Steemit vs Medium: Which is More Profitable for Bloggers? 💰✍
When it comes to blogging for profit, two platforms often come to mind: Steemit and Medium. Both allow writers to share content and earn money, but they operate in different ways.
So, which platform is more profitable for bloggers? In this guide, we'll compare Steemit vs Medium based on monetization, audience, and long-term earning potential.
1. How Do Steemit and Medium Work? 🤔
🔷 What is Steemit?
Steemit is a blockchain-based blogging platform where users earn cryptocurrency rewards (STEEM, Steem Power, and SBD) through upvotes from the community.
✅ Decentralized – No central authority controlling content.
✅ Earnings based on engagement – More upvotes = More crypto rewards.
✅ Free to use – No subscription required.
🔷 What is Medium?
Medium is a traditional blogging platform where writers can earn through the Medium Partner Program (MPP), which pays based on read time and engagement.
✅ Owned by a company – Centralized platform.
✅ Earnings based on membership reads – More paying members reading your article = More money.
✅ Some articles are behind a paywall – To maximize earnings, writers must place content behind Medium’s paywall.
2. How Do You Make Money? 💰
| Feature | Steemit | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Model | Cryptocurrency rewards (STEEM, SBD) | Membership revenue (MPP) |
| How to Earn? | Upvotes from the community | Read time from paying members |
| Payment Method | Crypto (STEEM, SBD, SP) | Bank transfer, PayPal |
| Payout Speed | 7-day reward system | Monthly payments |
| Entry Cost | Free | Free, but Medium Partner Program requires a $5/month membership to earn |
📌 Steemit rewards directly in cryptocurrency, while Medium pays in fiat currency (USD).
3. Which Platform Has a Bigger Audience? 🌎
🔷 Steemit
- Community-driven, niche audience interested in crypto, tech, finance, and blockchain topics.
- Fewer readers compared to Medium but higher earning potential if you get engagement.
🔷 Medium
- Larger and more diverse audience.
- Ideal for general topics like personal development, business, and storytelling.
- Competitive because of many high-quality writers.
💡 If your niche is crypto or blockchain, Steemit is the better choice. If you write for a general audience, Medium has more potential readers.
4. How Much Can You Earn? 💸
🔷 Steemit Earnings
✅ Upvotes determine earnings – If a popular Steemit user upvotes your post, you can earn $10-$100+ per article.
✅ Ongoing rewards – Even old posts can still earn if people continue upvoting.
✅ Volatile earnings – Depends on STEEM price fluctuations.
🔷 Medium Earnings
✅ Average earnings per article – Between $5-$100, depending on engagement.
✅ Steady income – If you have loyal paying readers, you get a more consistent payout.
✅ Paywall limitation – Only paying Medium members contribute to your earnings.
📌 Steemit offers higher earning potential per post, but Medium provides more stable, predictable income if you build an audience.
5. Pros and Cons of Each Platform ⚖
| Feature | Steemit | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | ✅ Earn crypto without needing a membership ✅ No paywall—free for all readers ✅ Decentralized & censorship-resistant | ✅ Large and diverse audience ✅ More stable income if you build a following ✅ Pays in USD, no crypto volatility |
| Cons | ❌ Earnings depend on crypto price & upvotes ❌ Smaller audience than Medium ❌ Not as beginner-friendly | ❌ Requires $5/month membership to join MPP ❌ Competitive—hard to get noticed ❌ Some content is hidden behind a paywall |
💡 Steemit is ideal for crypto enthusiasts and blockchain-related content, while Medium is better for general bloggers who prefer stable income.
6. Which Platform Should You Choose? 🤷
✅ Choose Steemit if:
- You are interested in crypto, blockchain, and finance.
- You want to earn without a paywall.
- You like the idea of earning in cryptocurrency.
✅ Choose Medium if:
- You write about general topics (self-improvement, business, marketing, etc.).
- You prefer fiat payments and a stable revenue model.
- You want access to a large, diverse audience.
🚀 Best Strategy? Use Both!
- Post crypto/blockchain content on Steemit for higher rewards.
- Publish broader topics on Medium to attract a wider audience.
- Cross-promote your content to maximize earnings!
7. Final Verdict: Which is More Profitable? 💰🏆
👉 If you can get a lot of upvotes on Steemit, it’s more profitable per post.
👉 If you build a steady following on Medium, you can earn consistently over time.
💡 For long-term income, Medium is more stable. For fast earnings with the right engagement, Steemit is better.
📢 Which platform do you prefer? Let me know in the comments! 👇