Medium 101
Interested in Writing on Medium? Start Here.
A quick FAQ to help you do your best work
This post was updated in June 2025
You’ve seen stories published here on Medium, you’ve heard others who have published here talk about it, or you’ve found Medium while looking for places to write online. Either way, you might have some questions on how publishing works on Medium. We’ve gathered some information that can be helpful as you get started.
Who can write and publish?
You can! You don’t have to apply and be accepted to write. All you need to do is sign up. Once you’re signed up, start writing: medium.com/new-story.
Do I have to be vetted?
You do not have to be vetted in any way to write on Medium. You don’t have to apply or take a writer’s quiz, or send a piece in to be considered. All you have to do is create an account.
What can be published on Medium?
You can publish anything as long as it doesn’t violate the Medium Rules.
Who can see my stories?
Once you’ve published a story, anyone who opens up the link can read it. Here are a few more places:
- Readers who follow you on Medium will see your stories in their “Following” section on their homepage.
- It can also show up in Digest emails of readers, based on reader interests.
- Your story will be distributed through recommendations on the Meidum homepage and the Medium app, also based on the reader’s interests.
- If you publish your story in a publication, followers for that publication may be recommended your story, even if they don’t follow you.
What are publications on Medium?
Publications are one of the ways stories are collected and distributed on Medium. Many publications on Medium accept submissions, and we have a list of open publications here. Each publication has a different way of managing submissions.
You can learn more about publications in this Medium story and this YouTube video on how to find publications for your story on Medium.
Can I get paid to write?
On Medium, writers have the opportunity to be paid through the Medium Partner Program.
Here’s a video on how to enroll in the Medium Partner Program; here’s a written guide.
What posts are behind the paywall?
A post is behind the paywall if its writer has chosen to monetize it. Readers must be paying Medium members to read it. Membership subscriptions pay the writers in the Medium Partner Program.
Medium writers can put stories behind the paywall and earn based on member engagement. Learn more about Medium’s Partner Program here.
Where can I find resources for writing?
You can find more resources in our Help Center.
Know any great pubs, stories, or other resources for writing on Medium? Add them in the responses here.
