can continue generating commissions as new members sign up without requiring ongoing effort from you.
- Commissions for sign-ups: You earn a commission when someone signs up for a paid Medium membership using your referral link, providing a clear incentive for promoting the platform.
Weaknesses
- Varied earning potential: The amount of income you can earn through the referral program depends on factors such as the number of sign-ups and their level of engagement, which can vary significantly.
- Market saturation: As the referral program becomes more popular, there may be increased competition and saturation, making it harder to attract sign-ups.
- Effort and promotion required: To maximize your earnings, you need to actively promote your referral link and engage with potential members, which requires time and effort on your part.
- Payment threshold: Medium has a payment threshold that needs to be reached before you can receive a payout, which means it may take time to accumulate enough earnings.
- Dependence on Medium’s success: Your referral earnings are tied to the success and growth of Medium as a platform. If Medium’s popularity declines or if there are significant changes to the referral program, it could impact your earnings.
Medium referral program FAQs
How do I join the Medium referral program?
To join the Medium referral program, you need to be a Medium member. Once you’re a member, you can generate your unique referral link through the referral page on your Medium account.
How does the Medium referral program work?
The Medium referral program allows you to earn commissions by referring new members to sign up for a paid Medium membership using your referral link. When someone signs up using your link, you’ll receive a commission.
How much commission can I earn from the Medium referral program?
The commission amount for the Medium referral program can vary and is typically determined by Medium. The exact commission rates and terms may change over time, so it’s best to refer to Medium’s official documentation or terms for the most up-to-date information.
How and when do I receive my referral program earnings?
Referral program earnings are typically paid out through the same payment method as your Medium Partner Program earnings. As of my knowledge cutoff, eligible writers in the United States received payments via direct deposit (ACH), while writers outside of the United States received payments through Stripe. Medium has a monthly payout schedule, and you should receive your earnings within a specific timeframe, typically by the end of the following month.
Is there a minimum earning threshold for the Medium referral program?
The Medium does not explicitly mention a minimum earning threshold for the referral program. However, it’s possible that there may be a threshold in place for payout eligibility. Refer to Medium’s official documentation or terms for the most accurate information on payment thresholds.
Can I track my referral program performance and earnings?
Yes, Medium provides tools and features to track your referral program performance. You can usually access referral program statistics, including the number of referrals, sign-ups, and earnings, through your Medium account dashboard or referral page.
Are there any restrictions on who I can refer to the Medium referral program?
Medium’s terms and conditions may specify certain restrictions on referring specific individuals or engaging in fraudulent referral practices. It’s important to review Medium’s official documentation or terms to understand any limitations or guidelines related to the referral program.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Medium referral program provides an opportunity for Medium members to earn additional income by referring new members to sign up for a paid Medium membership using their unique referral links. While the program has its strengths, such as the potential for additional income and flexible promotion options, it also has its weaknesses, such as varied earning potential and the need for active promotion and effort.
To join the referral program, you need to be a Medium member, and you can generate your referral link through your Medium account. The commission rates and terms for the program may vary, so it’s important to refer to Medium’s official documentation for the most up-to-date information.
Earnings from the referral program, along with the Medium Partner Program, are subject to a payment threshold, and payments are typically made on a monthly schedule. The specific payment methods and thresholds may vary, so it’s advisable to review Medium’s official documentation for accurate details.
Overall, the worthiness of the Medium referral program depends on your individual circumstances, goals, and willingness to actively promote your referral link. It’s essential to evaluate the potential earnings, effort required, and your audience’s relevance to determine if the program aligns with your interests and objectives. Remember to refer to Medium’s official documentation or support resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the referral program.
Disclaimer: Prices are at time of the review and subject to change.
