Can a Medium Writer Make as Much Money with Short Stories as With Longer Stories?
Even with the same total number of words?
On Medium, short stories, like those around 150 words, generally earn less than longer, more in-depth pieces.
Reading Time and Reader Engagement.
Medium’s Partner Program pays based on reading time, so the longer stories (e.g., 1,500–2,000 words) naturally have more earning potential since readers might spend more time on them. Short stories, especially those under 300 words, often lead to shorter read times, which can mean fewer earnings.
Story Depth and Value.
Longer stories can dive deeper, offer more insights, and have the opportunity to build a more engaging narrative, which can, in turn, attract more followers and loyal readers. This can lead to increased earnings over time, as readers who enjoy your work, return for more.
Visibility and Sharing.
Medium’s algorithm also may promote articles that have higher engagement and read times. While there’s always room for great short stories on Medium (especially if they’re compelling, funny, or impactful), they may not get as much traction or be shared as widely.
That being said, if you build a niche or brand for yourself with powerful, micro-stories, you could still earn from them, particularly if they resonate with readers and are shared widely. Some writers find success with shorter posts by writing many of them consistently, though it’s more common to see larger earnings from well-crafted, medium to longer-length pieces.
Even with the same total word count, split across multiple 150-word stories, it’s generally harder to earn as much as you would from a single, well-crafted 2,000-word story.
Read Time per Article.
Medium’s Partner Program compensates the writer based on reading time per article. A single, longer article allows readers to spend more continuous time on one piece, which is likely to generate higher earnings than multiple very short stories, each requiring individual engagement, claps or comments.
Consistency and Engagement.
Medium’s algorithms favor articles that get more engagement (likes, comments, shares) and reads, and the longer stories typically get shared more widely and generate more reader interaction. Short stories of around 150 words, while potentially popular in specific cases, do tend to have less depth, which may limit engagement.
Reader Experience.
Readers on Medium generally look for more substantial reads, and many people subscribe to Medium to read in-depth articles. A single, longer story often meets these expectations better and keeps readers on the page longer, benefiting earnings.
Building a Following.
Longer, well-developed stories can help build a following, as they allow writers to showcase their voice, style, and insights. Consistent followers can lead to more stable earnings over time, which is harder to achieve with ultra-short stories.
Last Words.
That being said, if you can build a niche around micro-stories and engage a loyal following that regularly reads and interacts with them, it’s possible to earn a steady amount — but reaching the same earnings level as from longer articles would take time and strategy.
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