Navigating the World of Medium: Free Access and Publications
Discovering what is free on Medium can be a challenge, especially when the front page is often filled with paywall notifications. However, with the right strategies and understanding, you can access a wealth of content without breaking the bank. This guide will explore the various ways to enjoy free reading on Medium.
Free Articles
Medium offers a selection of articles that are completely free. Here are some strategies to find these gems:
Articles Marked as Public: Many articles on Medium are posted with a 'Public' tag, indicating that they are available for free reading. These articles often cover a wide range of topics and are written by both established and emerging authors. Publications: Some Medium publications are known for maintaining a mix of paid and free articles. By browsing specific publications, you may find a wealth of free content that aligns with your interests. Some popular publications that prioritize free content include The Startup, Future of Marketing, and The Creative Independent. Your Reading History: Medium offers a limited number of free articles each month. Once you've reached your monthly limit, you can either wait until the next month or choose to subscribe to Medium's membership program. This feature encourages authors to write more engaging and valuable content for their readership. Author Profiles: Authors often share their best or most inspiring free articles on their profiles. Exploring individual writers can lead you to find more free content that resonates with your interests. Authors like Tim Urban, Dan Ahbel, and Adam Penenberg have a reputation for sharing substantial, free content on their profiles. Daily Digest: Medium's daily or weekly email digest may include links to free articles. Signing up for one of these digests can provide you with daily or weekly updates of free content that aligns with your interests.Understanding Member-Only Articles
While many articles on Medium are free, there is a segment of content that requires a paid membership. Here's what you need to know:
Member-Only Articles: For those who have paid a monthly subscription, Medium offers exclusive access to member-only articles. These articles are marked with a little star sign, indicating that they are only available to members. The payment model for these articles varies, with some authors earning money through claps and other factors that remain undisclosed. To gain access to these articles, you can subscribe to the Medium Membership program, starting at $5/month. This subscription provides you with a deeper engagement with the platform and more access to valuable content. Free Articles: If the Medium Partner program is not available in your country, the authors may not have the option to monetize their content through Stripe. Therefore, content from writers in these regions is typically free to read. Additionally, there are writers who choose not to monetize their content, often to reach a broader audience. These articles do not have a star sign and are available for everyone to read.Strategies for Accessing Free Content
No matter your background, here are some additional strategies to enhance your free content reading experience on Medium:
Explore the Medium Partner Program: Authors in countries where the Medium Partner program is available can earn money for their work. By supporting these writers through their work, you contribute to the growth of the platform and the availability of free content. Engage with Writers: By supporting free content through engagement, such as clapping and commenting, you can help writers maintain a larger audience that has access to free articles. Follow Interesting Writers: Stay up-to-date with free content by following writers in your field of interest. Many writers regularly share free articles, providing updates and insights that can be valuable for your reading and learning.Conclusion
While the front page of Medium often highlights paid content, there are numerous ways to enjoy the platform's wealth of free articles. By familiarizing yourself with these strategies and the nature of member-only articles, you can make the most of your reading experience without needing to upgrade your account. Happy reading!