How Sticking Around for 30 Seconds on Medium Pays Off for Writers

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Athena
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Series: Wayfinder’s Medium Monetization Tips

Partner Program Background

I’ve previously written the well-received articles below, which I feel are in a series. This post continues to raise awareness of the various “gotchas” on the Medium platform.

Why am I sharing this? I like to get paid (and won’t if readers leave before 30 seconds), and I enjoy helping others, specifically with

  • Eureka moments,
  • Solutions to challenges that stump me,
  • Or simply when something isn’t well documented or widely known.

From The Dark Knight

Why 30 Seconds Make a World of Difference

Do you know that feeling of stumbling upon a gem of an article that sucks you right in? Medium’s betting on that — requiring us to hang around for at least 30 seconds before our views count towards compensating the author. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, quality time here means quality pay for our writers.” And honestly? It’s pretty cool.

Also …

It’s important not to clap or comment *until after those precious 30 seconds*. Why? The algorithm assumes it hasn’t been read. How would you know if you like the article or have a comment ready if you just landed on the page?

“Bouncing from a story before reading it for 30 seconds will prevent earnings from accruing from that member. ” — https://blog.medium.com/new-partner-program-incentives-focus-on-high-quality-human-writing-7335f8557f6e

Crafting Content That Sticks

So, how do you craft an article that makes readers forget about their ever-growing browser tabs? It’s all about the hook, the story, and a dash of personality. Imagine starting with a confession, a bold claim, or a question that’s been keeping you up at night. Keep it real, sprinkle in some relatable tales, and maybe, just maybe, readers won’t want to leave.

Chappelle's Show

Chappelle's Show

The Win-Win of Engaging Reads

Here’s the scoop: Medium’s model is a two-way street. Writers get to pen their passions and get rewarded for the eyeballs genuinely captivated by their words. For us readers, it’s like finding a treasure trove of thoughtfully crafted stories worth our time and engagement.

In a Nutshell

Medium’s 30-second rule isn’t just about numbers; it’s a shoutout to the art of meaningful storytelling. It’s a nudge for writers to pour heart and soul into their work. And for us, the readers? It’s a reminder to slow down and savor the stories that resonate with us, one 30-second chunk at a time.

In this fast-paced digital age, Medium’s stance on engagement over quick clicks is refreshing. Let’s embrace it — by giving stories the attention they deserve and celebrating the writers who make our scrolling worthwhile.


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